KFC and UK Youth launch youth employability programme
The programme is currently being piloted with 100 young people in Manchester, with 17 KFC restaurants taking part. The programme will be scaled up in 2023, with young people being recruited in KFC locations across the UK
KFC has partnered with youth charity, UK Youth, to pilot a new youth employability programme, Hatch, to support disadvantaged young people into long-term employment and build their work skills and confidence.
Hatch is a seven module employability programme aimed at young people aged 16-24. Delivered in partnership with local youth organisations, the programme provides one-to-one support, group training and work experience placements, and each young person will be guaranteed an interview with an employer on graduation.
Hatch is currently being piloted with 100 young people in Manchester, with 17 KFC restaurants taking part. The programme will be scaled up in 2023, with young people being recruited in KFC locations across the UK.
KFC said the programme aims to help break cycles of inequality, disadvantage and unemployment for young people in the communities that the company serves.
The programme is aimed at those who are ready for work but have struggled to access roles due to external factors, including care givers, care leavers or young people who “haven’t had the best start in life”.
Neil Piper, Interim UK general manager at KFC, said: “Young people are the lifeblood and future of our country and the KFC brand. That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with UK Youth to support and empower young people and help them unlock their potential.
“Today’s generation of young people are resilient beyond belief, facing the current economic climate and job market with a positive, engaged, and motivated attitude despite so many challenges being thrown their way. It is so important that we give them the opportunities they deserve and invest in their future.”
Maddie Dinwoodie, chief programme officer at UK Youth, added: “The pandemic and now the cost of living crisis are having a huge impact on the employment prospects of this generation of young people. Supporting young people into work has to be a priority – they are our future leaders and the changemakers of tomorrow.
“We are enormously proud of our Hatch partnership with KFC, which is connecting young people to youth workers who are giving them the confidence, skills and the tools to navigate those first steps in their careers.”
