What is UK Year of Service?
UK Year of Service is an NCS initiative proven to successfully help young people from diverse backgrounds into work. Between 2021–23, we supported 336 young people aged 18 to 24 to step into socially beneficial work placements.
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The programme offers paid work placements for 30-35 hours per week, across nine to twelve months, in your local community. Alongside your placement, you’ll get to take part in lots of different services and opportunities, like volunteering, networking and one-on-one support.
There are loads of different types of roles available through UK Year of Service, as our partner organisations are all over the country.
You could be working in schools, youth clubs or in a range of other community support settings. Your role might directly engage with communities, however we also have supporting roles such as project management and marketing assistants.
Our partners and employers work within their communities and local networks to promote their latest opportunities.
The 2024/25 programme recruitment will run from March-May 2024.
Please note, our programme funding is subject to eligibility criteria and our partners may need to confirm your eligibility before supporting you through the application process.
Our partners 2024/25
In a recent survey of 2,000 young people, 80% said work experience is by far the best way to develop skills. UK Year of Service enables you to develop those skills while you get paid!
Following the UK Year of Service experience, 88% of participants entered into employment, education or training. This represents a rise of 52 pp compared to before starting their experience.
All of our pilot partners reported that the programme helped members develop their self-confidence, self-esteem as well as their career management and work readiness skills.
“I've built up communication skills and my confidence has improved a lot. I've loved meeting new people and seeing the impact volunteering has had on them. Being part of an inclusive team has really helped me to feel good about myself and the work I am doing for the community.”
Rebecca, UK Year of Service 2021
“It has provided me with an entryway into a career I’m really enthusiastic about. Something I worried about prior to this role was how I was going to access work without a degree, and this programme has provided me with that and more. I feel a lot more confident because of it.”
Hanan, UK Year of Service 2021
”The transferable skills I’ve picked up already will take me further in my career and into my dream sector.”
Dehaney, UK Year of Service 2021
“Before this traineeship, I was very under-confident and overwhelmed by the smallest tasks. I am very grateful to have had this opportunity as I now feel I have the most amazing skill set. I now feel a lot more confident in leading tasks and speaking to volunteers from diverse backgrounds.”
Ruth, UK Year of Service 2021
“Although it’s been a challenge, it's given me the chance to back myself more and trust in my skills.”
Monty, UK Year of Service 2021
“The UK Year of Service programme has been a brilliant way to set young people up with the best start into their careers. The skills and support they receive is holistic, interactive and empowering.”
Groundwork, Environmental organisation
“It's the most amazing opportunity to grow your organisation and team, whilst benefiting an incredible young person that needs that stepping stone into their career.”
Force of Nature, Mobilising mindsets for climate action
“We are extremely passionate about supporting young people into employment with real roles in their community that they are passionate about and can excel in with support from our staff. Within six months we see our UK Year of Service employees as positive role models in their community.”
HYPE Merseyside, Youth organisation
