In this weekly round-up you will find information about a huge range of careers and further/higher education opportunities, including university open days, work experience, careers taster sessions, apprenticeship vacancies and lots more. The Careers section is followed by the Higher Education section.
We hope you find it useful!

Webinars and events taking place during school hours are aimed at Sixth Form students only. 

By listing providers or employers HGS is not endorsing them, so we recommend that you do your own research to ensure it's the right thing for you.

National competition listings

https://www.youngwriters.co.uk/competitions
Writing for all ages

https://globalgoodawards.co.uk/
Recognises organisations and individuals making a positive impact on people, the planet and the global economy

 

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition 2024/25

• Theme: STEM (innovation projects in areas like AI, robotics, air quality, and more)

• Deadline: 26 March 2025, 5pm

• Ages: Students aged 11–18 in the UK, as individuals or teams

• Prizes: Recognition, awards, and participation in the Big Bang Fair at NEC Birmingham

Learn More

 

Global Canvas – Children's Wildlife Art Competition (UK)

• Deadline: 14 February 2025

• Theme: "Coexistence – how can humans and wildlife live in harmony?"

• Prizes: Art vouchers; exhibition opportunities

• Eligibility: Open to individuals and groups aged 16 and under

Learn More

 

Young Railway Photographer of the Year (UK)

• Deadline:  31 January 2025

• Description: Celebrates 200 years of railway history through photography

• Prizes: Journeys on heritage railway lines; bespoke travel experiences; subscriptions to leading railway publications

• Eligibility: Two age categories: 18 and under, 19–25; UK-based

Learn More

 

Y12 Work Experience with the Civil Aviation Authority

Week of 2 June 2025

At Gatwick Airport or Canary Wharf London, depending on your chosen sector.

• Five-day experience shadowing key experts at the CAA
• Students can choose their sector within aerospace and aviation regulation including Aviation Safety and Security, Corporate Services and Legal
• Tour CAA HQ, meet industry professionals
• Final day to reflect on experience and to celebrate!

Application deadline is 28 February.

Are you ready to take the first step towards a prestigious career in law? Join us for an exclusive virtual event with Freshfields, a global powerhouse in the legal industry, where you'll gain unparalleled insights into the legal profession and learn how to launch your career as a solicitor apprentice or trainee with one of the best in the field.

Event Details:

• Event: Insight to Freshfields – Work for an International Law Firm

• Date: Monday, 27th January

• Time: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

• Platform: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

 

 

Please note that many of the opportunities that are offered by Investin are charged for, but the below is free. Work experience opportunities may be mentioned as part of these webinars - please be aware these may be chargeable.

 

 

Hachette Invites Black Students in Years 10–12 Interested in Design and Illustration to a Design Webinar!

Date: Thursday, 30th January 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM Location: Online Are you passionate about design and illustration? Join us for an inspiring session hosted by Hachette, one of the UK’s largest publishing groups and the third-largest trade and educational publisher in the world. This online event will introduce design and illustration opportunities and provide valuable insights into the creative process behind design. You’ll also Learn about the creative thinking and processes behind Immortal Dark directly from the cover designer and have the chance to be guided through the process of creating a cover for the book yourself – with a prize for the winning design up for grabs! Immortal Dark, No.1 on the New York Times Young Adult Hardcover bestseller list in September 2024, is a gripping academia fantasy in which a secret society of African-origin vampires feeds only on select human bloodlines, each tied to a powerful House. Kidan, a lost heiress infiltrates the society to save her sister while navigating perilous alliances. You can find out more about the book and the author Tigest Girma here. Whether you’re an aspiring illustrator, a budding graphic designer, or simply curious about design, this is your chance gain a deeper understanding of how illustration and design shape the way we experience books and get the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways in this dynamic industry. While all students are welcome, we particularly encourage students of African Caribbean heritage to attend, as they remain underrepresented in these industries. Register

Media Literacy Programme

March 2025

Ages 16 - 18

The programme aims to break down the barriers to careers in journalism and provide school pupils with the tools and skills to think critically about the media landscape. It provides an insight into what it’s like to be a journalist at an award-winning multimedia news brand. It is open to all 16-18-year-olds across the UK.

The online sessions will be with a range of journalists from departments across the business including news, sports, beauty, music, and social media, with students having the opportunity to learn skills such as headline writing, interviewing and travel writing, and win prizes. 

The programme will run for four weeks, beginning on Tuesday 4th March 2025. Sessions will run from 4 - 5 pm every Tuesday. At the end of the programme, each student will receive a Telegraph Media Literacy Journalism Certificate.

For the students to submit their applications, they will need to go to  https://careers.telegraph.co.uk/jobs/job-details/The-Telegraph-Media-Literacy-Programme-2025-London. They will need to complete a cover letter for their application explaining why they would like to participate.

                  

Causeway Education are working with law firm Wedlake Bell to deliver a free application masterclass to help Year 13 students succeed in solicitor apprenticeship applications.

 

 When: Wednesday 5 February, 4.15 - 6pm
 Where: Online (Zoom)

 

This interactive webinar will walk attendees through the application process step-by-step, focusing on Wedlake Bell’s apprenticeship programme while providing tips that are transferable to other similar applications.

Last year, this webinar scored on average 9.9/10 from students, with 90% rating the webinar ‘very useful’, in particular highlighting the step-by-step breakdown of a cover letter, how to use the STAR method and the Q+A with recruiting managers.

If you are a Year 13 student with sights set on a solicitor degree apprenticeship, this webinar will give you the inside scoop and boost application confidence.

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/e/P8FgdUY1gc

Further information about Wedlake Bell’s apprenticeship: https://careers.wedlakebell.com/pages/solicitor-apprenticeship-programme

Interactive careers information days for Year 12 Students

Please note these events take place during school hours so you will need to speak with the Sixth Form team before you book to attend.

• FuturesUP; Careers Exploration in STEM: Interactive Careers Event (hosted by Uptree and Google)—in London on Tuesday 11 February 

• Law Insight Day (hosted by Travers Smith)—in London on Tuesday 22 April

 

Medic Mentor's virtual work experiences provide students with valuable insights and opportunities that may be otherwise difficult to access. Developed in collaboration with Birmingham University Hospitals Trust, this virtual work experience has proven to be transformative for thousands of secondary school students over the past year. It goes beyond being just an alternative to in-person shadowing; it is a crucial step in preparing students for their upcoming physical placements.

Medic Mentor have designed a 6-month medical e-learning work experience programme, focusing on one specialism each month, allowing students to set their own pace of learning. From structured teaching to direct interaction with doctors and healthcare professionals, the programme ensures students not only observe procedures but also gain a broader understanding of roles within the medical field.

Covering everything from ethics to procedures and broader team roles, this virtual work experience provides an overview of students' desired career paths and the skills that medical professionals are looking for, thereby enhancing their UCAS applications.  

Parents' sign-up code is: GIRWparents and you can sign up here:
www.unifrog.org/code

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A&O Shearman - Their Solicitor Apprenticeship is a unique opportunity to earn a law degree while gaining hands-on experience with a starting salary of £28,000. Over six years, apprentices combine paid on-the-job training with academic study, supported by expert mentors and a collaborative team. This innovative programme offers a direct pathway to qualification as a solicitor.
Find out more (apply by 19 Feb 2025)

University of Bedfordshire - They offer scholarships worth up to £2,500 per year for 2025 entry. Students can get closer to their dream career by finding out how the university's financial support can help them thrive.
Find out more

KPMG - Applications are now open to join KPMG in Audit, Tax or Business Services apprenticeships in 2025. With a starting salary of £23,000-£25,000 depending on location, students can expect exceptional learning and development, and a structured training programme as they work towards a professional qualification or degree. Early application is advised as roles will be removed as spaces are filled. 
Apply here

Durham University - Learn about contextual offers for applicants who meet certain eligibility criteria (like free school meals, state schools, or certain postcodes). Students could receive reduced offers of up to two grades below standard entry requirements. 
Find out more 

Unilever - Unilever's diverse apprenticeship programmes offer hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications across various fields. With opportunities from Level 3 to degree apprenticeships, students will gain valuable skills and support while shaping their future. Apply now for September 2025.
Find out more 

Airbus - Airbus pioneer safe and sustainable aerospace from passenger jets to satellites. Their 2025 apprenticeship opportunities are now live and offer valuable practical training from Level 3-6 at sites across the UK. Roles on offer include electrical, mechanical and design engineering, craft and business apprenticeships. 
Find out more

BBC - Apprenticeships are now open for 2025 applicants. From degree apprenticeships in digital user experience and data science to Level 5 journalism and Level 3 broadcast and media systems, the BBC has a role and location to suit all students. A second wave of opportunities will launch in December including business, marketing and production opportunities. Salary starting from £21,840.
Find out more

British Airways - These apprenticeships are designed to give students the best possible career launch into British Airways' Customer, Business, and Operations teams. From Aspiring Leader and Business Professional programmes to Aircraft Engineer and Customer Service apprenticeships, there's opportunities at different qualification levels. Salaries range from £16,916 to £26,900. 
Find out more

Women and Non-Binary people in STEM series - multiple dates 

This series is run jointly by Somerville, St Catherine’s and St Anne’s Colleges. They will be running 13 online sessions covering a variety of STEM subjects taught at Oxford.  Each session will include an introduction to the course at Oxford, a short taster session given by a member of one of our colleges and a Q+A with current Oxford students. Find out more about which subjects are being run on which dates by taking a look at the event series. Booking is required.

University of Oxford Access Day for young women in Year 10-12 with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage - 12 February

Trinity College is collaborating with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) and Jesus College to offer young women in Year 10-12 with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage an exciting day exploring life as a student at the University. The aim of the day is to encourage students to consider Oxford as one of their future options. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Oxford Centre of Islamic Studies, Trinity and Jesus College, experience an academic taster, gain guidance and information relating to courses and admissions and hear from current students with shared identities.

The day is open to female state school pupils in Year 10-12 with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage. Teachers can request places using the application form by 5pm on 22 January. Please direct any enquiries to hannah.rolley@trinity.ox.ac.uk.

Chiral Chemistry Workshop - 28 January

This online workshop for UK state school students focuses on the 3D shapes of molecules, what the word ‘chiral’ means, the importance of chiral molecules in biology and about the resources available to research chemists looking at proteins. Additionally, we consider current research focused on the main protease in SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the recent global pandemic. Booking is required.

Keble College Taster Days - multiple dates

Keble College is offering Year 12 taster days for UK state-school pupils in Human Sciences, Geography, Biology and Ancient History during February. All Subject Taster Days include opportunities to sample academic content related to Oxford courses, meet current students, and receive advice and guidance on the admissions process. Applications close on Monday 27 January. They can be made via the Keble College website, where you can also find the eligibility criteria. 

African Caribbean Society (ACS) Year 12 Shadowing Day - 19 February

This event is designed to inspire and support students on their path to Oxford. During the day they will have the opportunity to shadow a current undergraduate from the ACS studying your field of interest, attend interactive taster lectures delivered by world-class academics, get expert application advice to strengthen your Oxford application, tour the stunning grounds of Oxford colleges and experience life at Oxford University first-hand. The Oxford ACS aim to give students the chance to connect, learn and envision themselves thriving at one of the world’s top universities.

It is open to UK state school pupils in Year 12 with African and Caribbean heritage, and students can apply directly using the application form by 11:59pm on 31 January. Please direct any enquiries or additional information to the Oxford ACS Access team at access@oxfordacs.org.

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UNIQ 2025

Applications are now OPEN for UNIQ 2025!  
 
The programme helps UK state school students with good GCSE grades or equivalent make a more successful application to Oxford, with a sustained contact programme and in-person residential. UNIQ is there to support young people from under-represented backgrounds at Oxford explore their subjects with our academics, speak to current students and learn first-hand about the application process and what life might be like at Oxford.

To find out more about what the UNIQ programme involves, you may want to watch our video featuring Samuel, who took part in one of our UNIQ residentials.
  
Please encourage any students you feel would benefit from this completely free opportunity to apply. Applying is quick and simple – applicants should register and fill out the form on the UNIQ website. Before they apply, they should check they meet our eligibility requirements. 
 
Applications close on 23 January.

You can find out more about the programme and selection criteria on the UNIQ website and by following us on Instagram and X (@OxfordUNIQ). If you have any queries about the applications process, you can check out our FAQs or contact us at uniq@admin.ox.ac.uk.  

Essay Writing Masterclass Programme 2025

The Essay Writing Masterclass Programme (EWMP) is a free, 12-week programme in Humanities and Social Sciences research and essay writing for women in the UK in Year 12 or equivalent. Between March and June 2025, through a series of expert-delivered virtual workshops, independent research, and a Cambridge-style supervision, participants will work towards producing an essay for submission. Each participant will receive a grade and personalised feedback on their work.

Participants can expect to receive specialised instruction in research, critical thinking, and essay writing. The EWMP aims to improve academic independence and confidence, fostering the knowledge and skills that will prepare participants for university-level work, as well as application to selective universities.
The content and essay topics will appeal to a broad range of subject interests; questions have been designed as open-ended and relevant to current public and academic debates. Applications are encouraged from all students interested in Humanities or Social Sciences.

Apply and find out more here.

This form should be completed by the applicant by 09:00am Thursday February 6th.  

 

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Opportunities across Cambridge University

Y12 Women in Computer Science Programme and Residential
The Women in Computer Science programme is a sustained programme running over six months that gives female and non-binary students in Year 12 an insight into what studying Computer Science at university is like. It doesn’t require any previous experience studying Computer Science and would also be well suited to those with an interest in Mathematics.
The programme involves seminars which introduce students to different areas of Computer Science, and completing a research project in an area of their choice under the guidance of a current University of Cambridge student. All engaged students who submit a completed research project will be invited to a residential event in Cambridge to celebrate their achievement. 
More information here. Application deadline: 26th January 2025.

Y11/Y12 Subject Taster Days: Girton College
Girton College have launched in-person subject taster days, including:
- Molecules & Monkeys: Tuesday 25 February
- Life, the Universe & Everything: Thursday 27 February
- People, Pots & Poetry: Tuesday 4 March, 10:00-16:00
More information here. Teacher Nomination deadline: 7th February 2025.

Y12 Cambridge Future Museum Voices Residential: Clare College 
This innovative programme invites young people from across the UK to spend a week in Cambridge co-curating a public exhibition on the relationship between people and the natural world at the Museum of Zoology and Kettle’s Yard. Participants stay in Clare College undergraduate accommodation, explore behind the scenes at the University's museums, and meet world-leading researchers. Travel to Cambridge and all residential accommodation, activities and meals are fully funded for participants.
More information here. Application deadline: 7th February 2025. 

Y12 Humanities Writing Competition: Girton College 
This is an opportunity for students to research and write beyond the curriculum, using one or more of five selected objects from the Lawrence Room museum objects, as their focus. Essays or creative responses (such as dramatic monologues, short stories or poems) are equally welcome. It is open to UK students in Year 12 who have an interest in the Humanities. The prize is up to £500 cash and books to the value of £400 from Cambridge University Press, the latter to be shared between the winning entrant/s and their school/s.
More information here. Submission deadline: 20th March 2025. 

Discover Manchester: A Sociology and Anthropology Showdown

Date: Thursday 23rd January 2025 

Venue: Nancy Rothwell Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road Campus 

Come along to Discover Manchester: A Sociology and Anthropology Showdown to experience a battle of the social sciences! This day will give you an insight into the similarities and differences between Sociology and Social Anthropology and give you a taste of what they are like to study at University.  

Learn from leading academics; engage in meaningful discussions and debates; explore our campus; chat to current students and hear from past students about where their degrees have taken them. Please note that you do not have to be currently studying Sociology or related subjects to attend – we welcome all students who have an interest in Social Sciences to attend. 

How to book: 

The event is free of charge. Booking is on a first-come, first served basis and places are limited. Y12 students should book their individual place via this form: https://gck.fm/bzohh and can attend without a teacher. Teachers will receive an automated email alert when a student books. 

Teachers are warmly invited to come along. If you would like to accompany your students, you can book a teacher place or a group booking by emailing emma.mcdougall@manchester.ac.uk. 

Booking deadline: Wed 22nd January 2025, 12noon