KFC youth scheme helps young people find job opportunities
Like many teenagers, Liam wondered when and where his very first job opportunity might knock on his door.
But amid his youthful ambition, another burning question loomed large – how could he embark on the exhilarating journey towards a fulfilling career?
Throughout his early life, Liam faced challenges in his quest for suitable employment. Balancing work with his college commitments, alongside his struggles with self-doubt, became a barrier that shackled his true potential.
“I have always really struggled with social interactions” confesses Liam, who is just 17. "It has been something that has made me apprehensive and scared of seeking employment. In previous jobs, I was constantly worried about doing something wrong, which led to so much self-doubt, which really held me back. I don’t think I’m alone in being crippled by self-doubt when it comes to employment."
"Because of my age, I am very aware that I don’t know a lot of things and the fear of getting something wrong has been a massive barrier in my search for employment."
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In recent years, Liam also grappled with external challenges beyond his control. The Covid-19 pandemic cruelly snatched away essential skills and career development opportunities from young people across the nation.
As the cost of living soared, and the economy became increasingly uncertain, many young individuals found themselves teetering on the edge of the job market, threatened with being left behind.
Liam found confidence and belief in his own abilities during the Hatch programme (Tom Maddick)But a transformative turning point arrived when Liam became a part of Hatch, a groundbreaking programme launched by KFC and UK Youth last year.
Hatch was designed to provide opportunities to young people ready for work but grappling with social, economic, domestic, or mental health barriers. KFC, one of the UK's largest youth employers, understands the life-changing potential of a first job, and it has become the first step for many individuals.
However, a recent report by KFC shed light on the sobering reality: less than half of employers currently offer skills development. In March 2022, research also revealed that 711,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment, or training.
Through the Hatch initiative, young people like Liam are being equipped with one-on-one support, training, and hands-on work experience in KFC restaurants and businesses within their local communities.
What's more, each participant in the Hatch programme secures a guaranteed interview for a position at a KFC restaurant upon completion.
Liam was among the first 100 individuals to embark on this remarkable journey when Hatch was launched in Manchester last year, and he proudly graduated in August. Today, he juggles his work at KFC alongside his college commitments.
"For me to feel comfortable and able to work, people being welcoming and encouraging from the start is so important," Liam reflects. "Having structure and a positive environment really helps too. I respond best to clear structure as it allows me to focus on the learning opportunities available to me."
The Hatch programme is a lifeline for those aged 16-24, recommended by youth work organisations in their local communities. In Manchester, these organisations include Street League, Manchester Youth Zone, and Greater Manchester Youth Network.
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Comprising seven modules, the programme addresses areas such as setting and achieving goals, building connections, CV and application advice, practical work experience at KFC restaurants, and interview training.
"I found hands-on training really helped build my confidence in my own ability and learn in a way that helped me feel calm and comfortable," Liam shares.
"Something which was new to me was the culture of the workplace, which is so important, and actually, being able to learn and encouraged to try new things allowed me to build confidence in my own ability while learning new skills. If more workplaces offered this environment, I think young people would be more engaged and motivated."
Remarkably, half of those who successfully completed the eight-week Hatch programme in Manchester have ventured on to secure full-time employment, either at a KFC restaurant or with another employer.
In light of this success, the Hatch programme is now being extended across the UK, with 500 placements being made available in the West Midlands, South East, and Scotland.
Ambitions are high for the programme; KFC aims to provide a helping hand to 6,000 young people who've faced employment barriers. They also pledge that by 2030, a third of all new hires will be young individuals who've triumphed over obstacles to work through the Hatch programme.
"The people were my favourite part of Hatch the programme," Liam exclaims. "Everyone was so welcoming and encouraging from the start. It has given me resilience, a newfound confidence, and an ability to enjoy my job and all the social interaction that comes with it."
To find out more about Hatch, visit kfc.co.uk/hatch
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