Paid Gap Year in the UK – Activity Assistant

Experience working abroad in the United Kingdom
Up to 2 years

All of our gap year programmes are subject to a non-refundable application fee which is payable at the time of your online application. The application fee includes all costs associated with the processing of your application, independently contacting your nominated referees and arranging an interview with you and our team.

Only applicants who are offered and subsequently accept a placement, will be charged the remainder of the programme fee.

Overview

Working and living in the UK is an experience like no other! While doing a Gap Year as an “Activity Assistant”, you could be working as an activity/group leader with our partner outdoor learning centres – we work with over 25 different centres across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom covering England, Scotland and Wales. No prior experience is needed as you’ll be given full training upon arrival. Your day will be varied and exciting. On any one day you could be canoeing, climbing high ropes courses, playing sports, practicing your archery, paddle boarding in addition to a smorgasbord of other fun and exciting activities. Not sure these roles are for you? No stress, there are plenty of behind the scenes roles that cover anything from maintenance and grounds, retail, administrative support and catering departments.

In addition to your competitive weekly pay cheque, you will also receive food and accommodation! Brilliant, right? This means that during your time off, you are free to see and explore all that the UK and of course Europe have to offer without breaking the bank. Our activity camp positions are available generally with a six-month appointment, although the option to stay longer is always on the cards for suitable candidates. If you love being active, social and working with kids, this programme was made for you!

About the Activity Assistant Role

Our placements cover the entirety of mainland UK giving you a unique opportunity and insight into daily life across arguably one of the world’s most exciting destinations. Schools and groups will book a stay (similar to a school camp) where they’ll take part in activities and games for bonding and confidence. You might be helping kids overcome their fears in the morning; facilitating puzzles and games in the afternoon; and singing around the campfire in the evening; essentially you play the “big brother / big sister” support role. It’s an exciting and hugely rewarding experience where no two days are ever the same.

You’ll also receive comprehensive training prior to starting your job. Broaden your experience and develop transferable skills while you have a lot of fun every day! An Activity Assistant role is a fun and fast-paced opportunity, and requires participants to be energetic, great with kids and enthusiastic about outdoor adventures. If you still have questions about what it’s actually like to work in one of the Activity Centres, check our blog.

Paid Working Holiday in the United Kingdom 

Discover the beautiful British countryside and travel on your days off. The UK is easily connected by public transport so you can visit nearby towns when you aren’t working. Also, you’ll be living and working alongside like-minded staff where you’ll make friends from all over the world. 

Our Activity Camp Programme includes:

Your Activity Assistant Placement

You will be placed at one of the UK’s top activity centres. Our UK team visits each Activity Centre annually to ensure they remain of a suitable standard to host Letz Live participants. Each Activity Assistant will be provided with accommodation and meals for the duration of their placement. Activity Assistants are paid a competitive salary directly into their UK bank account.

Once participants arrive at their Activity Centre they will complete several days of on-the-job training by centre managers / leaders. The training courses are designed for young people and will ensure that they are fully prepared and confident in your new role. There is no additional cost for participants to complete this additional training.

‘Welcome to the UK’ 3-day orientation

Our 3-day orientation is an exciting time and a great way to meet your fellow Letz Live participants. Your local Letz Live team will be on hand and will organise your airport transfers, 4-star hotel accommodation, all meals (excluding dinner the night of your arrival — most participants prefer to sleep their jetlag off), and a sightseeing tour of central London.

They will also be on hand to assist you establish all your “local essentials” now that you will be living and working in the UK. What better way to start your big UK adventure than with the support of your Letz Live team?

Dedicated Country Manager

Your Letz Live Country Manager has personally experienced the challenges, thrills and rewards of living and working abroad. Your Country Manager is your point of contact in the lead up to your departure and during your time in the UK.

Local Essentials

Our UK team will assist you establish a local UK bank account, a National Insurance Number, how to register with the National Health Service and perhaps most importantly register your local UK mobile / cell telephone number so you can update friends and family back home about your adventure! When the time comes to return home, we will even point you in the right direction to claim any taxes you’re entitled to!

Ongoing and Unlimited Support

All Letz Live participants have unlimited and ongoing support for the full duration of their Letz Live program. You might be looking for some tips and tricks to overcome a bout of homesickness, need a few pointers in lodging a travel insurance claim or simply want some advice – we’ve been around since 2005 so we’re well placed to assist. Whatever it might be, you have the Letz Live team from both our local UK office and our Australian Headquarters available to you.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Simply put….. UK visas are complicated, but we’ll give you detailed instructions so you can complete your visa as quickly and as easily as possible. Not confident in completing the visa yourself? No problems, our great mates over at Restless World (who are UK visa experts) will lend you a hand at a discounted rate!

Get Social

You’ll get exclusive access to Letz Live only social groups where you can connect with fellow Letz Live Activity Assistants from around the world before you embark on your trip. It’s a great way to break-the-ice before you meet face-to-face on your orientation programme and of course stay connected during your time abroad and beyond.

Travel, Travel, Travel!

Our in-house travel team has worked with thousands of young people to secure affordable and reliable travel itineraries. Unlike others, our travel team offers cost-price travel reservations; there are no hidden “mark-ups”. We have exclusive airfares, unique travel policies and generous discounts with some of the largest global tour companies.

Let us simplify the application process for you.

Applications will close 1st September for 2025 departures. Please contact our office for any last minute 2024 placements.

Application close time!
job

Full-time paid employment with training and support.

pub accommodation

Accommodation and meals provided on-site .

Uk travel

Placements based all across England, Scotland and Wales.

Application and Programme Fees

All our Working Holiday programs are subject to a non-refundable application fee which is payable at the time you complete your online application. Only applicants who are offered and subsequently accept a placement will be charged the remainder of the programme fee.

OriginApplication FeeProgramme Fee
All ApplicantsAUD $125.00AUD $2690.00

Eligibility

Applicants for our United Kingdom Working Holiday Program must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age (at time of departure) and hold a British or Irish passport or have parents or grandparents who were born in the UK
  • OR be at least 18 years of age (at time of departure) and hold a valid Australian, Canadian or New Zealand passport
  • Have no serious pre-existing medical conditions
  • Have no prior convictions, with the ability to provide evidence as required
  • Have completed (at a minimum) secondary schooling prior to arrival into the United Kingdom
  • Be willing to undergo a medical examination as part of the visa application (if required by United Kingdom Immigration authorities)

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find the answers to some commonly asked questions regarding our UK Working Holiday – Activity Assistsant programme. Can’t find the answer to your question? Get in touch with one of our friendly team today and request an information pack!

Where is the accommodation?

In most cases, you will be living in staff quarters at the same location as your place of employment.

How long do I need to stay in the job?

The opportunities we provide are full-time positions for a minimum of 6 months. Towards the end of the 6 months you can decide if you’d like to stay longer or try something new.

What are your thoughts with travel insurance?

We’re big advocates for all participants purchasing travel insurance, so much so, it’s a mandatory requirement for the first six months of your placement. Don’t worry, we have some connections in this space and can offer you some decent savings upon request.

Do I need a UK Tax File Number?

Yes, you will need to apply for a NIN (National Insurance Number) which is basically a tax file number. We will provide you with some detailed instructions in obtaining this and of course your employer in the UK can point you in the right direction. This cannot be sorted prior to your arrival in the UK.

What is the cost of a UK working visa?

To live and work in the UK you will need either a British/Irish passport or you will need to apply for a working holiday visa. Please see below for the costs for the two different visa types, Youth Mobility Scheme Visa and British Ancestry Visa.

Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa

The Tier 5 Youth Mobility visa will cost £298

The British High Commission requires you to have the equivalent of £2,530 or more in available savings. You will need a bank statement or a letter from your bank as documentary evidence. You must have these funds in your own bank account for the 28-days prior to your visa lodgement.

At some VFS Global offices, there may be additional service charges to cover the courier costs of sending your application away for processing.

International Health Surcharge Fee is – £1,552

Ancestry Visa

The Ancestry Visa will cost you £637.

The British High Commission requires you to have the equivalent of £2500 or more in available savings. You will need a bank statement or a letter from your bank as documentary evidence.

International Health Surcharge Fee is – £5175

For full information visit GOV.UK

If you’re a British or an Irish passport holder you do not require a visa to work in the UK.

Should I arrange a UK bank account before I arrive?

Yes, we can certainly line you up with a UK bank account ahead of your arrival. About 6 weeks from your intended departure date we will send you all the relevant information required to obtain a UK bank account – it’s pretty straight forward!

What does the programme fee include?

The fee includes:

  • Your placement as an assistant at a leading UK Activity Camp, carefully selected by our team (we visit our host placements annually to ensure their continued suitability to host our participants)
  • Food and accommodation provided for the duration of your placement
  • Our famous ‘Orientation’ program which is held prior to the commencement of your placement
  • Orientation includes, 2 nights accommodation, meals, training course + you meet countless other participants!
  • A dedicated ‘Country Manager’ who will be your key point of contact in the lead up to and throughout the full duration of your placement with us
  • Local UK mobile phone SIM card
  • Access to a variety of discounted tours throughout the UK and Europe to enjoy during your time abroad
  • Gappie support group to meet others on the programme prior to departure

How to apply for a working holiday

Apply online

Send us your application with employment history + referees & travel dates. It’s as simple as that!

Chat with us

Casual over the phone chat to discuss your plans, the type of role, the destination and position details.

Employer Intro

We’ll organise a time for you to speak with the potential employer so you can ask question & discuss the role.

Accept the offer

Once you accept the job & pay our fee it’s time for us to help you with visas + bank account details.

Support

Our staff are well-travelled & can assist with specific travel Qs & general tips before you depart. 

Discover the magic of the United Kingdom

On your days off, you’re free to take in the history and charm of your new surrounds and beyond. From the beautiful, pebbled beaches of Brighton, in the south of the England,  to the rolling Scottish Highlands, and all that’s in between. You can even plan a European adventure before or after your placement. Start researching your list of places today and get set to have some truly diverse adventures!

So what are you waiting for? Kick-off your journey to the United Kingdom by completing our application form!

Let us simplify the application process for you.

Explore the UK

On a working holiday programme, you get to live and work like a local, meeting friends from all over the world. This gives you a better understanding of the local culture than any tourist vacation can. Also, spending time on the other side of the world can help you have a better grasp of how things are at home and what you really want to do with your life. Let our team take you on a journey of a lifetime. Fill out an application form today.

"I had an amazing experience"
Madeline D
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