Central Futures

Key Project Coordinator

Central Futures Coordinator

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Coordinator

Sixth Form Team

A guide for parents on university, apprenticeship and employment options. Download here.

icould provides a whole host of career related videos to give you a first hand view of jobs and career options.

Here is an example CV.

Start is a free, online careers platform designed to connect 11-18 year olds with their future career potential. The online platform helps young people make more informed decisions about future studies and career options that is best for them.

SpringPod is an early careers resource for students to support them in exploring future career opportunities and connect students with real-world employers creating meaningful and educational encounters. Students can also search for the most up-to-date work experience opportunities being offered by some of the UK's largest and highly rated employers.

Workfinder is an app-based platform that allows you to search work experience opportunities in your local area. The app will connect you with local companies that are offering young people the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of a wide range of professional sectors.

For our students that are moving into Year 11 and Year 13, career guidance and support is key in helping students make decisions that will ensure success on their future career pathway. This can be a difficult time for parents, so Careermag's new issue for parents is now available to support parents and guardians discuss plans with their children.

Slaughter and May have developed a careers insights blog for sixth for students who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The site includes careers profiles, as well as key advice to support you in pursuing a career in law.

Along with a whole host of academic and revision resources and tools, BBC Bitesize also has a wide range of industry stories, careers tips, and information and advice on the world of work.

Slaughter and May's Excellerators programme is a Virtual Work Insight Scheme that provides the opportunity to experience a one-week work experience that will offer students insight into the corporate environment, during which students will be able to develop key employability skills.

The Lead in to Law programme is run in partnership with Rare Recruitment, and is focused on increasing access to the legal profession for students from socially diverse backgrounds. This is a two-year programme.

Speaker for Schools has developed their Experience Programme to give access to all young people to high quality work experience placements by connecting schools with industry leading employers. Students can create a free account and search for work experience opportunities available across London.

Springpod provides Insight Days and Work Experience opportunities to students who have registered for a free account with them. The online platform also provides a ranger of careers guides and insights for you to explore.

Smart Futures has been designed improve your employability skills, whilst providing mentoring to support you in deciding on your next steps whether that be university, apprenticeship, or employment. Smart Futures will also provide paid work experience during either the Easter or summer holidays.

The Brokerage coaches students in Year 12 and Year 13 to develop their employability skills, and connects young people to work experience and internship opportunities in some of the top firms in the UK across a wide range of sectors. Registration to the Brokerage is open to all students who fit their eligibility criteria, which can be found here.

The Francis Crick Institute offers both lab and non-lab based work experience opportunities for students between the age of 14 and 19 years old. Most placements will be for one week, but may also be as long as four weeks or one day a week over the summer holidays. These placements will give you the opportunities to experience the range of career pathways in a science-related field, and give you hands-on experience in a professional laboratory environment.

Interested in becoming a Qualified Sports Coach, Sports Leader, Referee or Volunteer?If so, The Access to Sports Project runs a comprehensive Coach Education and Leadership programme.

Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm, operating out of 70 countries worldwide. They have both work experience and apprenticeship opportunities that are open for applications.

Kingsley Napley offers a number of unpaid work experience placements throughout the year, giving students an insight into life at a busy London law firm. Some practice areas require work experience candidates to be over the age of 18, but most accept applicants who are 16+.

in2scienceUK is an award winning organisation which gives students from low income backgrounds the opportunity to work alongside STEM scientists, and receive the advice and information they need to progress to University and STEM careers.

Roles in technology, business, customer service and media for students aged 15-18, check individual roles for additional requirements such as GCSE grades. Sky's offices in London are based in Osterley (zone 4 on the Piccadilly line). Travel expenses covered as part of placement.

Amplifi advertises work placements, internships, apprenticeships and events to help you build your career. Check back regularly for the latest opportunities.

Hertford College, Oxford, has opened applications for this year's "Unsung Heroes of Science" video competition is now open. Hertford College wants to hear from you about who your hero of Science is, and why they inspire you to learn more about them.

Imperial College will be running their Maker Challenge this year, open for students aged 14-18. This is a great opportunity that will help you develop your understanding of design thinking, 3D printing, laser-cutting, prototyping, coding and much more. You will develop a creative idea from concept to prototype through 8 virtual workshops and 5 in-person sessions hosted at The Invention Rooms.

Gresham College (founded in 1597) is running a series of free online lectures covering a wide range of subjects delivered by experts in fields ranging across the arts and sciences. These are great resources for students looking to explore their subjects in more depth, and will support you in strengthening your UCAS application and personal statement.

Newnham College of University of Cambridge are now open for submissions as part of their 2020 essay competition. You can submit an essay on a range of subjects including Biological Sciences, History, Mathematics, and History.

The EDT's Headstart programme offers "hands-on STE(A)M activities and taster courses to encourage young people into STE(A)M-based careers." Hosted at some of the leading universities across the UK, Year 12 students will be given the opportunity to participate in workshops led by the top academics and professionals working in STE(A)M roles.

Bursaries are available for students who meet the following criteria:

• Students eligible for free school meals now or within the last 6 years
• Students who are or who have been in local authority care
• Students who are carers for family members
• If your family is receiving Working Tax Credit or Universal Credit, and you can evidence it.

When completing the application specify that you are applying for a funded place.

Available for year 12 & 13 students to apply.

Explore a professional area in depth.

A chance to find out more about University-level education.

The 2022-23 schedule of Taster Days can be found here.

Free events, lectures and exhibitions. Book online, some events are free and others have a small fee attached.

Founded by Harvard University and MIT in 2012, edX is an online learning destination and MOOC provider, offering high-quality courses from the world’s best universities and institutions to learners everywhere.

Take the world's best courses, online. Join for free. Each one of the 1600+ courses is taught by top instructors from the world’s best universities and educational institutions. Courses include recorded video lectures, auto-graded and peer-reviewed assignments, and community discussion forums.

Sign up for free online courses on hundreds of different subjects

The Sutton Trust provides a range of events and opportunities for young people to ensure they have access to some of the leading universities and careers.

The Reading Scholars Programme aims to give Year 12 students a real taste of life as a university undergraduate, and to provide practical support as participants begin their Higher Education application process.

Students who successfully take part and go on to apply for an undergraduate course at the University of Reading are guaranteed to receive either an invite to interview or a conditional offer.

Choose from over a hundred courses in multiple subject areas at numerous universities in and around London. The Taster Course Programme provides Year 12 sixth form students with a taste of what life at a university in London is like. Through your chosen taster course you will experience the different teaching methods used by university academics and gain an insight into the additional facilities available, whilst meeting students from across the UK.

APP City Supports high achieving students from low income backgrounds into competitive universities, and the top professions. The programme offers mentoring, career workshops, and application support to universities and employment.

Cambridge University Subject Masterclasses are designed to give students a better understanding of undergraduate study at the University. Each masterclass includes at least two taster lectures, as well as a session covering admissions information.

Funded places and travel bursaries are available.

The University of Sheffield has a collection of online resources geared to helping sixth form students improve their study techniques and help prepare for the transition to university. Help improve your note-taking or get better at presenting your ideas on paper in public.

iWantToStudyEngineering is a website created to help students compete for the most competitive university placements. Building on A level material, the website provides resources to expand your problem-solving skills, while also highlighting the "soft skills" that Russell Group and Top Third universities are looking for in applicants.

University of Oxford have created an online resource library to support students expand their super-curricular activities. Browse the wide-range of topics to discover new ideas and research!

Prospects allows students to research career ideas.

Not Going to Uni focuses on apprenticeships and debt-free education, and can help you find different pathways to a successful future.

The Big Choice is a Youth Career Network to help you find jobs, guidance and expert advice on different career pathways.

For more information click here.

For more information click here.

Provides information, advice, and guidance to help you make decisions on learning, training and work.

A podcast created for young people to hear first hand what it is like to be an apprentice from those who are doing the job. Gain insight into what the role of an apprenticeship is like, and how these young people are juggling study and work.

This article has been written to support parents/carers in supporting their young person in researching and applying for apprenticeships.

Search for apprenticeships in England. You don’t need an account to search, but you need to create a free account to: apply for apprenticeships, get email and text alerts about new apprenticeships and your applications and track your applications

A searchable database of work and training opportunities – use the 'Find a job' tab to get a full view of all available opportunities. These include: employer-sponsored degrees, school leaver opportunities, apprenticeships, work experience, placement schemes and insight days.

Earn a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship at Jaguar Land Rover, and gain both real-world experiences and academic recognition in an evolving and dynamic sector. You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as Jaguar Land Rover may move the closing date based on volume of applications. They have degree apprenticeships in the following pathways:

• Network Engineer
• Software
• Software with Data
• Data Analyst

Looking to work in audit, consulting, risk or finance?

A highly paid career at sea with real responsibility: apply to be a Trainee Officer. Click here for information on different roles

Apprenticeships in cyber security/software and web development/business/digital marketing/project management

Apply for apprenticeships in engineering, broadcast operating, business management and digital software engineering

Get paid while learning new skills and gaining qualifications in Barista Mastery and Customer Service. 12 month apprenticeship with guaranteed employment at the end

We're looking for bright and motivated school leavers who want a career in engineering, construction, commercial management or information technology. Fully paid-for undergraduate degree​.

As a school leaver, you have the opportunity to enter into the world of accountancy through studying and completing the AAT qualification.

A Higher Engineering Apprenticeship with GKN will prepare you for a career within our engineering and design teams over a four year programme. Read more about the different roles here

Roles in Engineering, Field Operations, and Planning.

Joining Virgin Media as an apprentice means you’re guaranteed to work with the latest tech and the most passionate people. Rated a top employer by the Government’s National Apprenticeship Service.

Legal Apprentices will either work in the Legal Services Centre, or in one of the insurance or commercial legal teams. Non-Legal Apprenticeships are designed to help you develop a career in a professional services firm undertaking roles in either finance, office management, IT, facilities or providing administrative support to a legal team.

Roles in customer service, billing, sales, engineering, HR, business management, finance, IT, cyber security and supply chain.

As an Arqiva apprentice, you’ll combine on-the-job experience with formal, accredited training to gain the knowledge and skills you’ll need for a role and career within our engineering and technology operations. You’ll join a team dedicated to service and technical excellence, providing broadcast and communication services to our renowned customers including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, EE, Vodafone, Three and Thames Water. We are now recruiting for the following roles:

• Apprentice Field Service Technicians
• Apprentice Satellite Operations Technicians
• Apprentice Cyber Security Technologists

KONE is an innovative leader in the elevator and escalator industry. Our job is to make the best of the world’s cities, buildings and public spaces. We believe that cities are part of the solution for better living. Roles in engineering.

Our Apprentice programmes give you a unique opportunity to join us across different areas of our business and undertake nationally recognised qualifications and workplace training in a dynamic and challenging industry. At the same time, you will also earn a competitive wage. You will receive ongoing support throughout the scheme, with guidance and help available from your line managers, the educational provider and a buddy/mentor.

Roles in head office, customer service, customer contact, project management, cargo, aircraft maintenance, operations (Heathrow) and business support.

The Royal Navy has a clear career structure all the way to the top – if you have the drive and the talent. There are rewarding opportunities throughout your career – both on and off duty. 21 roles available including: warfare, mine warfare, hospitality, chefs, aircrew pilot, aircraft/helicopter controller, cadet deck officer, Royal Navy Police, Royal Navy Marines reserve, medical officer, engineer officer, radiographer, dental nurse, weapons engineer, seaman/sailor, aircraft engineer, operating department practitioner, communications and information systems, naval nurse, logistics, supply chain, hydorgraphy/meteorology, biomedical scientist, cybersecurity.

• Gain professional qualifications, recognised by civilian and military employers, as well as universally-admired Royal Navy training.

• 6 weeks paid holiday, additional shore leave (on deployment) and two weeks of adventurous training every year. Free health and dental care, subsidised living costs inc. accommodation and meals.

We can offer you the opportunity to work on some of the world’s most exciting engineering and design projects. You’ll study towards one of the following technical knowledge qualifications that run over a three year period on either a block or day release basis with a training provider (usually a local university);

• Building Services Engineering Technician Degree Apprenticeship 
• Civil Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Higher apprenticeships in finance, retail, logistics and engineering and degree apprenticeships in manufacturing, corporate, logistics, retail and supply chain available.

The Army has the largest apprenticeship programme in the country, with about 95 per cent of new soldiers taking part and over 8,000 completing their apprenticeship training each year.

Roles in combat, medical care, engineering, logistics, HR/finance, intelligence, communications and IT.

In the UK we recruit over 100 apprentices each year, adding to the 320 currently under training. Read more about why you should work with us.

Intermediate Level Apprenticeships

Advanced Level Apprenticeships

Higher Apprenticeships

Just IT has helped over 1,000 young adults kick-start their careers into the Tech and Digital industry.

• Apprenticeship in IT Support & Networking
• Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing
• Apprenticeship in Software Development

Their apprenticeship programme combines practical training in a job with study. As an apprentice you’ll be working alongside experienced staff, gaining job-specific skills, earning a wage of up to £1,000 per month and getting holiday pay along with studying towards an IT or Digital Marketing qualification.

Apprenticeships in civil engineering, transport planning, building services engineering and quantity surveying.

Pilots need active support from air traffic control to fly safely. Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) are also essential to the efficiency of airports and the airline industry. With the ever-increasing volume of traffic, managing flights is a complex and sometimes pressurised job. As an ATCO, you’ll be using radar and other technology to track planes ‘en route’ between airports and keep in touch with pilots. Alternatively, you’ll be liaising with the planes on approach.

People apply – and are accepted – from all kinds of backgrounds. These online games will give you a sense of whether you might have the right kind of aptitude and skills for the role. There are also strict rules about who is eligible to apply, if you qualify and are selected you can expect to receive a generous benefits package.

A comprehensive training contract which provides supervised training over 5 years with continued career progression with the view to study the ACA or ACCA after completing the AAT.

As part of the programme, you will have a manager as your mentor and access to partners and senior staff for further guidance. Currently recruiting for two Accounts Assistants in the Corporate & Business Services Team and two Audit Assistant Trainees in the Charity and Not-for-Profit Team

Candidates will have excellent GCSE’s* with a minimum of a B grade in English Language and Maths and a minimum of 120 UCAS points or equivalent (e.g. BBB at A-Level)

One in three ads around the world has been planned by one of the GroupM media agencies Maxus, MEC, MediaCom and Mindshare, which makes us the worlds largest media planning and buying agency network. Our media agencies are responsible for planning and buying advertising campaigns for a huge number of high profile brands including eBay, Sky, BT, EE, Lloyds, Unilever, Nike, Shell, New Balance, Audi, Morrison’s, Apple, Nationwide, Universal Music, Beats by Dr Dre, Universal Films, EA Games, L’Oreal, Barclays, Danone, Tesco, Paramount, Nivea, P&G, Coca Cola, Innocent Drinks, Three Mobile, Vodafone, Compare the Market, B&Q, M&S, Mulberry, Chanel, and many more.

Alongside our apprenticeships and entry level programmes there are a number of roles you could be doing depending on your interest, skills and passions: Account Executive, Broadcast Executive, Communications/Media Planner, Data/Analytics Executive, Digital Executive, Digital Planner, Paid Social Executive, Research Executive, SEO Executive, Social Media Executive, Sponsorship & Partnerships Executive, TV Buyer or Tech Executive.

Our School Leaver Programme combines work experience with study towards a recognised professional qualification

You will start working towards the Association of Accounting Technicians qualification (AAT) where you where you will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills you need for a career in Finance and accounting, whilst earning a competitive salary at the same time. Once you successfully complete the AAT, you will will be ready to progress towards qualification as a Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA). With dedication and commitment to succeed combined with our excellent training and work experience you could be a fully qualified accountant within 5 years!

We’re a company that each day enables the transfer of £3 trillion, protects against 43 million cyber attacks, drives two thirds of the world’s SMS messages, helps satellites journey into space, and who employs 68,000 professionals in 40 countries across five continents.

We need students and school leavers, people who are passionate about technology and hungry to learn. You’ll be proving yourself from day one – solving problems, taking responsibility, making decisions, working on classified mission-critical projects. We have various apprenticeship programmes across our business ranging from levels 2-4. During your apprenticeship you’ll study for a recognised technology qualification. And what’s even better is this learning is complemented by on-the-job training on real, live projects.

Roles in Software Development, Project Management, Business Intelligence and Cyber Security.

Our School Leavers Programme provides a fantastic opportunity to start climbing the career ladder. Based in a Pret shop in London, we’ll support and develop you providing you with the skills you need to be a success in the world of work. 78% of our Managers started as Team Members, so who knows what you can achieve. Read about the pay, the programme and case studies from previous School Leavers. You'll attain an Advanced Level 3 Apprenticeship from the National Apprenticeship Service which is equivalent to A levels.

Join an apprenticeship that will last for at least 18 months and you’ll learn on the job. You’ll study towards qualifications. You’ll earn a salary. You’ll work on real projects with some of the best brains in the business. And you’ll connect with great training, coaching and support every step of the way. You’ll also feel well looked after and enjoy plenty of perks on top.

Team with vacancies include:

• Data and Analytics
• Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Accounting and Finance
• Business Administration
• Technology

This apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to build innovative solutions for clients by utilising cutting-edge technology.

You don't need to have any technical experience or programming skills. You will start your career with a four-week bootcamp where you'll learn about working at Accenture and start your training with an introduction to Java programming.

You'll develop expert digital, web and cloud computing skills, as well as expertise in project management, application and infrastructure development and business analysis. The apprenticeship lasts for 3 years, and you will gain a BSc Degree in Digital &Technology Solutions at the end of it (fully funded by Accenture).

Apprenticeships don’t have to be a Plan B. At least not at the Co-op. Our retail trailblazer programme is designed to really set you up for success, and propel you into the world of retail. You’ll get all the support you need, and unlike a lot of retail apprenticeship programs, you’ll receive a full time salary and won’t have to pay anything towards your learning. We’ll even give you an iPad to help you with your studies.

Being a retail trailblazer isn’t just stacking shelves. It’s so much more. You’ll complete 11 core modules such as brand, marketing, product and team, to name a few, showing how you’ve learnt it, shown it and lived it. 20% of your time will be spent completing these modules through interactive technology, wherever’s most convenient for you.

So that you’re set up for success, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate the required standard in maths and English. We’ll look to see if you’ve had under 12 months experience within a food retail role before, so that everything we’re teaching you is new and exciting. To find out if there is an opportunity near

you, click apply now below.

Apply Now

The supply and trading school leaver programme is an alternative to university that provides you with the relevant skills and experiences needed to succeed in a business role. You will receive the appropriate development needed to be a high performing and valued employee.

The Programme Offers:

A 5 year structured training and development programme.

Four job rotations in front office roles and have the opportunity to be involved in a wide range of commercial activity in our oil, gas and shipping sectors such as:

Analysing Market Data

• Working with Product Control.  Supporting operations team on a trading bench.

  • Working with the derivatives marketing team.

  • Supporting commercial trading as part of a financial team.

To find out if there is an opportunity near

you, click apply now below.

Apply Now

Apprenticeships worth discovering
A Lloyds Banking Group Apprenticeship is a journey of discovery – and a brilliant way for you to go from full-time education into the world of work. You’ll have financial freedom and great benefits in a permanent role with no student debt. And we’ll give you the feedback and support you need to grow and develop.

What’s a Tech Marvel (and are you one)?
Tech Marvels are resourceful, analytical and commercially-minded people who are passionate about using the most innovative developments to help us connect with customers. From coding champs to digital novices, they’re drawn to innovation and inspired to adapt technology to improve people’s lives and transform our business.

Apply now for our Apprenticeships here

Great Opportunity

Throughout the programme you'll learn the nuts and bolts of running a busy restaurant, from managing accounts, to handling stock, you will be given real managerial responsibilities from the start.

Apply Today

Knightsbridge London

Excellent opportunity for candidates who are about to complete their A Levels and have a keen interest in luxury retail.

Our 18 month programme has been designed to offer a stepping stone in to a high service selling role.

To be successful you must be organised, confident and be driven with visable passion for retail.

Further details can be found here.

KPMG 360 Digital is a four year apprenticeship programme that combines academic study with practical work experience. You'll undertake varied work experience with technology teams across the firm. At the same time you'll also study a BSc degree in Digital and Technology Solutions with our training provider, BPP University.

Apply Today

If you are focused on building a career in accountancy but do not want a university education, we offer the opportunity to gain a professional qualification and earn a salary at the same time as gaining relevant work experience for your CV.

Our London office is now recruiting non-graduates for CFAB training vacancies, to start in September 2018.

you will be given early responsibility from day one and can expect exposure to clients incorporating a wide diversity of work and various challenges that will help you develop the skills you need to succeed as an accountant.

Apply Now

Skills for life, top qualifications and an opportunity to shape the future of energy. As a National Grid apprentice, you’ll be part of an organisation that has ambitious plans for the future – and you’ll be rewarded for playing your part. From a Trailblazer Level 3 qualification (worth approximately £20,000) to world-class opportunities for training and development, working here comes with some incredible perks.

Apply Now​

Global firm Ashurst offers a great alternative pathway into Law with their Solicitor Apprenticeship scheme. Suitable for those who are interested in an alternative route to qualify as a solicitor, with an AAB at A-Level or equivalent qualification, as well as 7 GCSE's at A-C. You do not need to have studied law to apply.

Airbus is an international pioneer in the aerospace industry and a leader in designing, manufacturing and delivering aerospace products, services and solutions to customers on a global scale. Whether you’re finishing your GCSEs or A-Levels, or simply looking for a new career in Engineering, IT or Business, an apprenticeship at Airbus will give you valuable hands-on industry experience along with professional qualifications. 70% of our Senior Management in the UK started out as an Apprentice so you’ll truly have the ability to achieve extraordinary things, earn while you learn and pay no course fees while you do it.

GSK work within the healthcare industry to bring innovative, high-quality healthcare products to the sector through science-led research and testing. Their apprenticeship scheme offers a range of opportunities such as science-based careers, engineering, manufacturing, and business operations. They offer both advanced and higher apprenticeship roles, as well as degree apprenticeship opportunities

A great way to learn on the go

Read regularly and read interesting things

Here is a document of various organisations which provide free or low cost tickets to young people and students.

Reading around a subject outside of school will show you whether your interest in a particular subject is great enough to want to study it as a degree, or to work in that field.

The Worcester Bookshelf project is aimed at sharing the books that Worcester College loves with UK state school students in Year 11 to Year 13. Each term the bookshelf is restocked here, and a free copy of the book can be requested by emailing admissions@worc.ox.ac.uk. In return, you will need to write a review of the book for the college, which will then be published on their website.

The Bookshelf is restocked once a term, so be sure to check regularly to request your free copy!

Use this link and your school email to register for articles for the Financial Times. For further instructions download their PDF guide.

The presentation from our talk on "Trump in a historical perspective" can be found here.

This was delivered on 7th November 2018 by Dr Alex Goodall, Senior Lecturer in International History from UCL.