Orange Bow UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme 2026

The Orange Bow UK Youth Summer Jobs Programme 2026 connects motivated young people with short paid work placements across a variety of sectors, including childcare, hospitality and administration. The programme is designed to support vulnerable and marginalised young people (for example those in contact with a social worker, at risk of exploitation, or previously in care) by providing meaningful, paid employment experience and employability support.

This is a 6-week initiative in summer 2026 where participants work approximately 25 hours per week. The programme pays £12. 71 per hour (paid weekly) and includes an access fund to help with costs such as food and travel.

Participants also receive small survey completion payments (£10 at baseline and £15 at the end) and are entitled to three days (15 hours) of holiday across the placement. Applicants must be aged 16-20 on 1 September 2026, have the right to work in the UK, be able to commit to the required hours, live in a delivery area, and meet other eligibility checks (English proficiency, not studying towards a degree, not currently charged with a serious offence).

Note that passing enrolment does not guarantee a paid placement: places are allocated via an automated randomised process with 50% of enrollees receiving the paid placement and the remaining 50% forming a control group.