Gap year FAQs

Your questions answered about CAFOD's Step into the Gap programme

General questions

What is Step into the Gap?

It’s a fantastic year out opportunity working with children and young people in the UK. You’ll be exploring your faith and helping others to explore theirs while promoting social justice and inspiring others to act for change and make a difference. You’ll be based within a team in the UK – a school chaplaincy or diocesan youth service (depending upon the placement you apply for) and you’ll be working alongside CAFOD throughout the year too, with an overseas volunteering section to your year.

Will I get paid?

You won’t be paid a salary but you will receive a weekly stipend. The amount depends upon the placement you choose and whether or not food is provided at your accommodation but it will cover your basic expenses.

Will I have to pay for anything?

All of your training, accommodation, travel (directly related to your work), flights, vaccinations and visas will be covered. Food, accommodation, equipment and insurance for your overseas travel will also be provided. You may wish to purchase your own contents insurance for your UK accommodation.

How are “gappers” selected?

The first stage is the application form. For those who are shortlisted there follows a recruitment day which will include an individual interview, perhaps a group exercise and the opportunity to meet current members of the team and staff at your chosen placement. It’s also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and find out more about the year.

Do I have to be Catholic?

You will be working in a Catholic environment and must be comfortable engaging with children and young people around faith issues. You don’t necessarily have to be catholic but you should be able to demonstrate your understanding of the Catholic Church or be open to learning more about it.

How long is the programme? When does it start?

The programme lasts for an academic year (usually September to July). You will normally work to the academic timetable with holidays over half term, Christmas, Easter though you may be involved in training or preparation and planning during some of these holidays – the exact holidays will depend upon the placement you apply for.

Can I volunteer for just part of the year?

As you will be part of a close knit team it's not possible to volunteer for only part of the year. Each part of the year has been designed to build on the previous part and they all combine to give you an overall experience and opportunity to strengthen your relationships, learn new skills and develop existing ones.

Will I be able to get a job with CAFOD or my placement team when I finish?

Unfortunately there is no guarantee of employment at the end of your year, but you will certainly have gained a lot of relevant skills and experience which would help to stand you in good stead should an opportunity to become available. Staff in your placements and at CAFOD will support you in any way we can as you apply for jobs, university or college placements or vocational training. This could involve helping you to reflect on your future choices, supporting you as you complete application forms or providing references.

Sounds great! How do I apply?

Download the application form and complete it (using the guidance notes for help). You can then email it or post it to the leadership development co-ordinator. You must then ask two referees to complete the downloadable reference forms and send them to the leadership development co-ordinator to match to your application.

UK role

What’s a typical day in the life of a gapper? Who will I be working with? What will I be doing?

Don't take it from us- take a look at what previous gappers and their placements have to say.

Where will I stay?

This depends upon the placement you choose, for example if you choose YMT you would live in the diocesan youth village as part of the community and you would all live, eat and worship together. At St Marys in Blackpool you would live with the other gapper on your team in a diocesan presbytery along with the parish priest and would buy your own food from your weekly stipend and arrange your free time to suit yourself.

What support will I get during the year?

On a day to day basis you will be supported by the staff at your placement and of course your team members. You will also meet regularly with local CAFOD staff and you’ll get lots of support from other members of specialist CAFOD staff in Head Office.

What if I start but find that I don’t enjoy it?

We will do everything we can to make your year enjoyable, but if you do find that it’s just not right for you then we’ll support you as you make the decision about what you want to do. If you leave straight after the overseas element of the year you may be asked to repay some of the costs from the trip.

If I love it, can I do it for a second year?

Unfortunately you can only take part in Step into the Gap for one year as we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience it. In some placements however you may be able to stay on as a member of the team, why not ask about it at your interview?

International visit

What’s the international visit all about?

Visiting our partners and their communities in another country is a fantastic opportunity to experience firsthand some of the opportunities and challenges they live with. You will get to share your stories and listen to theirs, work alongside our partners, eat with local communities and worship in a truly unique way. When you come home you will then use your experiences to inspire others to act for positive change and make a difference in the world. We’re pretty sure you’ll make some great friends along the way too.

What country will I visit? Do I get to choose where I go?

The country you visit will depend on several things such as what type of work our partners are currently doing, which countries are safe to visit, existing ties with local dioceses and which partners are able to offer you the best experience, unfortunately you don’t get to choose yourself. Countries we have visited so far include Liberia, Kenya and Nigeria and all of the “gappers” and staff who went will tell you what an amazing time they had.

Will I get training? Will I have to pay any training costs?

We will make sure you’re well prepared for your trip, helping you with everything from mosquito nets to media training, water to work plans and everything in between. All of your training will be provided by and paid for by CAFOD.

What will I be doing overseas?

This very much depends upon the country you visit, the partners you’re working with and your skills and interests. You could find yourself sharing nursery rhymes with toddlers or reuniting children with families. You might visit local water projects or healthcare clinics. You could even find yourself running retreat days in a parish community centre. Whatever you end up doing, you will be well supported by the people around you and you won’t have to do anything you feel uncomfortable with.

Will it be safe?

CAFOD takes its responsibility for your health and safety very seriously. We provide you with training before you go, and support while you’re overseas. A member of CAFOD staff or a member of staff from your placement will travel overseas with your group and will take overall responsibility for safety and security whilst you’re away.