Programmes
Hands-on. Real-world. Built for you.
Youthworks Vintage is a social enterprise helping young people aged 16 to 24 build confidence, gain recognised qualifications and develop practical skills that lead to employment, apprenticeships or self-employment. Learn by doing, build confidence, create opportunities.
Who is this for?
We especially welcome young people aged 16–24 who need extra support moving into employment. No experience needed — just a willingness to show up and learn.
Real opportunities. Real progression.
Young people come into the business and learn how to actually run it — from the shop floor to the back office. You'll get hands-on experience across every part of Youthworks Vintage, with one-to-one mentoring, flexible shift work, and real progression opportunities. We help with your CV and can provide a reference of employment when you're ready to move on.
Flexible shifts available
Mentored. Real. Yours to keep.
Running the Business
Get involved in the day-to-day operations of a real social enterprise — stock management, customer service, sales, and everything in between.
One-to-One Mentoring
Every young person gets dedicated mentoring time. We work with you on your goals, your confidence, and your next steps.
CV Support & Employment Reference
We'll help you build a CV that reflects your real experience. When you're ready to move on, we provide a reference of employment.
Real Skills. Real Experience. Real Opportunities.
Our Skills Programme is made up of eight modules covering everything you need to work in fashion, retail, and digital business. The programme is voluntary — you give your time, we give you the skills, the experience, and a clear path to paid shifts. Complete all eight modules and demonstrate your commitment, and we'll book you in for paid work.
All eight modules are completed on a voluntary basis. This is how you build your experience, show your commitment, and earn your place on the paid shift rota.
Sourcing & Grading Clothing
Learn how to source vintage clothing, understand quality, and identify what to buy. You'll develop the eye and the instinct to make smart stock decisions.
Photography, Design & Upcycling
Learn product photography, design your own artwork, and explore DTF printing, screen printing, and embroidery. Identify items to upcycle and add your own creative style.
E-Commerce & Online Selling
Set up and manage online stores across eBay, Vinted, Depop, Whatnot, and Etsy. Create listings, learn pricing and stock management, and understand customer service and returns.
Live Streaming & Live Selling
Learn how to run live sales on Whatnot and TikTok. Build confidence on camera, engage with customers in real time, and turn followers into sales.
Social Media & Marketing
Create content that gets noticed. Grow your brand and audience across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Learn storytelling, engagement, and how to build a following.
Review, Reflection & Feedback
Look back at what you've learned, set goals, and give and receive honest feedback. Plan your next steps with confidence.
Enterprise, Business & Partnerships
Work with real businesses and partners. Learn about reliable wholesalers, decide as a team what stock to invest in, and explore enterprise and self-employment opportunities.
Tax, Budgeting & Responsible Business
Understand income, costs, and profit. Learn the basics of tax and accounting, make smart financial decisions, and explore sustainable business practices.
Complete all 8 modules. Unlock paid shifts.
Once you've completed all eight modules and demonstrated your commitment, we'll book you in for paid shifts. You'll receive a certificate of completion, a personal reference from our founder, and one-to-one support with your CV and job applications. From there, you can book your own shifts, keep developing your skills, and be part of a growing enterprise.
- Certificate of completion
- Personal reference from our founder
- CV writing and job application support
- Access to paid shifts on a shift-by-shift basis
- Continued skills development within the enterprise
- Long-term opportunities as the business grows
You choose. We fund it.
Alongside the core Skills Programme, young people access practical, focused sessions delivered by specialist partners — from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to digital skills providers and industry professionals. These aren't sessions we decide for you. The group votes on what they want to learn, and we book it in.
The money raised through the programme — from sales, live streams, and stock — goes directly back into your education. It funds these workshops, covers further stock, and contributes to paid shift costs. Your effort funds your own development.
To access partner workshops, young people must be actively committed to the programme — showing up, contributing to sales, and working as a team. Commitment is what makes it possible.
Delivered by specialist partners. Your cohort decides what gets booked.
Together we're building confidence and making sustainable fashion accessible.
Our mission is to reduce textile waste and create opportunities for young people. Every programme, every workshop, every placement is a step toward that.
Ready to get started?
Applications are open. Whether you want a work placement, volunteering opportunity, or to find out more — we'd love to hear from you.
Apply now