HATCH is the KFC Youth Foundation’s flagship employability programme, delivered in partnership with KFC. We support young people aged 18 -25 who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), to overcome barriers, build confidence and develop the skills they need to take their first step into work.
The number of young people (aged 16-24) who are NEET in the UK is estimated to be 1,012,000 reaching the highest level in the last 11 years. HATCH provides structured employability support through training, youth worker-led support, and 4-weeks paid work experience, alongside a guaranteed interview, helping young people build confidence, develop workplace skills, and move into sustainable employment.
Hatch was established in 2022 and has made a significant difference to many young people:
- Over 1,000 young people have been reached and supported
- 60% are in education, employment or training, three-months post programme
- In 2025, 96% of surveyed young people rated the programme as good or excellent
- 1 in 3 were offered a job after completing the programme
- In 2025, surveyed responders rated KFC 4.2/5 as a place to work
HATCH is currently delivered across Tees-Valley, Essex, Greater Manchester, Burnley, Blackburn and Liverpool.
Zee's Hatch Experience
"Before the Hatch programme I was at college studying for 3 A-Levels, but it just wasn’t for me. I am someone that is more hands on and practical. The barrier for me getting into work was that I didn’t have any previous work experience, I spent over 6 months applying for jobs.
Through Hatch I learned teamwork and communication skills and how to understand people and deal with problems too. I am a Team Leader now and that means I have added responsibility and am learning how to handle stressful situations too."
That’s fantastic, our partners have been selected for 2025 but if you’d like to register interest, please email info@kfcyf.org.uk
That’s good to hear, we are currently delivering Hatch in Manchester, Burnley and Middlesbrough, so if you live in one of those locations and are not in education, employment or training then drop us a line info@kfcyf.org.uk
We are always looking for local employers to offer work experience in the Hatch areas. If you would like to offer work experience, contact us info@kfcyf.org.uk
Shoes for Crews have donated pairs of shoes for every young person and Dimensions have donated uniforms for every young person on the Programme
