JUMPSTART LONDON
YOUR GREATEST ADVENTURE STARTS HERE!
At the Working Holiday Club, our passion is providing travellers with the perfect opportunities to ‘Live, Work and Play’. The Jumpstart London provides you with the right work and housing arrangements, allowing you to save for frequent trips to Europe and beyond.
We offer a wide range of well-paid work experiences, which are ideal for funding your adventures. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, working professional, or simply looking for an exciting seasonal ‘Work & Travel’ experience, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable life experience and make new friends from all over the world.
London is still the set-up destination of choice for travellers and backpackers with a 2 year, Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa. Our jobs offer ideal work and travel conditions such as full time working hours, self-rostering shifts and flexible contracts. Paired with our affordable accommodation and travel-friendly, short term leases; you’ll have the perfect London set up with nothing holding you back!
We also offer work exchange placement opportunities abroad, to help you get out and see more of the world without spending an arm and a leg.
“Travel is the only thing you buy, that makes you richer”
WHAT DO I GET?
WHAT JOB CAN I GET?
WHAT HOUSING CAN I GET?
SHARED HOUSES ZONES 2-4
- Single, double and twin-share rooms
- Bills and wifi included
- East & West London & South West London locations
DORMITORY STYLE ROOMS ZONE 1
- Single, twin-share, triple-share and dormitory style rooms
- Bills and wifi included
- Contents insurance included
- Onsite gym
- 2 meals per day
- 24/7 concierge service
- Central London locations
STUDIO STYLE APARTMENTS ZONE 2
- En-suite single, en-suite twin-share, and non-en-suite single rooms
- Bills and wifi included
- Contents insurance included
- Onsite gym
- Central London location
PROGRAM AVAILABILITY AND START DATES
DISHOOM RESTAURANTS
- Work all year round – only closed 3 days a year!
- 40 hours per week
- 40 hours of work/week guaranteed
- Minimum 4-6 month commitment
- 5 locations in East, Central and West London
- Great shift patterns – 2 mornings, 2 evenings, 1 double and 2 days off per week
HOSPITALITY AGENCY WORK
- Demand is lowest in the months of August, April and early January
- Demand is higher in May, June and July
- Demand is highest October – December
- Avoid job start dates in August and early January (these are the traditional holiday periods)
LABOUR FILM AND STAGE CREW
- Demand is lowest in the months of August, April and early January
- Demands higher in May, June and July
- Demand is highest October – December
- Avoid job start dates in August and early January (these are the traditional holiday periods)
DO I QUALIFTY FOR A VISA
- Between 18-31 years of age;
- Eligible to obtain a UK work visa (or a UK/EU Passport);
- Enthusiastic and outgoing personality;
- Fluent in conversational and written English;
- No serious criminal or traffic offences.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS?
- Jumpstart London (TWHC Program Fees) $999
- UK Work Visa Service $299 (discount of $99 when booking together!)
- Tier 5 youth mobility visa (British high commission charges) £544
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT TRAINING WILL I GET
Introduction to Banqueting and Events Training
This is an unaccredited, in-house certificated beginners course designed for people wishing to start work in the Hospitality, Events and Restaurant industry. The main emphasis is on the development of key skills such as serving, clearing & understanding basic event styles. This course is also ideal for refreshing your knowledge.
Level 2 Health & Safety in the Workplace
Designed for learners wishing to gain a thorough understanding of health and safety. This higher level Health and Safety qualification is suitable for learners in management roles, or learners seeking further career development in the field of Health and Safety.
Starting Work in Hospitality
Starting a new job can be a nerve-racking day however this course will provide you with all you need to get things going.
Covered in this course:
how to prepare for your first day, what to wear, what your expectations and rights are, pay and deductions, holiday and break entitlement, employment contracts, timekeeping, maintaining a professional attitude and health and safety. Suitable for anyone starting their new or first job.
Introduction to the Food and Beverage Industry
This course is to learn the basic principles of licensing law, health and safety, food safety & personal hygiene, allergens, social awareness, equality and diversity to ensure your work is legally compliant and you have a basic understanding of what you need to start. Suitable for anyone starting work in the food and beverage industry.
Food Safety Level 2
This provides you with more fundamental knowledge of the good Food Safety Practise and food hygiene so that you can apply these skills and knowledge within your workplace. This includes further information on food safety, hazards associated with food safety, food poisoning & contamination and how to avoid it, temperatures, personal hygiene, allergies, pest control, premises, equipment, HACCP
(Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point), cleaning and food safety legislation & requirements. Suitable for people starting work with food or looking to advance their knowledge on food safety.
Allergen Awareness
Every food handler has a duty and legal responsibility to ensure the food and drink they serve/sell is safe for the consumer. This is particularly important when serving regards to serving people with allergies or intolerances. The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person with some only having mild reactions from contact but others can potentially find themselves in a life threatening position from just a trace amount.
This course offers you the chance to expand your knowledge on allergies, causes and how to prevent possible cross contamination. This knowledge will allow you to confidently inform consumers with detailed information on foods and beverages contain which allergens in line with the European Provision of Food Information to Consumers Regulation (2011) as well as the new EU legislation which came into effect in December 2014. Throughout this course you shall learn in detail about multiple allergens, reaction symptoms, labelling of products, identifying allergens in example dishes and the steps you can take to reduce the risks of contamination.
Suitable for food handlers of any level in all types of food establishments understanding basic event styles. This course is also ideal for refreshing your knowledge
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Additional employment opportunities
Hospitality or Outdoor Crewing not for you?
Not to worry, we offer a range of different employment opportunities to set you up in your preferred or skilled role when arriving in London.
Jobs available;
- Newly Qualified Teachers and Teaching Assistants
- Live-in Nanny, Live-out Nanny, or Au Pair
- Retail & Sales
- Administrative and office based roles
- Labouring and skilled trades
- Activity Instructors and Adventure Camp Guides
- Live-in pub jobs
- Live-in carer roles
- Festival staff
- Housekeeping
- Sales
How much can I expect to earn in London?
In Australia and New Zealand we are quite fortunate to have a comparatively high national minimum wage.
What does this mean? You can get a bar job in Sydney with little, to no experience and easily be earning from $24-$34/hr.
So what is the National Minimum Wage in the United Kingdom?
- 18-20yrs old – £5.90/hr (approximately $10.50)
- 21-24 yrs old – £7.38 (approximately $13.15)
- 25+ – £7.83 (approximately $14.00)
Of course, some jobs and industries pay a little more than others.
How does my hourly rate compare with other jobs in London?
- TWHC Hospitality and Events role – £8.00/hour starting wage up to £9.20/hour
- TWHC Outdoor Crewing role – £10 for probation and then £10.30 – £16/hr
- London Industry averages (hourly rate):
- Hospitality – £6.55
- Labouring – £8.20
- Admin / Office Temp – £6.37
- Teaching Assistant – £8.12
- Retail – £6.84
- Housekeeping – £6.20
How often can I travel?
Through the Jumpstart London Program we encourage you to travel as much as possible and give you the freedom to do so as often as you like, year round. If you are planning on travelling to Europe or beyond, just give our UK Team as much notice as possible so we can assist you in booking shifts up until the day you leave, and from whenever you wish to return.
Seasonal trends and the best time to arrive in London
There are three seasons to look at when planning when to arrive in London. The period separating seasons are mainstream holiday periods; Christmas, Easter and Summer break. Therefore you will want to arrive in London at the end of a holiday period, hence the start of one of the following working seasons;
- Mid-January to Mid-March (9 weeks between holiday break)
- Mid-April to End-July (13 weeks between holiday break)
- September to Mid-December (15 weeks between holiday break)
ACCOMMODATION IN LONDON
Seasonal trends and the best time to arrive in London
There are three seasons to look at when planning when to arrive in London. The period separating seasons are mainstream holiday periods; Christmas, Easter and Summer break. Therefore you will want to arrive in London at the end of a holiday period, hence the start of one of the following working seasons;
- Mid-January to Mid-March (9 weeks between holiday break)
- Mid-April to End-July (13 weeks between holiday break)
- September to Mid-December (15 weeks between holiday break)
So what is the average price for a room in London?
Expect to pay at minimum £650 a month, excluding expenses, sharing a flat with 3-4 other people.
Extra expenses not included in rent. You will need to add the following monthly average expenses:
- Council tax: about £35 per person
- Water: about £8 / £10 per person
- Electricity / gas: about £20 per person
- Internet: about £15
Your total monthly, housing expenses will therefore be at least £750, depending on the number of people with whom you share the apartment.
Yes, London is not exactly cheap. In AUD that’s already $1,250 just for your housing!!! Take into account another £140 for your monthly travel card and £100-£250 for living expenses (food, toiletries etc.) and you start to realise the cost of living is a little more than Australia and New Zealand.
That is why we offer affordable accommodation with travel flexible leases for participants on the Jumpstart London Program.
About the accommodation
When you join the Jumpstart London program you will have the option of two accommodation styles;
- a bed in a shared house in zones 2-4, or
- a bed in student style accommodation in zone 1 (central London)
Shared houses zones 2-4
You will have the option of staying in a single, twin shared, or double room. Our houses are in zones 2,3 and 4 of east, west, and south-west london and are about 25-35 minutes commute from central london.
Weekly rentals start from:
- £85 – £100 per week all bills included (shared room) great for friends, solo travellers, budget-conscious travellers, or simply those looking for a starting point in London.
- £100 – £135 per week all bills included (single room)
- £160-£185 per week all bills included (double) * great for couples
- £200 deposit required to secure your accommodation pre-departure
Top reasons why this is a great set up
- Travel rent free
- Travel as often as you like
- Cheap rent by sharing
- No huge upfront costs
- Meet great people
- No long-term leases or lock it contracts
- Not liable to covering rent of other rooms if house mates move out
- No obligation to stay or pay rent if you move somewhere else or find another house to live in
Studio styled apartments zone 2
You will have the option of staying in en-suite singles, en-suite twins, and non en-suite singles. These rooms are based in Zone 2 and are self catered. You’ll have access to a communal kitchen, communal TV room and quiet study space as well free access to as an on-site gym.
Weekly rentals are:
- £133 per week all bills included (Twin-share room with ensuite)
- £186 per week all bills included (Single room with shared bathroom facilities)
- £223 per week all bills included (Single room with ensuite)
Weekly rent here includes:
- Free internet (for up to 7 devices per person)
- Bedding
- Contents Insurance
- Cleaner – rooms and communal areas are serviced regularly
- On-site gym access
- £300 deposit required to secure your spot pre-departure
Top reasons why this is good
- Travel rent free as often as you like
- Walk to work and save on transports cost
- No long commute
- Free internet (for up to 7 devices per person!)
- Safe and secure for first time travellers – CCTV and a night porter on duty throughout the night
- Live with other cultures not just Aussie and Kiwis
- Cheap rent in zone 2
- No huge upfront costs
- Meet great people
- No long-term leases or lock in contracts
- Not liable to covering rent of other rooms if house mates move out
- No obligation to stay or pay rent if you move somewhere else or find another house to live in
- Contents insurance for your personal belongings included
- Lockable personal space
- Lockable kitchen space in the shared kitchen facilities
- Free on-site gym access
- Live in the heart of London and get a real London experience
Dormitory styled accommodation zone 1
You will have the option of staying in a single, twin shared, or triple room. Our rooms are all in zone 1, in walking distances for work
Weekly rentals are;
- £128 per week all bills included (3 per room)
- £150 per week all bills included (2 per room)
- £196 per week all bills included (single room)
Facilities and Inclusions;
- 2 meals provided per day (included in your rent)
- free internet
- bedding
- contents insurance
- bills
- cleaning
- gym
- social events
- pool tables & table tennis
- xbox and games rooms
- tv rooms
- £200 deposit required to secure your accommodation pre departure
Top reasons why this is a great set up
- Travel rent free
- Volunteer for 20 hours a week and stay rent free plus get free meals
- Walk to work and save on transports cost
- Easy to get home at night
- No long commute
- Free food
- Free internet
- Safe and secure for first time travellers
- Live with students and travellers from Spain, France, Germany, and all over Europe (as well as Aussies and Kiwis on the program)
- Travel as often as you like
- Cheap rent in zone 1
- No huge upfront costs
- No long-term leases or lock in contracts
- Not liable to covering rent of other rooms if house mates move out
- No obligation to stay or pay rent if you move somewhere else or find another house to live in
- Contents insurance for your personal belongings included
- Lockable personal space
- Free gym
- Live in the heart of London and get a real London experience before moving to the suburbs
Volunteering for your rent
Exclusive to our Zone 1 properties, you can apply for the opportunity to volunteer for 20 hours/week and get your rent and meals for free!
What type of volunteering will I be doing?
You will be assisting around the property in the following areas;
- Reception / Admin
- Catering / Kitchen hands
- Housekeeping
- Grounds work and gardening
Can I decide where i will live?
Our course! Our UK team have all lived in London before (some even in our houses!) and can tell you all about our properties and options, to help you make the best choice for you.
Pre-departure you will have the opportunity to decide if you want to start in our Zone 1 properties or Zones 2-4 shared houses. You will also have the opportunity to put down a preference for your room configuration.
On arrival in London you will be invited for Orientation where you will come into our Head Office and run through all the options for the available houses and rooms that week. In the following days you’ll then have the opportunity to go out and view all the properties and decided which one you’d like to move in to from there.
What costs are involved in my accommodation?
Just like any rental property, there are move in costs and ongoing rental payments associated. Through our Jumpstart London, we try to make it as cost effective and simple for you as possible.
Pre-departure
During the application process and when you decide on your housing options, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose which starting week you’ll be arriving in London. Following this, you’ll be required to pay a £200 accommodation holding deposit to confirm your booking. This is so that we know we have a tenant arriving on these dates, and you know we have a room set aside for you. The £200 will then go towards your bond for the property. When you eventually move out, you will be returned this, as long as everything is in the same condition you first moved in.
Move-in
You will be required to pay your first 2-4 weeks rent upfront, depending on your property type.
Ongoing
Rental payments will be payable either fortnightly or monthly, depending on your property type. 90% of our properties have all your bills included in the rent. If you move into a property where for example the water bill is separate, then the rental figure will be lower and reflective of this.
What are the lease terms?
At TWHC we understand that you want to make the most of your working holiday and go travelling as often as you can! That’s why we don’t believe in any long term lock in leases, as a rental agency would require you to sign a 6 month or 12 month minimum lease.
Our leases are travel flexible. Once you have moved into the property and paid your move in costs, your rent will be periodic and ongoing and you can live there indefinitely. At any point if you want to move out and go travelling, it will only ever be a 2 week or a 4 week notice period for you to move out.
If you are then returning back to London after your travel, we only ever need 21 days notice to get you back into a property.
THAT MEANS YOU CAN TRAVEL RENT FREE!!!
Can I book with my friend or partner?
Of course! We accommodate for singles, couples, or friends travelling together.
Can I leave the job and stay in my shared house?
Absolutely! On the Jumpstart London, the job and housing are independent of each other. That means if you find a job you prefer elsewhere, you can always take that and still be living in our housing.
JOBS IN LONDON
Additional employment opportunities
Speak with a Working Holiday Club Representative about other opportunities including: trades, teaching, admin, sales and more
Pre-departure job offer
You will have the option to work as an outdoor crewing or hospitality and catering; or both!
Music events & film stage crew
- Location: London
- What will I be doing: One day you will be unloading a truck outside a hotel, the next putting covering on a race course, the next helping the lights, sound, set departments set up for a concert or festival.
- Type of events: Corporate events, television, theatre and festival business
- Rate of Pay: £10.00 – £15.00 per hour
- Shift length: 4 – 12 hours per shift
- Grooming policy: No neck, face, or hand tattoos
- Manual labour, some may find physically demanding
Hospitality & catering team
- Location: London
- What will I be doing: You will do a variety of jobs to ensure the event runs smoothly. You will be asked to help with bar and table service of food and beverages, event set-up and pack-down, cloakroom, after parties and more.
- Type of events: Corporate, celebrity, weddings, television and more…
- Rate of Pay: £7.50 for probation (first 8 shifts) then from £8.50 to £9.20 per hour, plus paid holidays
- Shift length: 8 – 12 hours per shift
- Grooming policy: No neck, face, or hand tattoos. No stretched ears or piercings that cannot be taken out. No dyed or unnatural coloured hair, or dreadlocks.
How does it work?
At the end of your first week and after you have set up all your paperwork with our team in London; you will attend your job induction.
Along with 10-15 other Aussies and Kiwis arriving on the Jumpstart you will be fully trained and learn everything there is to know about your new role, ready to start your first shift the following week.
During your first 3 weeks of employment you will have the opportunity to work a shift at each of our 17 different venues and hotel partners. We partner with top five star hotels in zone one of central London, being Bond Street, Regent, Picadilly Circus; such as the Savoy the Dorchester, the Ritz Carlton and many more. You will be working high end events such as London Fashion Week, Movie Premiers, Product Launches, Extravagant Weddings, and many more Corporate Functions.
After this period you will have an opportunity to choose your 5 preferred Hotels and from here on out we will allocate you shifts at only these venues.
Please be aware, that we have a great working relationship with these hotels and have been in partnership since 2004. They will not tolerate tardiness such as turning up to work late, hungover or drunk, and you must present yourself clean and well-kept for every shift. We understand that you are in a new city and may get lost once but they will strictly operate to a three strike policy whereby; the first time round you will get a stern warning, second time round pay will be deducted, and third time round you will no longer be offered employment.
How often can I travel?
Through the Jumpstart London Program we encourage you to travel as much as possible and give you the freedom to do so as often as you like, year round. If you are planning on travelling to Europe or beyond, just give our UK Team as much notice as possible so we can assist you in booking shifts up until the day you leave, and from whenever you wish to return.
ARRIVAL AND SUPPORT
What happens when I first get to London?
As part of the program you get discounted accommodation at a central London hostel. If need be we can also arrange an airport transfer for you at a small extra cost.
We know you’ll be coming off a long flight so we always have Orientation on a Tuesday afternoon, to give everyone a little more time to adjust their body clocks. If you’re feeling up to it then you’re welcome to come into the office and set up your free SIM card with us.
During orientation we will then run through all the available property listings and discuss the details for your job induction. In the following days you will then get the opportunity to go out and see the houses and rooms and decide which one you want to move into from there.
Once you have a new address we’ll then set up an appointment for you to come back into the office and set up your UK Bank Account and applying for your National Insurance Number (tax).
After you’ve got all that out the way we’ll set time for you to attend your job induction and start shifts in your new role!
It sounds like a busy week but don’t worry, we’ll make sure to leave time to take you on a city walking tour, and of course have a night out on the famous Camden pub crawl!
Is a TWHC representative in London when I arrive?
Of course! Our London Team are in the Office from Monday – Friday, 9am-5pm and will be happy to see you when you come in.
If you are arriving outside these hours, we will make sure to give you our 24hr line for any emergencies or general concerns.
How will I meet new people?
At any one time in London, we have over 100 TWHC applicants living in our houses and working at our jobs. You’ll be moving in with Aussies, Kiwi, and Canadian travellers and rubbing shoulders with them every day at work. Along with this we run weekly social events and invite everyone through our closed Facebook group.
Even more we’ll be throwing you some travel discounts and ideas to get you over to Europe with your new mates!
Will there be anyone to help me if I get stuck?
Always. Our London team know what it’s like to be in a new city for the first time. For the full duration of your Work Visa we’ll be available by call, text, email, or of course to walk into the office at any time and have a chat.
TIER 5 YOUTH MOBILITY VISA
Eligibility
- A current Australian, New Zealand, or Canadian Passport Holder
- (British or EU Passport holders will not need this visa as their citizenship already grants them full working rights in the UK.) Ask us if you may be eligible for this.
- Ages 18-31
- No Criminal Convictions for the past 12 months (includes DUI)
- No children in your care at the present time
- Be able to show £1890 in savings at the time of application (approximately $3,400AUD)
- Be able to attend an appointment at the British Embassy in your closest capital city
Visa information
The Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa allows you to work in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for a 2 year duration from the date you enter the United Kingdom.
You are permitted to leave and re-enter the UK any number of times within this period.
Processing times for the Visa can vary from 4-6 weeks so you will need to leave sufficient time to apply before your intend travel dates. We recommend you leave at minimum 2 months. There is a fast-track service however the British High Commission charges an additional fee for this.
Once your Visa is granted, your passport will be returned to you with an entry clearance stamp for a 30 day duration, from the date you have chosen in your application. You will then be required to enter the UK within this period and pick up what is called your Biometrics Residency Permit.
How much does the visa cost?
Your Visa Fees are payable to the British High Commission.
- Immigration Healthcare Surcharge (IHS) – £300
- Visa Application Fee – £225.
- Applications from Brisbane, Canberra or Perth, will incur an additional fee of $105AUD to book your biometrics appointment.
- If you choose to have your passport couriered then this will cost $24AUD. You can however opt to pick this up from your appointment location centre.
These fees are non-refundable if your application is unsuccessful. In 2017 over 40% of first time applicants were rejected because of simple omissions and commonly made mistakes. Because the Visa application is entirely computer processed, applications can be rejected for errors as small as an incorrect date on a bank statement.
This is why we recommend using our visa service and taking the stress away. Our professional licensed migration agents will help you every step of the way to ensure your application is approved first time around.
100% first time approval guaranteed, or you will receive a full refund.
LETS TALK MONEY
What am I paying for?
Simple. The security of knowing that you have literally every facet of your working holiday organised pre-departure by the market leaders who will ensure you have an authentic, life changing, UK working holiday experience.
We will do this by providing:
- A guaranteed full time job placement in a position that permits you to travel whenever you like and as often as you please
- Shared housing with travel flexible leases so you aren’t locked in to any long term commitments, and you don’t have to pay a cent while off travelling Europe and beyond
- Ongoing Placements for 24 months so you’ll always have a job and housing to come back to in London
- In-Country Orientation in our London Office (NIN/Tax, Bank Account, SIM)
- Access to our Social Network of like-minded, travellers living in London
- Work away experiences with free meals and accommodation in Europe and beyond
- Support from our London Office throughout the entire length of your stay
Our UK Team have all lived and worked in London themselves and can tell you that the rumours about the high cost of living are in some parts true. However, this is not something to get discouraged over, if you travel smart and prepared. We will be there every step of the way to assist you in this new transition and make sure you have the right opportunities available to you, without having to go through all your savings to get there.
What Happens if I am not offered a position?
Simple. The security of knowing that you have literally every facet of your working holiday organised pre-departure by the market leaders who will ensure you have an authentic, life changing, UK working holiday experience.
We will do this by providing:
- A guaranteed full time job placement in a position that permits you to travel whenever you like and as often as you please
- Shared housing with travel flexible leases so you aren’t locked in to any long term commitments, and you don’t have to pay a cent while off travelling Europe and beyond
- Ongoing Placements for 24 months so you’ll always have a job and housing to come back to in London
- In-Country Orientation in our London Office (NIN/Tax, Bank Account, SIM)
- Access to our Social Network of like-minded, travellers living in London
- Work away experiences with free meals and accommodation in Europe and beyond
- Support from our London Office throughout the entire length of your stay
Before you pay any money at all towards your program fees our UK team will give you a consultation call to run through your eligibility for the job and the visa. In this call we will prequalify you for the job so you know that when it comes time to pay your program deposit, we will have already ensured we have a guaranteed job offer for you pre-departure.
The reason we are able to do so is that our main London positions are entry level jobs with no minimum experience required. On arrival in London you will attend an induction and information day and then complete a paid probationary period of 8 shifts of on the job training.
What Happens if I can no longer travel?
Simple. The security of knowing that you have literally every facet of your working holiday organised pre-departure by the market leaders who will ensure you have an authentic, life changing, UK working holiday experience.
We will do this by providing:
- A guaranteed full time job placement in a position that permits you to travel whenever you like and as often as you please
- Shared housing with travel flexible leases so you aren’t locked in to any long term commitments, and you don’t have to pay a cent while off travelling Europe and beyond
- Ongoing Placements for 24 months so you’ll always have a job and housing to come back to in London
- In-Country Orientation in our London Office (NIN/Tax, Bank Account, SIM)
- Access to our Social Network of like-minded, travellers living in London
- Work away experiences with free meals and accommodation in Europe and beyond
- Support from our London Office throughout the entire length of your stay
We understand that circumstances can change and sometimes the unexpected can occur. As a result, should you no longer be eligible to travel due to health reasons or say a serious family emergency occurred (death in the family), we will happily leave a full credit on file for you to use within 5 years.
We also offer cancellation policy travel insurance to cover the amount of your program.
LETS TALK MONEY
Can I Just do It myself?
If you have the confidence, skills, work experience, and industry research then you probably can. The question you should really be asking is; Can I do it myself at a cheaper cost?
Firstly, if you can find a job anywhere in the world in under 3 weeks, then you’re doing extremely well. Let’s say best case scenario you are able to do so when you get to London. You start work a week later, then a fortnight after this you receive your first pay cheque.
That’s already 6 weeks in London you will be paying all your living expenses, straight out of your savings!
Hostel accommodation alone for 3 weeks of this time, will already cost you $900-$1200.
Then you have to find yourself suitable housing, find a bank who will let you open an account, and then apply for your National Insurance Number…
You start to realise quite quickly that the program fees will save you more than just time and convenience.
The Jumpstart London will having you working and renting within your first week and a half in London!
Placement guarantees
Through our extensive partnerships with reputable employers across London, we can offer you a job guarantee service. Before you pay any money at all towards your program fees our UK team will give you a consultation call to run through your eligibility for the job and the visa. In this call we will prequalify you for the job so you know that when it comes time to pay your program deposit, we will have already ensured we have a guaranteed job offer for you pre-departure.
Our partners provide us with the exact number of positions to fill each month. We will never overbook, which is why our program does sell out in advance.
Our partners provide you with your formal job contracts, hr documents, start dates, rates of pay and the position you were accepted for months before your departure date. Unlike our competitors in the industry, we do not take applications and then proceed to find suitable employment – we already have the job you’re looking for. If you’re looking elsewhere, ask them if they if they can guaranteed you a job contract, before you leave home and if so, how?
Flight centre reference
“This email is to acknowledge that flight centre travel group and the working holiday club have been working together for over five years. During this time we’ve found TWHC to be a solid, ethical, and completely above-board organization, and furthermore have a strong business relationship with. We strongly value the partnership between our two organizations and rely heavily on TWHC to provide our customers with an honest, and seamless customer experience. Our relationship extends to all retail brands within the flight centre travel group, including but not limited to Flight Centre, Student Flights, Escape Travel and my Adventure Store.”
Phil Handcock
Supplier Relations Manager,
Flight Centre Travel Group
Program reviews and testimonials
When you’re looking for the best gap year programs, check out the reviews online, but also ask the organization for the contact info of alumni’s that you can talk to.
Visit our Facebook page for real reviews from past and present program applicants
You can also visit Student Flights or Flight Centre and ask the travel agents about their experiences with us, some of whom have even been on our Canada or UK Programs!
We have over 7000 travel agents who have been working with us since 2010.
We understand that not absolutely every traveller will be suited to our programs, which is why we offer complete transparency and honesty in everything we do. Write a list of questions for your consultation call with us and we’d be happy to answer any concerns, that will help you decide if this is the right fit for your working holiday.
OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I apply with a friend or partner?
Of course! We accommodate for singles, couples, or friends travelling together.
How do I apply?
Easy! Just ring us on 1300 295 579, or email enquiry@theworkingholidayclub.com
When should I apply?
Our Jumpstart London program runs year round so you can choose any week (except Christmas) that you’ll be arriving! Please keep in mind that this is our most popular program by far and weekly numbers are capped. So you will want to plan on applying at least 6 months in advance to secure your spot. Of course if you are leaving quite soon, we do have applicants pull out last minute or go travelling so it’s always worth checking if we can fit you in!
Important: Keep in mind the Visa process will take approximately 4-8 weeks and you will need to be in your home country while applying for this.
Can I apply through a travel agent?
Yes you can. We are the proud preferred suppliers of both Student Flights and Flight Centre. Give them a call or walk into your closest store to chat with them about your trip. They’ll help with the flights and we’ll organise the rest!
Do I have to use a travel agent?
If you are confident booking your own flights then it isn’t essential to use a travel agent. You can get in touch with us directly and we’ll happily help you with every other aspect of your working holiday.
Can I travel before arriving in the UK?
Absolutely. If you have your heart set on a sail Croatia or want to go back-packing in Asia for two months; we’ll make sure everything is organised before you leave, and everything is ready for when you get to London.
Do I need travel insurance?
It isn’t mandatory, but we certainly recommend it for everyone going over on our programs.
As part of your Visa fees, will be £300 for your Immigration Healthcare Surcharge. This allows you access to the NHS and standard health cover while you are in the United Kingdom on the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa.
Like Medicare here in Australia, it covers some medical expenses and does not cover others. Here are some links that will help give you some more information;
www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/overview
www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/overview
Of course, you will only be covered while you are in the United Kingdom. So if you are at any point travelling to Europe or elsewhere, you will want to make sure you are covered for any accidents or emergencies.
We partner with Allianz and Aussie Travel Cover to offer travel insurance at competitive rates for any of our participants heading over to the UK who require coverage.
Click here for a free quote
What is a national insurance number?
Please click below to know more about new national insurance number process.
http://theworkingholidayclub.co.uk/blog/new-national-insurance-number-process-2/
Are there any age requirements for the program?
To be eligible for the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Visa, you will need to be at least 18 years of age, or have applied by your 31st birthday.
If you are currently 17, we may be able to start your application so that all your documents and paperwork are ready to submit once you turn 18.
Who else will be on the program?
Generally our applicants are Australians, New Zealanders, and Canadians aged 18-25.
We also have a number of working professionals aged 25-31, looking to take a break from their career and experience a working holiday in the UK and Europe.
We have a good mix of males and females, single travellers, couples, and friends travelling together so you will never be the ‘odd one out’.
What if I am travelling on a british passport?
If either or your parents were born in the United Kingdom then there is a good chance you will be eligible for a British Passport. What this means is that as a British Citizen, you have full working rights in the UK and therefore will not need to apply for a Visa.
Great news is that you’ll save yourself around $950 in Visa fees!
What if my travel dates change?
In most cases it won’t be a problem. As long as you are giving us at minimum 21 days notice, then we will be able to postpone your Jumpstart London program until a later date.
If your Visa has already been approved however, conditions may apply.
Can I apply if I am a uni student?
Yes… But be advised that the visa criteria has changed and recurring working holiday visas are now no longer available! So you will need to weigh up whether it will be worth just going for 6 months, or if you’d prefer to wait until you graduate and move over indefinitely to make the most of your 2 year permit.
Need advice on timing? Give us a call… We’ll help walk you through it!
Video gallery
LONDON ON A BUDGET – ADVICE
A LONDON STORY
CAN I AFFORD TO LIVE IN LONDON
From our gallery
Meet our Dishoom Staff
Application Process
PRE PLACEMENT - COST: £0
REGISTER ONLINE - COST: £0
APPLICATION FEE £299 & APPLICATION INSURANCE COVER
WORK EXPERIENCE & SKILLS ASSESSMENT (PAYMENT INSTALMENT)
APPLICATION CIRCULATION (PAYMENT INSTALMENT)
INTERVIEW & PLACEMENT (FINAL PAYMENT)
INTERVIEW & PLACEMENT (FINAL PAYMENT)
UK WORK VISA APPLICATION
ARRIVAL WEEK
JUMPSTART LONDON BROCHURE