Opportunities Bulletin | Autumn Term, Week 14 | Date: 13 December 2024

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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://www.moma.co.uk/childrens-art-competitions/
Art

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

CyberFirst Girls Competition (UK)

  • Registration Deadline: Late 2024; competition runs January - March 2025

  • Description: Cybersecurity competition for girls aged 12-13, organised by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre

  • Prizes: Various awards and recognition

  • Eligibility: Year 8

Learn More


CAREERS / WORK EXPERIENCE / APPRENTICESHIPS


 

 

See full list of webinars


Gain Virtual work experience with the NHS
(virtual sessions hosted on MS Teams)

Tuesday 14 January, 4.30
Years 7-9

“Quick with the facts, help the NHS be swift to react!”

  • A 45-minute briefing with the NHS team
  • Complete the career challenge at their own pace
  • Certification awarded on completion Register now

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Wednesday 15 January, 5.00
Years 10-13

After a sudden bump and fall, should they visit A&E or is first aid enough?

  • A 45-minute briefing with the NHS team
  • Complete the career challenge at their own pace
  • Certification awarded on completion Register now

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.  

Find out more and register

 

 


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 or sign up to their newsletter

Government Economic Service (GES) - The GES degree apprenticeship programme gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while earning a fee-free Economics degree from the University of Kent. This is a unique opportunity to work in a central government department or agency on some of the most important social, environmental, and economic issues. The first cohort of apprentices graduated in 2023 with 97% achieving a 2:1 degree or higher! Find out more (apply by 6 Jan 2025)

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




 

 

FURTHER & HIGHER EDUCATION

Applications for Year 12 mA*ths Online Programme are open now!

Applications for the Year 12 mA*ths Online Programme are open now and will close on Monday, 9th December 2024 at 11.59 pm. 

The programme supports A-level Mathematics students who are considering studying a maths-related degree at university. Students on the programme will:  

  • Develop the skills they need to achieve an A*/ A in A-level Mathematics
  • Receive tailored online support and tutorial sessions from current undergraduate students
  • Attend face-to-face masterclasses at The University of Manchester
    Build confidence to apply to universities that require an A* in Mathematics for your chosen subject
  • The programme is targeted at pupils from communities underrepresented in Higher Education. Full programme information, eligibility criteria and application form can be found on the mA*ths Online webpage. (uom.link/mathsonline)

Application form: 

https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_eEsk99LLs7GqTxs

Application deadline: Thursday 2 January 2025, 09:00am

Contact: mathsonline@manchester.ac.uk.

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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 

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Applications for the Manchester Access Programme are open now!

Applications for the Manchester Access Programme (MAP), the University’s central widening access scheme, are open now. The programme helps Year 12 students in Greater Manchester, who meet specific criteria, gain a place at The University of Manchester, or another research-intensive university, through our events, workshops and an academic assignment.  
 
What are the benefits?   
  
Students who successfully complete MAP you can benefit from;  

  • A reduced offer of up to two A-Level grades below the standard entry requirements for undergraduate courses at the University of Manchester.  
  • A scholarship of £1,300 per year of undergraduate study at The University of Manchester.  
  • Expert advice on UCAS applications, personal statements and the opportunity to receive an early decision on your application to the University of Manchester before you apply through UCAS.   

Please visit www.manchester.ac.uk/undergraduate/map/ for full details.  
   
Applications are open now and will close on 15th December at 11.59pm. Students apply via our website.  
  
If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at map@manchester.ac.uk   

Students can watch a pre-recorded MAP webinar here 


Discover University of Leicester’s range of free virtual taster lectures, offering a unique glimpse into the exciting subjects you can study at Leicester.
Led by our world-leading academics, you'll also hear more about life as a student at the University of Leicester.

Subjects included are:

Modern Languages (16th Dec)

Biomedical Engineering (17th Dec)

Environmental Sciences (7th Jan)

Geography (8th Jan)

Criminology (8th Jan)

Geology (9th Jan)

Computer Science (9th Jan)

Physics (10th Jan)

Film studies (14th Jan)

Economics (14th Jan)

Psychology (15th Jan)

Law (15th Jan)

Accounting and Finance (16th Jan)

English (16th Jan)

For more information about our free talks, and to book your place visit our website here.


A Day in the Life of a Psychology Researcher
Wednesday 12 February, 9.30am - 2.30pm
Canterbury Campus, North Holmes Road, CT1 1QU

During this interactive event, students will learn more about the world of psychology research and research ethics, work together to design their own research study, and tour our state-of-the-art labs as well as find out more about the career paths a degree in Psychology can lead to. 

Find out more





Join the University of Hertfordshire online to have your questions answered, be inspired by taster lectures and get advice from experts.

  • Personal Statements: How to write an excellent one
    9 January, 19:00 - 19:45
  • Study Skills: Academic Writing and Referencing
    23 January, 16:30 - 17:15
  • Mental Health Nursing: Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health
    23 January, 16:30 - 17:15
  • Sports Taster Lecture: Learning Musculoskeletal Anatomy for Sports courses
    28 January, 16:30 - 17:15

Find out more and book any of the above events online