New research1 from Year Out Group, the association of leading UK-registered year out organisations, shows that gap year placements have never been more popular with almost 39,000 structured placements being taken up in 2006, an increase of over 3,000 compared to the previous year.
Females are outnumbering males (60%/40%) and the type of gap year experience that the sexes choose differs, with females more likely to choose volunteering and males most likely to go on courses and cultural exchanges. Furthermore, females seem keener to get out of their comfort zone and enjoy a challenge, with 55% of all expedition places being filled by women.
Gap year placements continue to show a sharp regional divide2, with the majority of placements being taken by people from London and the South East (40%), compared with 14% from the South West, 10 % from the North, 6% from Scotland and 5% from Wales. Year Out Group has also recorded a rise in applications from overseas nationals (up 5%).
Almost a quarter (24%) of all placements are now being taken up by the 25 and over age group, confirming the trend for people to look for a better work/life balance, with a move towards ‘gap months’ and sabbaticals. The average length of placements has now increased from 13 to 14 weeks.
Richard Oliver, Chief Executive of the not-for-profit Year Out Group, comments: “It is interesting to note the increasing trend towards structured gap year placements. Females are leading the way by signing up to a range of volunteering projects and challenging expeditions.
“Our aim at Year Out Group is to help anyone considering a gap year to make the right choices, and to be aware of the incredible range of options that are available to people of all ages. All of Year Out Group’s member organisations are highly experienced specialists in their field, offering well-structured programmes to a range of countries worldwide, including the UK.”
For advice and a full list of members, please call Year Out Group on 01380 816 696 or visit www.yearoutgroup.org.
Year Out Group is a not-for-profit organisation. Its carefully-vetted 39 member companies are specialists in their field and comply with a strict Code of Practice and Operating Guidelines. The range of programmes available in the UK and 90 countries worldwide includes study courses, cultural exchanges, expeditions, work placements and voluntary work. New Year Out Group members include Personal Overseas Development and Real Gap Experience