General Information

 

Science Enrichment for students in Y9,10 &11

Oxford University Museum of Natural History will be running another series of Natural History Investigator sessions in January 2024

These eight free Saturday sessions are for students in Years 9, 10 or 11 who are interested in science and nature. 

People taking part explore the museum's collection of animals, rock and fossils, meet experts from the museum and the wider University and devise their own research investigations. 

If you know of students that would enjoy this opportunity, please share the information attached and encourage them or their parents to get in touch with us at education@oum.ox.ac.uk by Tuesday 19th December.

 

Insight into Deloitte

15^th November 2023

Deloitte is one of the most prestigious professional services and accounting firms in the world, in fact they are the biggest out of all the Big 4. They offer audit, tax, legal and advisory services to enable brands to grow, succeed and maintain their global status. Forming number 1 of the Big 4, Deloitte has some huge profile clients, such as Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, Apple and Starbucks. Deloitte operates in over 150 countries, with over 300,000 employees, with revenues in excess of nearly $60 Billion a year. 

On Wednesday 15th November from 5pm – 6:30pm we will be hosting our first event of the year with Deloitte; this virtual webinar will be held via Zoom so you can join us from anywhere in the country! This fantastic evening will give you an insight into what Deloitte do and what a career at such a huge global firm can look like. They will be sharing tips on how you can succeed in your future, and we will be hearing from top professionals who will be sharing their personal insights to a Big 4 firm. 

Providing such a range of professional services all in-house, makes a lifetime career at Deloitte so exciting and vibrant, full of opportunities. Future ‘you’ could be auditing or advising global brands like GSK, Boeing or even Morgan Stanley!

If you’re interested in a high-flying career at one of the Big 4 - you don’t want to miss this event! To find out more on how you could begin your career at Deloitte…

 

Click here to sign up now: 

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/InsightIntoDeloitte

 

Deloitte – Insight Information Evening

20^th November 5pm – 8pm

Deloitte are delighted to invite students along to the Deloitte Reading office for our Apprenticeship Evening on Monday 20^th November from 5:00pm-8:00pm. We would be grateful if you could please share this with your students. They will:

• Hear from our recruitment team on our BrightStart Apprenticeship opportunities in Reading.
• Find out about our application process and get top hints and tips. 
• Hear from our BrightStart apprentices on their Deloitte journey so far, followed by some interactive sessions and networking

 

The event will be particularly useful for students in years 12-13 who are considering apprenticeship opportunities as we have opened our applications for a September 2024 start. Our BrightStart Apprenticeships are degree-level apprenticeships. You can find out more about our opportunities here:

https://www2.deloitte.com/uk/en/pages/careers/articles/early-careers-programmes.html

 

BrightStart Entry requirements

104 UCAS points

Pupils can sign up here for the event:

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=8UXaNizdH02vE1q-RrmZIZj4jVT1BRdJmEkhSqJZekRUOEg3NzQ3R0VaMTM3VlBOOVFPSkVUSzRDTy4u

Please note if students are under 18 they will need to be accompanied by an adult

 

Deloitte LLP

Abbots House, Abbey Street,

Reading, RG1 3BD

Students should arrive at 5:00pm and let the building reception know you are here visiting Deloitte, they will direct you to our reception.

 

AWE Apprenticeships – Information Evening

Wednesday 29 Nov 2023 | 17:00 - 19:30

Are you a parent of a year 11 or 13 student, exploring options for their future?

Join our event to learn about AWE’s apprenticeship programmes, spanning Level 2 to Level 6 in diverse fields such as Business, Laboratory Technician, Nuclear Engineering, and more! With AWE’s wide range of exceptional opportunities tailored to suit your child’s ambitions and interests, they will be supported in gaining a professional qualification, while working on projects that they won’t find anywhere else.

Event Highlights:

👋🏼 Introduction to AWE: A warm welcome and an introduction to AWE, their mission and their significance in the industry.

🔍 Exploring AWE’s Apprenticeships: Gain insights into AWE’s diverse apprenticeship programmes, ranging from Level 2 to Level 6. All apprenticeships are listed in more detail here.

🌟 Hear from Apprentices: Listen to inspiring stories from current AWE apprentices, their experiences, and the opportunities these apprenticeships have provided them.

🎤 Panel Q&A: Engage with a panel of experts from AWE to ask questions and gain clarity about the different programmes, the application processes, career progression, and more.

🗣 Networking: Connect with fellow parents and AWE representatives to gain a wider understanding and exchange valuable insights.

Spaces are limited so register now to secure your place and don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.

Event Details:

📍 Paices Hill, Aldermaston, Reading RG7 4PR,  5:00pm – 7:30pm

Sign up: https://pathwayctm.com/event/discover-awes-apprenticeships-a-parents-guide/

 

Navigating Rejections: Your Path to Success in Degree Apprenticeships

A very interesting article

https://notgoingtouni.co.uk/blogs/navigating-rejections-your-path-to-success-in-degree-apprenticeships

 

Accenture: Are you considering a career in Technology or Consulting?

On: 5th December 2023 at 6.30 - 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. 

Join Accenture for an insightful webinar where you can hear from apprentices and the recruitment team about launching your professional career in consultancy or technology. Learn how to make your application stand out and gain a deeper understanding of apprenticeship opportunities and life at Accenture.
The session includes personal experiences from a panel of current apprentices, followed by a live Q&A.

Please sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/careers-in-business-expo-hosted-by-acca-and-success-at-school-tickets-709422540917?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm_source=eventbrite&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=expoevent&utm_content=uk&goal=0_f09eb3b2c8-ce81591f55-211995373&mc_cid=ce81591f55&mc_eid=7a807bdecc

 

Meet Dentons: Life as a Solicitor Apprentice at the World's Largest Law Firm

On: 21st November 2023 at 6.30 - 7.30 pm
For: Students and parents of those in years 10 to 13. 
Are you considering a career in law? Did you know that you can become a Solicitor and gain a law degree by doing an apprenticeship? Join Dentons to find out more about applying, what the programme looks like, and how you will be supported throughout. 
PLUS: Speak with current apprentices who will offer top tips about applying and tell you more about their experience! 
Please sign up here https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ea518936-7e53-435a-997b-48f70a0b6519@182a8b31-3dab-4b92-8bb8-9526911aeba0?goal=0_f09eb3b2c8-ce81591f55-211995373&mc_cid=ce81591f55&mc_eid=7a807bdecc

 

Employment

 

Vodafone – Apprenticeship Applications are live!

Discover your goals. And we’ll help make them happen. Learn to innovate as a part of key projects, with cutting edge personal and skills development. Applications for 2024 Apprenticeships are open! Join us and you'll have the chance to explore all the exciting possibilities a Vodafone career can offer. And while you're doing that, your contribution will make a real difference too.

 

Apply now: https://vodafone.uk/Apprentices-24

 

PwC Flying Start Degree Program and Apprenticeships – Applications Open

Here at PwC we’re currently accepting applications from students for our school and college leaver opportunities, and we’d like to invite you to find out more.
 
We’re a leading Professional Services organisation with 19 offices across the UK. We work to build trust, deliver sustained outcomes, and help clients solve their most important problems by combining human ingenuity and understanding with the right technology.
 Joining PwC is an opportunity for students to learn with purpose, lead with heart and make a positive impact on the world.

For students looking to go to university whilst starting their career
Applications are open for PwC’s Flying Start degree programmes
Find out more:

 https://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/early-careers/our-programmes/flying-start-degrees.html?utm_source=uk_rec_success_at_schools&utm_medium=ct3-dm1-at-1&utm_campaign=sas-careeradvisors-fy24

For students considering an apprenticeship instead of university
Explore PwC’s range of school and college leaver opportunities
Find out more:

 https://www.pwc.co.uk/careers/early-careers/our-programmes/join-us-from-school.html?utm_source=uk_rec_success_at_schools&utm_medium=ct3-dm1-at-2&utm_campaign=sas-parents-scljobs-fy24

Want to hear more?
Sign up to PwC’s Talent Community to be the first to hear about upcoming opportunities

https://jobs.pwc.co.uk/uk/en/talent-community?utm_source=uk_rec_success_at_schools&utm_medium=ct3-dm1-at-3&utm_campaign=sas-careeradvisors-tc-fy24

 

 

Work Experience

 

BD Pitmans - Law Firm – Work Experience Opportunity & Information Webinar

BDB Pitmans will be hosting a work experience programme on the 13^th-15^th February 2024 at their Reading office for students currently in Years 12 or 13 and interested in becoming a solicitor. Applications open on the 10^th November! To register your interest and apply, please visit our website: https://www.bdbpitmans.com/careers/work-experience/?utm_source=schooloutreach&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wex0001&utm_id=wex0001

 

FREE WEBINAR: ‘SO YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT BECOMING A SOLICITOR?’

We recognise the importance of the opportunity to find out more about the legal sector at this early stage. As such we warmly invite you to attend our free webinar ‘So you’re thinking about becoming a solicitor?’ on the 20^th November 2023 from 5-6:30pm. Here you will have the opportunity to hear directly from our Early Careers Recruitment team and some current solicitors covering the following topics:

 

• Demystifying the route to becoming a lawyer – what are my options? (This session will include both the graduate trainee route as well as school leaver solicitor apprenticeship routes)
• How best to use your time before you apply
• Application top tips – what are law firms looking for?
• Student-focused Q&A breakout rooms – an opportunity to ask your questions with our recruitment team and current solicitors
• Parent/carer-focused Q&A breakout rooms – an opportunity for parents/carers to ask their questions

 

If you would like to attend this free session please register your interest by clicking this link: https://bdbpitmans.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ixslhk6mRzWH7O9zaa9w3w#/registration

 

UKAEA’s Work Experience Programme 2024 is now accepting applications from all students in academic years 10 and 11.

 

Applications can be made up until Friday 24^th November 2023.

 

More information is available here  UKAEA placements and work experience | UKAEA Careers

 

Along with the opportunity to work in a science or engineering environment we can potentially offer placements on the programme to students who may want to find out more about a business supporting role.

 These include: Finance and Procurement, Health and Safety, Communications, Buildings and Facility Management, Legal, Business Development.

 Shortlisted students from all written applications will be asked to join us for an afternoon practical session and short interview during W/C 01 April 2024, after which final offers of a place on the programme will be made.

 

Although this is a long selection process, the idea behind this is to offer as much of a real life experience in applying for a position of employment or higher education.

 Please be aware all placements will take place in person at UKAEA’s Culham Campus, there is no opportunity to work remotely.

 

Architect Work Experience & Careers Day 

Careerdays are offering this online course for students interested in Architecture on 18th November.

 

ARCHITECTURE: HOW TO APPLY SUCCESSFULLY - THE MORNING

Being an architect is a multi-facetted role and where you’ll assume lots of different roles. It’s an exciting, creative and challenging career and one which has become even more popular and competitive in recent years.

On our online architecture career day, you’ll learn all about the profession, the job roles available to you, how to get a place at university, how to secure a top job at the end of it and also get some hands on work experience too.

In the morning session we’ll focus on everything you need to do in order to study architecture at university, from your applications to subject choices at school, grades, obtaining work experience and the day in the life of an architect. By the end of the session you should have an understanding of everything you will need to do in order to get a place at university.

Choosing architecture as a career path means lots of different types of qualifications you’ll need to do & we’ll go through them all so you have a clear understanding of your path to becoming an architect.

 

ARCHITECT WORK EXPERIENCE - THE AFTERNOON

In the afternoon we’ll concentrate on giving you some meaningful work experience that you can use in your applications to university.  You’ll be tasked with designing a house extension based on the a client’s brief using online software which you’ll have access to for the course.

Not only will this task test your design skills it will also test your interpretation skills of following the client’s brief for the task.

We’ll then have a group question and answer session and at the end of the day where it’s your chance to ask any questions you may have about becoming an architect, whether that be from an academic point of view or just general questions about the profession and career prospects.

You’ll receive a certificate that you can use in your applications covering the work experience aspect of the course and by the end of the day you’ll have a better understanding of how the industry works, know what you need to do for a successful application and have some great material to use in your applications to help you secure a place.

More Information available here:

https://www.careerdays.co.uk/architect-work-experience-careers-day

 

Allied Health Work Experience

Only two Live work experience sessions remain before the UCAS January deadline for all Allied Healthcare university courses. These universities mandate work experience in a caring or service role within health or related fields, including direct observation of healthcare. Acquiring such work experience can be challenging, and there are areas that students may be interested in but cannot explore. That's why our LIVE Virtual Work Experience presents an incredible opportunity for students.

Find out more here: https://alliedhealthmentor.org/product/live-virtual-work-experience-programme/

NHS Virtual Work Experience Programme

Sunday 3rd December,

This offers a perfect opportunity for students to engage with AHP professionals, gain in-depth insights, experience a patient's journey from health concern to recovery, and receive a work experience certificate that is invaluable for their UCAS application. Those that complete the full 6-month programme will also be awarded Highly Commended References!

This programme is suitable for students in year groups 10 who are interested in the following careers:

- Nursing
- Midwifery
- Paramedicine
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Dietetics
- Radiography
- Prosthetics and Orthotics
- Speech and Language Therapy
- Pharmacy

Students can register using the link below:
https://alliedhealthmentor.org/product/live-virtual-work-experience-programme/

Once they’ve registered, students will be emailed links to their virtual work experience portals. Please ask students to check their spam folders and mark their attendance on the day in order to receive their Work Experience Certificates.

During the work experience day, students will follow 2 patients from their initial presentation to recovery. They will gain a unique insight into how patients interact with a variety of healthcare professionals and what it’s like to work in an NHS multidisciplinary team.

Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals throughout each day. This will empower students to make an informed career decision and demonstrate their commitment to healthcare in their UCAS applications.

Students can register individually at any time throughout the 6-month programme using the link below. We recommend booking early to gain as much out of this programme as possible. Places are £10 a session to cover administrative and technological costs.

Please forward these details to your interested students so they can participate in the monthly virtual work experience days: https://alliedhealthmentor.org/nhs-healthcare-careers-virtual-work-experience/
 

Colleges

 

Local College Open Days Listing

 

Activate Learning Applications 

 Applications for 2024/25 are now open and students can apply online via our college websites or during one of our open events.  Our Advice & Admissions Team have asked that you please remind students of the following information: 

• Please can they use an email address they have continuous access to 
• They must check spam folders for application updates 
• Save the Activate Learning phone number (0800 612 6008) as a contact in their mobile phones so that they can be sure to answer it (please note, not all students will receive a phone call during the application process this year)
• Include the name of their current school where requested 
• Add detail about any support needs so that we can continue to provide appropriate measures at college                    
• Update Activate Learning of any changes to contact details 
• Students are welcome to apply for more than one course, however they will only receive an offer for a maximum of two courses
• Many of our courses are oversubscribed. Therefore, places will be allocated by application and enrolment date order. Students are advised to put their applications in early to avoid disappointment
• Offers are subject to GCSE results and enrolment completion.

 

Please refer to our ‘How to Apply’ guide for more information: https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk/apply/

Pathways in the Spotlight 

Reading College - IT & Computing

 Students interested in our IT & Computing pathway will learn to design algorithms, use logical reasoning to debug errors, create programmes, and understand the differences between data and information.

Our team of expert tutors create opportunities for students to gain industry insights and experience through employer visits and projects. Learners can progress from this pathway into a number of jobs within the sector, including helpdesk operator, business analyst, IT manager, or director of IT operations.

With Berkshire offering jobs in IT, numbering 111% above the national average, there are plenty of local opportunities available to seek employment within an industry contributing £53.2bn to the UK economy. 

 More information on the IT & Computing courses we offer: https://bit.ly/3FLtTyx

 

Bracknell & Wokingham College and Reading College – Business T Level

Our Business T Level is the ultimate blend of classroom study and industry placement, making it perfect for impressing employers and universities!  Equivalent to three A Levels, T Levels give students the opportunity to move on to university or higher apprenticeships, as well as into employment.

 

The course has been designed in collaboration with employers and businesses, so that students will learn everything they need to prepare for their next stage.  Students will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector and get the chance to specialise in subjects that are relevant to their interests.

 

They will undertake a practical work placement in a real-world environment, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn from professionals and utilise their rapidly increasing knowledge and skills.  If you have learners who are considering a career in Business, Management, or Administration, the Business T Level could be for them!  

More information on the Business T Level:  https://bit.ly/3shAjSW

 

University Information & Summer Schools

 

Pathway to Bath:

The University of Bath runs Pathway to Bath, a free blended learning programme that gives students the chance to work online alongside experienced staff and current students, to develop key skills for university study and beyond. They will also be given the opportunity to apply for a place on a free 3-day residential visit to campus in the summer, to experience life as a student at Bath.

The programme is designed to fit around a busy A level (or equivalent) schedule - students can work through the sessions wherever and whenever suits them. Live sessions will take place on Wednesday late afternoons but will be recorded to watch back if they can't make it.

Students who complete the programme will benefit from:

 

• the opportunity to get a reduced offer to study at Bath (contextual offer) and a guaranteed offer on successful completion
• developing key skills and knowledge for university and beyond
• valuable experiences to include in a UCAS application
• access personalised support to apply to university
• meeting other like-minded students with similar study interests and future plans

 

https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/pathway-to-bath-programme/

 

Corpus Christie College Cambridge University

Pelican Program – Applications Open

The Pelican Programme is Corpus' flagship access scheme in the Arts & Humanities and is designed to not only introduce students to new and exciting super-curricular resources and themes, but also to stretch, challenge, and sharpen their oracy skills. This sustained and intensive programme runs for six-months, with students meeting online in small groups every fortnight to analyse and critique set pre-reading under the supervision and guidance of a subject expert. In addition to these subject experts, every student also has more admissions-focused sessions with members of the Corpus Admissions Team and, if they successfully complete the programme, will be in a very strong position to make a competitive application to any selective university. At the end of the programme, those students who have completed it are invited for a short residential event here at Corpus to celebrate their achievement, where they finally get to meet each other in-person and can meet current undergraduates studying their subjects at Cambridge. 

 

This year the Pelican Programme will include the following subject streams:

• Architecture (new for 2024)
• Classics
• English
• History
• Law
• Modern and Medieval Languages (French & Spanish)
• Philosophy

 

For Classics we encourage students who have an interest in any ancient literature, language, or culture, to consider putting themselves forwards; the sessions will be based around pre-readings and skills that would be applicable to any of the following subjects:

• Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic
• Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
• Classics (obviously)
• History of Art
• Modern and Medieval Languages (if not covered by the MML specific stream)

 

For Philosophy we encourage students who are also interested in the following subjects to consider putting themselves forwards:

• Ethics
• Philosophy (obviously)
• Religious Studies
• Theology

 

For more info about the programme please visit our webpage ➡️ https://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/pelican

 

Please talk to your teacher if you would like to be nominated for this program.