Young adults are invited to consider spending a gap year with the Kenelm Youth Trust (KYT).

If current plans are on hold due to the continuing pandemic this may be the best time ever for a gap year!

Applications are now being taken for the Mission Team for the new academic year, starting in September 2021.

This great opportunity is aimed at young adults aged 18-25 who may be about to finish their studies at sixth form/college or university.

And applicants will be following in the footsteps of eight members of last year’s Mission Team who scooped awards from a national charity for their work whilst on placement!

KYT are looking for young adults who are down-to-earth, ready to grow in their faith and who are enthusiastic about working with young people.

A gap year with KYT comes with accommodation in Alton, in the Staffordshire Moorlands, where volunteers live in community with other young Christians, so we are seeking out those who work well in a team.

The Mission Team gets superb work experience running programmes at the KYT retreat centres and helping lead various events around the Archdiocese of Birmingham in schools and parishes.

Full training is given and volunteers have opportunities to develop really varied skills, to become leaders in outdoor educational activities (obtaining nationally recognised qualifications), to network with others in youth ministry, and to volunteer abroad, for example travelling with KYT to Lourdes for pilgrimage and elsewhere.

Alongside service in the retreat centres, some volunteers also take the opportunity to engage in study, and being part of the Mission Team is a recognised and sought-after placement for the Foundation Degree in Youth Ministry and Chaplaincy.

Clare Ford, Alton Castle programme director, said: “We particularly want to reach those whose plans for next year may be in question because the impact of the pandemic is continuing even longer than might have been expected.

“This is an ideal chance to take a gap year and get involved.

“While there is so much uncertainty about starting university in September, or lack of opportunity for young people in the current job market, this could be a positive opportunity to spend a year like no other.

“All in all, it’s an experience not to be missed!”

The Kenelm Youth Trust is committed to providing life-changing opportunities for young people. It was established by the Archdiocese of Birmingham to oversee and bring together the wide variety of youth work that is undertaken in various settings throughout the Archdiocese.

Find out more about joining the Mission Team

Mission Team award winners in 2020