Parkdean Resorts has launched a new employability initiative in partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, designed to support young people across the North East to develop key skills and take their first steps into long-term careers in hospitality. The programme forms part of a wider commitment from both organisations to remove barriers to employment for local young people.

An initial pilot programme was delivered at Newcastle United Foundation’s Ashington Hub and Sandy Bay and Cresswell Towers Holiday Parks. It brought together 15 young people aged 17 to 24 for a week-long experience focused on confidence building, CV writing, and interview-preparation workshops. The session also included talks from Parkdean Resorts General Managers, who shared their own career journeys and progression within the business.

At the end of the programme, all participants were guaranteed an interview for roles at Parkdean Resorts’ North East holiday parks. As a result, 87% of the young people who took part were offered roles, with the remaining participants receiving additional support and guaranteed follow-up interviews to help them continue their employment journey.

Following the success of the trial, Parkdean Resorts and Newcastle United Foundation will expand the initiative to include all North East parks from May 2026, enabling even more young people across the region to benefit from the training, support and employment opportunities on offer.

Kerry Turnbull-Murphy, Head of People at Parkdean Resorts, said: “What an amazing opportunity not only to partner with a leading North East charity, but to create something truly meaningful for the communities we serve. Working alongside Newcastle United Foundation allowed us to place inclusion at the heart of this initiative, ensuring that every young person, regardless of background, ability, or personal circumstance, felt seen, supported, and empowered.

“We’ve seen these individuals grow in confidence, build friendships, and develop a genuine sense of belonging over the course of the programme and it’s been nothing short of remarkable. Initiatives like this demonstrate how powerful inclusive environments can be in shaping lives, breaking down barriers, and opening doors that may once have felt out of reach. At Parkdean Resorts, we are incredibly proud to support opportunities that not only inspire young people but truly make a lasting difference.”

Lee Smith, Senior Community Manager at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to champion the next generation by opening up meaningful opportunities for young people across the North East who face barriers to employment.

“Through our partnership with Parkdean Resorts, young adults have explored team-building and problem-solving activities, helping them grow in confidence, develop new skills and feel more prepared to step into new environments with belief in their abilities.

“Together we also provided CV and interview support ahead of the application process, as well as a valuable site visit that gave participants real insight into careers at Parkdean Resorts by hearing directly from the team who gave their time generously to inspire this group.

“This experience has been truly transformational for our young people who are now taking their first steps into the world of work – we would like to thank Parkdean Resorts for making this opportunity possible.”

Parkdean Resorts employs over 8000 people across the UK and last year welcomed over 3 million holidaymakers to its 65 parks. As a major employer, this initiative is part of its ongoing investment in the local communities it operates within, ensuring young people have access to opportunities, support and skills they need to thrive.