Useful Information

Eclips

This is an excellent site with accurate information on over 1400 jobs, including live labour market information and a wealth of impartial advice on education and employment choices. eCLIPS helps young people to make informed study and career decisions.

www.eclips-online.co.uk - Login using password: naisti27

 

Student Finance – Martin Lewis

The five things students need to know: Martin Lewis: Five Student Need to Knows

 

Medics & Lawyers

The Medic Portal is a renowned resource for aspiring medical students, offering comprehensive preparation for UCAT, BMAT, and medical school interviews. It's recognized for its quality support and proven track record, having assisted thousands of applicants each year. With a wide array of courses, tutoring, and free resources, The Medic Portal is dedicated to helping students navigate the challenging journey of medical school admissions.

Find out more here: Get Into Medicine | Trusted UCA & Interview Prep

The Lawyer Portal is a comprehensive resource for individuals considering a career in law. It offers a wide range of information and services, including guides on different pathways into the legal profession, workshops, and events like mock trials and summer schools. The portal is in partnership with key legal institutions such as the Law Society, the Bar Council, and CILEx, and is supported by The University of Law. It's designed to assist aspiring legal professionals at every stage, from students to practicing lawyers, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the legal field.

Find out more here: The Lawyer Portal | The Resource for Aspiring Legal Professionals

Employment

 

Higher & Degree Apprenticeships – January issue: Higher & Degree Apprenticeships | Amazing Apprenticeships

 

The NHS Finance Insights Placement Scheme – 12 Months Paid Employment

This scheme offers a paid 12‑month role within a local NHS finance team, designed for young people aged 18+ from lower socio‑economic backgrounds. It enables students to earn, learn, and build confidence as they begin their careers.

“The insights scheme has been an amazing opportunity that allowed me to showcase my skills and gain new expertise that sets me apart from others my age.” — Current student, Oxfordshire

Why this matters - Many students have the ability to thrive but lack access to networks, opportunities, or financial support. This scheme helps bridge that gap, offering practical experience and a pathway into the NHS without needing to attend university.

What students receive

• A full‑time paid placement (salary from £25,272) plus NHS employee benefits
• 12 months of real finance experience within NHS teams
• Rotations across different finance functions
• Training, development events and networking
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Access to NHS discount schemes
• A strong route into future apprenticeships or entry‑level roles

This opportunity suits students who enjoy problem‑solving, working with numbers, using computers, or who simply want to gain professional experience while contributing to the NHS.

Eligibility

Students must:

• Be 18+ and from a lower socio‑economic background
• Attend or have recently attended a state school or college
• Not be planning to attend university

Care leavers who meet the criteria receive an automatic interview.

Applications open now, closing date: 8 May 2026

Interviews: June–July 2026

Placements start: September 2026

For more information and how to apply: NHS Finance Insights placement scheme

 

KPMG – Applications Now Open

Apply now and join our Advisory team through a range of Consulting or Technology programmes.

Use code TSOC2026 when completing your application. To find out more, visit our website: KPMG Vacancies

 

INSIGHT EVENTS & WORK EXPERIENCE

 

CISCO Work Experience

This programme is for all students in Year 11/12 or equivalent and based in the UK. The form is to be completed by the student themselves and applications close 4th May 2026.

Our current plans are to notify students of their application outcome on May 12th via email, however if we reach unprecedented demand for spaces we will close applications sooner. So, my advice to the students is to give it their best and apply as soon as they can!

If your students are applying to a hybrid programme, I encourage them to check what their travel would be to an office before applying to save issues further down the line. Also, for the virtual days/programme a device with a laptop/microphone is required as it is part of the experience as that's what we do at Cisco!

 

Cisco Pathways Work Experience - July 6th-10th

Option 1- Hybrid (2 days in office & 3 days virtual) Bedfont or Manchester

➡️ Hybrid Work Experience - Hybrid WE Survey

Option 2 - Fully Virtual

➡️ Virtual Work Experience - Virtual WE Survey

 

Crowe Careers – Y12 Sumer Work Experience – Reading

My name is Richard Beagley, I am an Executive in the Talent Acquisition team at Crowe UK. We are an accounting firm with a focus in Audit, Tax, Advisory and Consulting.  I am getting in touch to talk about our Insight Week offering at our Thames Valley office as, alongside my main role, I also support the office on their work experience offerings.  This opportunity is a week’s work experience focused on students in year 12, which will offer them an insight into a professional services firm and what a training contract in accounting could entail.

This year we are hosting the event during the week commencing 27th July. Students will be in the office for 5 days, learning from our various teams on the work that they do on a daily basis.

Additionally, there will be an in-person Excel masterclass. Complemented with various skill building sessions we hope will help students once they start to make applications and attend assessment centres.

This includes:

• CV writing
• Interview skills training
• Mock assessment centre activities

It will be a great opportunity for students to build up their confidence in a professional environment, meet fellow students from other schools with a similar interest and begin building up a network within professional services. Not only with my team but the various teams within the Thames Valley office.

For students to be considered for a spot during this week, they will need to email me at Richard.beagley@crowe.co.uk with their CV and a short paragraph detailing why they are interested in the opportunity and what they hope to gain from the experience.

There are limited spaces and I am getting in touch with a range of schools & colleges in the local area, so places aren’t guaranteed. Emails and CV’s will be reviewed over the next few weeks and those that are successful will be contacted regarding the next steps in this process.

Richard Beagley, Executive, Talent Acquisition
Crowe UK LLP R+ Building, 2 Blagrave Street, Reading, RG1 1AZ

 

Medical & Dental Work Experience

I am pleased to share this month’s free virtual medical and dental work experience session on General Practice and Public Health & Oral Pathology is now available. All students in years 10-12 are invited to attend.

Students can register for free here:

Medicine: Get Into Medicine Conference Sign Up - Medic Mentor

Dentistry: Get Into Dentistry Conference Sign Up – Dental Mentor

Medical and dental schools universally require proof of work experience, making it essential for aspiring doctors and dentists at your school to take advantage of these free virtual sessions. By completing the full rotation, four months for dental, or six months for medical, across various specialties, participants will earn a Work Experience Certificate.

To fully contextualise their work experience in their UCAS application, we also require students to attend a free virtual Get into Medicine conference on Sunday 19th or Saturday 25th April 9am - 1:30pm.

Dr Siva is a previous NHS doctor and UCAS expert, and Dr Scarlett is a current Dental Student and Chief Mentor who will equip your students with the skills and resources they need to get into medicine or dentistry. This includes:

• How to Make the Most Out of Medical or Dental Work Experience
• Personal Statements
• Medical/Dental School Interviews
• Perspectives from Recently Successful and Current Applicants
• How to access Medical/Dental Awards, Leadership Programmes, and Extracurricular activities
• Scholarships to study Medicine or Dentistry at University.

All attendees are free to ask questions throughout the conference. If any of your students have questions about UCAS or how to become a doctor/dentist, this is their opportunity to ask them!

Accessing free medical/dental work experience and advice is crucial to inspiring students to consider a career in medicine or dentistry, so I’m very grateful to you for spreading the word.

Kind regards,

Dr (Prof) Dhakshana Sivayoganathan
Medical Director of Medic Mentor (part of Mentorverse)

Previously successful Dental students: Successful Student Journeys – Dental Mentor

From Secondary School Student to Medical Scholarship Student: a step-by-step guide on getting into medical school successfully: Become a Medic Mentor Student Teacher Version - Medic Mentor

Website: Medic Mentor Awards Programme – Dental Mentor

Enquiry Form: Contact Us - Medic Mentor

 

Technology Innovation Challenge Students aged 14 - 18

Many students enjoy solving puzzles, analysing problems, or coming up with creative ideas, but may not realise that these are the same skills used in many technology careers. Experiences that challenge students to apply these abilities in new contexts can help them see how their strengths relate to future opportunities.

The Tech Mentor National No-Code Hackathon is a STEM enrichment experience where students work in teams to solve real-world challenges using modern digital tools.

Event details:

Sunday 12th April - 10:00am - 4:00pm (online)

Students aged 14 – 18 - £15 per student

Further information and registration: Tech Mentor - Build tech that makes a difference

About the event

During the hackathon, students are placed into small teams and introduced to a challenge based on a real-world problem. Working together, they explore ideas and develop a digital concept or prototype using beginner-friendly no-code platforms such as Lovable.

The event mirrors how many modern technology teams work: analysing a problem, generating ideas, building a solution, and presenting it clearly.

Mentors introduce the tools at the start of the event and guide students throughout the day as they develop their solutions. No coding or technical experience is required.

Through the experience, students gain insight into how technology and digital innovation are used in practice, including areas such as:

• Software and app development
• Artificial intelligence and digital tools
• Product design and innovation
• Teamwork within technology environments

Participants also develop practical abilities in problem solving, collaboration, and communicating ideas clearly.  Students receive a certificate of participation and complete a project that can be referenced in portfolios, applications, or personal statements.  Winning teams will progress to the National Finals on 11th July 2026, where teams will compete for prizes of up to £1,000.

Students can register individually using the link below. Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration: Tech Mentor - Build tech that makes a difference

Website: Tech Mentor - Build tech that makes a difference

Enquiry Form: Tech Mentor - Build tech that makes a difference

 

Future Skills Programme – Careers in STEM – Students in Yrs 9 & 10

26^th – 29^th May

We are very excited to share the fantastic news with you that, due to the huge success of our February Half Term pilot course, we will be re-running our: FUTURE SKILLS PROGRAMME: Careers in STEM over the May Half Term and the *APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

This virtual programme is designed to inspire students, broaden their understanding of STEM careers, and equip them with the skills and confidence needed to make informed choices and succeed in future applications and the workplace.

How long will it take to complete?  Approximately 30 hours flexibly

How much will it cost? £50 (Fully funded bursaries are available for eligible students, criteria is here: Bursaries

This course is perfect for your students who:

• Have an interest or curiosity in STEM, engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, or future careers
• Would benefit from early exposure to real-world STEM pathways, including apprenticeships, technical routes, and university options
• Are beginning to think about GCSE subject choices, post-16 options, or longer-term career ideas
• May not yet see themselves in a STEM career but would benefit from inspiration, role models, and insight into local and regional opportunities
• Are motivated to develop employability skills such as communication, networking, and professionalism

The course is suitable for all abilities — enthusiasm and curiosity are far more important than prior knowledge and at the end of the course, students will graduate as Bronze-level Industrial Cadets, a nationally recognised award they can use as evidence of their experience to support future applications and career journeys.

Please use the link below for further details: Programmes - The Future Skills Programme: Careers in STEM

 

BDO Work Insight Program

I am really pleased to let you know that we have extended the deadline for applications to the programme to Friday 24th April, meaning your students still have time to apply. We'd love if you could remind students about this brilliant opportunity, using the information below!

The details for the Work Insight Programme:

Date: Monday 29th June, Tuesday 30th June, Wednesday 1st July

Time: 9am - 4pm

Location: BDO’s Reading Office: Level 12, Thames Tower, Station Road, Reading, RG1 1LX

Over the course of this three-day work experience programme at BDO's Reading office, students will:

• Meet with members of staff at BDO to find out more about their experience working in professional services
• Develop their transferable skills to help them succeed in their future careers, by improving their problem solving, teamwork, and public speaking
• Complete project-based scenarios to help them understand more about what it’s like to work at an organisation like BDO
• Find out more about early careers opportunities at BDO and how to succeed in these

We think this opportunity would be particularly useful for any students who are interested in careers in business, finance, or specifically within accountancy, as well as students who are considering apprenticeship options for after sixth form.

Application Link: BDO Work Insight Programme: Reading

Application Deadline: Thursday 24^th April

 

Student Scholarship Opportunity – Economics, Business, Engineering, Law & Medicine

The programme offers Economics & Business, Engineering, Law, and Medicine streams for students aged 16-18, taught online in small academic groups, alongside one-to-one sessions, by Oxbridge alumni and academics, with a focus on university-level learning and application preparation.

Students can apply for scholarships here (deadline 1st May): Scholarships - Impetus Education

We are offering multiple scholarships this round:

• 4 Full Scholarships (100% waiver of the programme fee)
• 30 Partial Scholarships (up to 70% of the fee)

Over the past three years, we have awarded 10+ full scholarships and 50+ partial scholarships to outstanding students worldwide. Previous winners and participant testimonials are available on our website and social media channels. Scholarships are awarded on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@impetus.education if you have any questions.

College Information

Please see attached for all local college open days and contact details: College Open Days

Universities

Oxford Brookes - Y12 Computer Science Workshops- May Half Term

I am writing to share an exciting, fully funded opportunity at Oxford Brookes University for your Year 12 students this upcoming May half-term.  We still have a few places available for our Levelling Up workshop, designed specifically to inspire Year 12 girls and non-binary students.

Key Details:

Who: Year 12 girls and non-binary students. (Note: They do not need to be studying A-Level Computer Science to attend!)

What: A 3-day hands-on workshop supported and mentored by current women on our university tech courses.

Where: Oxford Brookes University.

Cost: Completely free.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience a university environment, build their confidence, and learn new skills with the support of dedicated mentors.

I have attached a PDF flyer linked here. I would be incredibly grateful if you could share this, along with the application link below, with any eligible students who might be interested: ECM Outreach and Widening Participation - BCS Levelling Up: Computer Science 2026

 

Henley Business School – University of Reading - Pathways to Property

Summer School Residential – 14^th – 17^th July

Pathways to Property is a charitable programme run by Henley Business School that’s designed to raise awareness about the vast range of careers available within the Real Estate industry.

Applications for our annual Real Estate residential summer school close in just 6 days time. Don’t let your Yr12 students miss out on this amazing opportunity. It is being held at the University of Reading on 14 – 17 July 2026. All travel, accommodation and food will be paid for. Students will continue to be supported after their attendance.

The fully funded four-day course is ideal for students who have an interest in the property sector and who would like to learn more about the industry. Over the course of four days, your students will:

• Sit in on taster lectures
• Visit a large development site and learn how they operate
• Get involved in group projects and debates
• Develop key skills such as networking and presentation skills
• Attend a mini careers fair with leading names from the industry
• Hear from industry professionals about the incredible career opportunities available via degrees and apprenticeships
• Stay in our university halls, gaining a first-hand experience of university life

Students who attend our Summer School will be invited to carry out a work experience placement in October and participate in an e-mentoring programme.

We will continue to support students through our Propel alumni programme sending them relevant information. If they choose to undertake a property industry focused degree or qualification, they will be eligible to apply for up to £30,000 in bursary funding and if they study Real Estate at Reading University they will receive a guaranteed conditional contextual offer plus a welcome bursary.

Applications close 19th April - P2P Summer School 2026 | Henley Live

 

Reading University - Subject Tasters

Planners of the Future: A Real Estate and Planning Taster Day - Wednesday 10 June 2026

At this free-of-charge event, students will have the opportunity to experience what studying our range of Real Estate Planning and Development programmes at the University of Reading will be like, through participating in an interactive planning workshop, hearing from invited guests about what it means to be a planner, taking part in a campus walk to the site of the future European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts and meeting our current students and staff.

Bookings are open for students to sign up now and we'll be in touch soon with further details: Thank you for requesting a place at our Planners of the Future Taster Day on Wednesday 10th June 2026.

Full Programme of Subject Taster Days - July - August 2026

We will soon be releasing details of our full programme of summer taster days, including subjects such as English, Computer Science, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Food Science, Psychology, Sociology, History, Archaeology, Law, Criminology, Politics, Philosophy and Economics!

Keep an eye on our Subject Tasters webpage for upcoming information on dates and how to book: Subject tasters

Kind regards,

Eileen Wooller
Careers Leader

ewooller@littleheath.org.uk