Working for YHA
Find out why our staff find working for YHA so rewarding.
About YHA
YHA operates hostels all over England and Wales. We provide inclusive adventures, in extraordinary buildings and places. Yet we offer much more than quality accommodation.
YHA is a leading social enterprise and a 90-year-old charity on a mission to enrich the lives of all — but especially young people — and improve physical health, mental wellbeing and life skills through the experiences we create. Read about the history of YHA.
We bring the adventure, for the first time and a lifetime. By staying with us, becoming a member, donating to our appeals, volunteering or working with YHA, you’ll feel the benefit and help us continue to break down barriers and connect more people to the outdoors, nature, culture and heritage.
Benefits and rewards
What you do at YHA really counts – that’s why we offer our employees lots of great benefits. Find out why working for YHA is rewarding in many different ways.
Our values
Our people are recognised for their commitment to our values. Our HEART values are woven throughout the organisation.
Our people
Everyone who works at YHA – whether they are full-time, part-time or a volunteer – helps us transform young lives through travel and real adventure.
Working for YHA
Working for a social enterprise is so rewarding. Not only are you contributing to fantastic customer service experience, but you are also contributing to the wider good of our charitable objectives. Whether your role is directly involved in the delivery of activities to young people, supporting the departmental functions or delivering great customer experiences within your hostel – you will be giving something back to this amazing charity.
Many of our staff say that working for YHA is a lifestyle choice. If you are working in our hostels then you will be living and working in some amazing locations in England and Wales, thus giving you access to the great outdoors on your doorstep. On days off, our teams will often access nature, take up an outdoor activity or travel to other hostels to use their free staff stays to explore somewhere new.
Our support function roles often offer flexibility to work remotely or on a hybrid model, so mainly working from home with meetings, visits to hostels and visits to National Office only when needed. Many of our roles can offer flexibility too to accommodate commitments outside of work.
Staff stories
Paul Howlett
Operations Manager
What’s your role at YHA and how long have you worked there?
I have been lucky enough to be Operations Manager for the North West including Chester, Liverpool, Manchester and the Lake District for coming up to 5 years.
How does your job fit in with your lifestyle?
The nature of my job means I visit all the hostels regularly. This includes overnight stays, so I experience what the guests see. I’ve always been interested in the outdoors whether it’s running, cycling, swimming, paddleboarding or kayaking. I can visit Liverpool and know I can head over to the docks after or before work and go for an organised swim. The nature of YHA’s locations means there are always outdoor activities to experience on the hostel’s doorstep. Most of the team also love the outdoors and can often direct me to the best locations to visit.
What’s your favourite part about working for YHA?
The role can be challenging and sometimes you have to work long hours, but knowing this contributes to the overall impact of the charity makes it all worthwhile. The team are also amazing. They support each other and really want to make a difference. Whether it’s for families, school groups or YHA members, they want to make sure all guests have fantastic and often life-changing experiences.
What would you say if you were recommending working for YHA to a friend?
Very simply: do it you won’t regret it.
Has working for YHA been what you expected when you first started?
It’s exceeded what I expected. I feel I really can make a difference to young people, families and groups who wouldn’t normally be able to experience the outdoors.
What advice would you give to someone considering a job at YHA?
Whichever role you choose, it can be hard work, physically and mentally challenging, but will also be hugely fulfilling, because you can truly make a difference. It can support your outdoor lifestyle and you can meet and work with like-minded people with similar interests, which can also open new avenues and sports to try.
