Hatch

An employability programme for young people aged 16-25 who want to take their next steps into employment.

A header with Youth Scotland, UK Youth and KFC's logos. Beneath a delighted group hold up their certificates of completion

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Young people completed Hatch in 2023 and 2024, building their skills and confidence, and earning a wage

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Young people were offered a permanent job after their placement

Hatch

Hatch was an employability programme run by Youth Scotland in partnership with UK Youth and KFC. Hatch was for young people aged 16 – 25 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) or at risk of being NEET.

How did it work?

Young people took part in 15 hours of employment skills workshops. The workshops covered aiming high, preparing for work, doing applications, what you are passionate about, and more. The training was delivered by Youth Scotland staff, and filled with interactive games and activities to keep energy high.

After the training, young people took part in a paid work experience placement with KFC or another provider. The placements lasted four weeks, 13 hours a week. Once placements were complete, young people had the opportunity to interview for a job at KFC, with a real chance of getting hired.

There are loads of barriers I faced when looking for employment. Prior to the Hatch programme, I’d spent two years trying to find a job that worked for me and my disability... My experience on the Hatch programme has been really positive and helped me to manage my mental health. The training has grown my confidence, and it’s been great to meet so many other young people working at KFC – I feel like I’ve made friends for life! Since completing the Hatch programme, I’ve been given a permanent part-time job at KFC, which is supporting me financially whilst I continue to study at college.
2023 Hatch participant

Confidence is the biggest change I’ve seen for myself. I still close down at times, but I am able to open back up. Before the residential I was nervous, constantly listening to music, looking down at the floor. In the room [at the residential] I was a bit timid at times but then began showing my inner self and showing what I could do. I told myself just go for it!
2023 Hatch participant

Hatch 2024 poster

Hatch 2024 Poster

PDF, 4 MB

Download

Find out more

If you have questions about the programme, please contact office@youthscotland.org.uk

Four young people stand in front of a colourful outdoor wall mural. The young people are all wearing matching white lanyards; two wear matching pink polo shirts and two wear matching black sweatshirts.

Other Programmes

Find out more about our other programmes on the link below.

Programmes