Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about how Youth Start works for employers and young people.
For Employers
Q1: How much does Youth Start cost?
Youth Start charges £500 when the candidate starts working, and £1,000 after the candidate successfully completes their probation period (typically 3 months). Total cost: £1,500 per placement with no hidden fees or ongoing charges. This is 44-89% cheaper than temp agencies, temp-to-perm services, or traditional recruitment.
Q2: What's included in the £1,500 fee?
- Pre-screened, interview-ready candidates matched to your requirements
- Interview preparation and coaching for candidates before they meet you
- Onboarding support and workplace preparation
- 12 weeks of structured mentorship with weekly check-ins for the candidate
- Regular employer updates throughout the mentorship period
- 3-month retention guarantee with free replacement if the placement fails
Q3: What is the 3-month retention guarantee?
If a candidate leaves within the first 3 months for any reason (except redundancy or gross misconduct), we'll find you a replacement at no additional cost. You only pay the £1,000 retention bonus if the candidate successfully completes their probation. This guarantee ensures you're only paying for results.
Q4: How long does it take to fill a vacancy?
Typically 1-2 weeks from receiving your vacancy details to presenting qualified candidates. We pre-screen and prepare candidates before introducing them to you, which means faster hiring with better-quality matches than traditional recruitment.
Q5: What types of businesses do you work with?
- Warehouse and distribution centres
- 3PL (third-party logistics) providers
- Manufacturing facilities with warehouse operations
- E-commerce fulfilment centres
Q6: Do candidates need prior warehouse experience?
No. We focus on attitude, commitment, and potential rather than experience. Many of our most successful placements are young people entering warehouse work for the first time. We provide thorough preparation and ongoing mentorship to ensure they succeed.
Q7: What happens during the 12-week mentorship?
Candidates receive weekly check-in calls from their dedicated mentor, addressing challenges, building confidence, and ensuring they're settling in successfully. We also check in with you regularly to identify any concerns early and provide proactive support. This structured approach is why our retention rates significantly exceed industry averages.
Q8: What if we need multiple placements?
We can handle multiple placements simultaneously or on a rolling basis. Many of our employer partners use Youth Start as their primary recruitment solution for warehouse roles. Contact us to discuss volume hiring and how we can support your team growth.
Q9: Are there any hidden fees or ongoing costs?
No. The total cost is £1,500 per successful placement (£500 on start + £1,000 after probation). There are no monthly fees, subscription charges, or additional costs. If the placement doesn't work out within 3 months, we provide a free replacement.
Q10: How is Youth Start different from temp agencies?
Temp agencies provide temporary workers on weekly contracts, costing £7,680-£9,120 over 12 weeks with no commitment or mentorship. Youth Start provides permanent employees from day one with 12-week mentorship support for £1,500 total—82-89% cheaper with significantly higher retention rates.
For Young People
Q1: How much does Youth Start cost?
Q2: Who is eligible to use Youth Start?
- Have the legal right to work in the UK
- Are seeking permanent warehouse employment in the East Midlands (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
- Show commitment and willingness to learn
- No prior warehouse experience or qualifications required
Q3: Do I need warehouse experience?
No. Many of our successful placements are young people entering warehouse work for the first time. We provide thorough interview preparation and 12 weeks of mentorship to help you succeed, regardless of your background.
Q4: What kind of support do I receive?
- One-on-one interview coaching
- Workplace expectations and culture preparation
- Help understanding what employers are looking for
- Guidance on presenting yourself confidently
- Weekly mentorship calls for 12 weeks
- Support addressing any workplace challenges
- Confidence building and problem-solving guidance
- Someone to talk to who understands your situation
Q5: What types of jobs do you help with?
- Warehouse operatives
- Picker/packers
- Goods-in/goods-out operatives
- Stock controllers
- Forklift operators (if you have a licence)
- General warehouse assistants
Q6: How long does the process take?
From your initial application to starting work typically takes 1-2 weeks, depending on employer availability and your readiness. We work at your pace to ensure you're properly prepared and confident before any interviews.
Q7: What happens during the 12-week mentorship?
- Ask how you're settling in and address any concerns
- Help you navigate workplace challenges
- Build your confidence and problem-solving skills
- Provide guidance on workplace relationships and expectations
- Ensure you have support during the critical first 3 months
Q8: What if the job doesn't work out?
If you're struggling or the role isn't the right fit, talk to your mentor immediately. We're here to help you succeed, whether that means problem-solving challenges in your current role or finding a better match. Our goal is your long-term success, not just a quick placement.
Q9: Can I work flexible hours if I have childcare responsibilities?
Yes. We actively seek employers offering family-friendly shift patterns and flexible working arrangements. During your initial consultation, we'll discuss your specific needs and match you with employers who can accommodate them.
Q10: What if I've had gaps in my employment or struggled in previous jobs?
That's exactly who we're here to help. Many young people face challenges early in their careers—lack of confidence, unclear expectations, or insufficient support. Youth Start exists to break that cycle by providing the preparation and ongoing mentorship you need to succeed. Your past doesn't define your future.
We're here to help. Get in touch today.
Whether you're an employer looking to build a reliable team or a young person ready to start your career, we're here to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Contact us directly and let's discuss how Youth Start can help.