The Step Gap Year Programme 2025 offers you (as one of upto six school leavers) the chance to embark on a life-changing journey. It’s more than just a gap year—it’s your opportunity to grow in faith, discover your unique gifts, and make a real difference in the lives of young people across St Albans and Harpenden schools.
This programme is designed with you in mind. It’s about building your confidence, developing leadership skills, and equipping you for whatever lies ahead. Through hands-on mission work, meaningful connections, and personal growth, you’ll gain experiences that stay with you for a lifetime.
Do you want to grow?
Imagine starting your year with an introduction to the world of the Step team . You’ll dive into cultural awareness, safeguarding, and even explore what a day in the life of Step looks like. With the support of personal development sessions, advice and direction from schools coordinators you’ll be set up for success from day one.
The Start
Imagine starting your year with an introduction to the world of the Step team . You’ll dive into cultural awareness, safeguarding, and even explore what a day in the life of Step looks like. With the support of personal development sessions, advice and direction from schools coordinators you’ll be set up for success from day one.
The Rythmn
Throughout the year, you’ll tackle real-world projects and assignments—each term culminating in presentations that allow you to reflect on your growth and showcase your achievements. You’ll also be a part of team socials and events, creating bonds with others on the same journey.
So you're interested?
What’s in it for you? The benefits are vast:
- You’ll develop practical leadership skills
- You'll gain confidence in your abilities.
- You’ll explore and deepen your faith in a supportive community.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience in youth work and education, which will set you apart for future opportunities.
- You’ll discover your unique strengths and learn how to use them to make a difference.
- You’ll walk away with new friendships, professional skills, and a clearer sense of direction.
- You’ll develop practical leadership skills
- You'll gain confidence in your abilities.
- You’ll explore and deepen your faith in a supportive community.
- You’ll gain hands-on experience in youth work and education, which will set you apart for future opportunities.
- You’ll discover your unique strengths and learn how to use them to make a difference.
- You’ll walk away with new friendships, professional skills, and a clearer sense of direction.
Oh, and we’ve curated a reading list just for you to inspire and challenge you throughout the year. You don't need to read/ listen to them all, but the knowledge in them will help shape your year. From exploring leadership principles to diving deeper into your faith, these books will become valuable companions on your journey:
- Leadership 101 by John C. Maxwell
- Practising the Way by John Mark Comer
- Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll
- The Search for Significance by Robert McGee
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- The Reason for God by Tim Keller
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
- Shame and the Gospel by Trevor Withers
- Mere Apologetics by Alister McGrath
- Practising the Way by John Mark Comer
- Vintage Jesus by Mark Driscoll
- The Search for Significance by Robert McGee
- The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- The Reason for God by Tim Keller
- Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
- Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster
- Shame and the Gospel by Trevor Withers
- Mere Apologetics by Alister McGrath
We know this could be the year that changes everything for you.
If you’re ready to take the leap, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Applications are open now, so don’t miss out!
Get in touch today at terrie@stepschoolswork.org.uk to find out more.
If you’re ready to take the leap, we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Applications are open now, so don’t miss out!
Get in touch today at terrie@stepschoolswork.org.uk to find out more.
FAQ's:
Where will I work?
Our office is based in Verso Vineyard Church, St Albans. In your role in Step, you will be attending secondary schools in St Albans and Harpenden.
How many days to I have to work?
This program is flexible to allow you to take on a part time job alongside this Gap Year Program. You must work Monday and two other days. This will be discussed with you.
How much does it cost to join this Gap Year program?
There is no formal costs, and you’re free to explore part-time work alongside your gap year. You will incur usual living costs (lunch, transport to work). There is a reading list that will be approx. £100. You may want to attend the National Youth Ministry Weekend (approx. £400).
How do I travel?
If you drive and have a car, it will be easier. But it is not essential to working with us.
Do I have to teach lessons?
Not at first. But we will aim for you to reach this point.
Step lessons are already prepared. We will help you to learn them and how to deliver them.
What is the uniform?
We ask you to dress smartly, but be comfortable and think about how you want to be treated (casual or not)
What sort of training will I do?
Our training tends to follow the 70, 20, 10 model. 70% of what you learn will be by accompanying someone else to learn from them and with them. 20% is social learning from those around you in the office, in school and other volunteers. Only 10% is sat in a room with someone delivering materials for you to learn or understand.
What do I earn?
This is not a paid position, there is not salary. The program is flexible to enable you to earn from other part time jobs.