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BDO are hosting a School Leaver insight evening on Monday 22nd April at our Ipswich office aimed at current Year 12 students looking for their next step after Year 13. The session will cover the Apprenticeship programmes at BDO across East Anglia and will include all information required on how to apply when we open for applications in Autumn 2024.

The session will start at 4.30pm and will last around an hour. The evening will give students an insight as to what we do at BDO, our culture, interview tips and details on our application process. There will be a chance to meet a variety of our local team from trainees to partners and ask any questions they may have.

The evening is free to attend but Students will need to sign up on Eventbrite. Details are also included on the poster.

Eventbrite link:

4.30pm: BDO School Leaver Insight Evening, Monday 22nd April 2024

More information about our school leaver roles can be found on our website at School Leavers (bdo.co.uk).

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You will do a fully funded BSc Quantity Surveying degree whilst gaining practical experience at work, followed by further studies and assessments to become a RICS member. No experience necessary. You’ll become an integral part of the business as we continue to grow with a forward-thinking and approachable team.

Closing date

26 Apr 2024

Possible start date

02 Aug 2024

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BDO Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme 

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BDO Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme 

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We’re BDO. An accountancy and business advisory firm, providing the advice and solutions businesses need to navigate today’s changing world.

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This is your opportunity to earn while you learn, getting hands-on experience on real projects while enjoying all the support you need to achieve a recognised professional qualification. Join a friendly and diverse bunch who work hard to achieve success and know how to have fun too.

Job ID:

R13346

Location:

London, United Kingdom; Southampton, United Kingdom; Leeds, United Kingdom; Reading, United Kingdom; Ipswich, United Kingdom; Guildford, United Kingdom; Glasgow, United Kingdom; Gatwick, United Kingdom; Norwich, United Kingdom; Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Greater Manchester, United Kingdom; Cambridge, United Kingdom; Bristol, United Kingdom; Birmingham, United Kingdom; Liverpool, United Kingdom

Date posted:

18 September 2023

Category:

School Leaver

BDO Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme
Salary: £22,700 - £24,000

Locations: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Guildford , Ipswich, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Norwich, Manchester, Nottingham, Reading, Southampton .

We're BDO. An accountancy and business advisory firm, providing the advice and solutions businesses need to navigate today's changing world.

The entrepreneurial businesses we work with are Britain's economic engine - ambitious and high-growth businesses that fuel the economy - and the owners and management teams that lead them.

THIS IS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS

When you work in audit, your work will matter from day one. It's about solving challenges and delivering high-quality reporting that make sure businesses and organisations can trust the numbers they use to make decisions. It's varied and it's challenging. You'll be part of our High Performing Audit teams, gaining a deep understanding of a huge range of sectors and organisations, as you're supported and challenged every day to deliver high quality work. That's why we look for curious and driven people who are ready to learn and take real pride in what they do. It's an exciting opportunity to learn the business world inside-out and do work that makes a real difference.

The Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme

Our four-year Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme (five year in Scotland) is your opportunity to combine work experience with achieving your professional qualifications. We'll cover your fees and give you the training and support you need to balance your work and studies . T raining isn't just about passing the exams, you'll learn a range of personal, management and commercial skills that will help you become a fully rounded professional.

We have opportunities in the following Audit teams ;

Audit - Not for Profit - Nottingham

Audit - Technology Risk Assurance - Birmingham

Audit - Technology Risk Assurance - London

Audit - London Audit Group - Cambridge

Audit - Guildfor d

Audit - Glasgow

Audit - Edinburgh

Audit - Business Assurance - Ipswich

Audit - Public Sector Audit (Internal Audit) - Bristol

Audit - Public Sector Audit (Internal Audit) - Birmingham

Audit - Public Sector Audit (Internal Audit) - Southampton

This programme will begin in September 202 4

We want you to thrive in an environment built to help you succeed. We're looking for the following:

When you join us, we'll make your growth our priority. We're always looking for ways to invest in and develop our people. That means providing you with an environment where you can grow, learn, and feel respected, at all times .

Why Accountancy at BDO?

Ask anyone what they love about working at BDO and they'll tell you it's the people. We're a friendly and diverse bunch who work hard to achieve the best outcomes and know how to have fun too. We work in an agile way, with a mix of time in the office, at audited entities and from home. We're prioritising time in the office to really support your development as part of the programme so it's important to live a commutable distance from the office.

We're also committed to your wellbeing. Agile working gives you flexibility around how you work to achieve the best quality outcomes for you, your team and the firm. And we offer an extensive range of benefits that cover your lifestyle, protection, money and wellbeing - everything you need to perform at your best in and out of work.

This is where it all begins. Start your career journey with BDO.

Closing date to apply: 26 th March 202 4

Our firm is distinctive and we want to preserve and build on the strengths of our culture and the characteristics that make us both successful and different. We look for people from all kinds of backgrounds who share these same qualities.

Apply now Save job

Success Profile

What makes a successful 2024 Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme? Check out the traits we're looking for and see if you have the right skill level.

Business thinking

Communicating

Decision making

Developing self & others

Collaborating

Innovation & Change

Our culture at BDO

We're a thriving business that is respectful and client-focused while remaining firmly anchored in our core purpose - helping you succeed. Our Unifying Culture encourages us to be ourselves, to be inspired, challenged, collaborative and ultimately successful.

Agile working

We give you choice and flexibility around how, when and where you work, providing you with the environment, digital tools and training to enable you to deliver your best for yourself, your team, and your clients.
Learn more

Be yourself

Here you'll enjoy the space to share ideas and do excellent work, surrounded by exceptional colleagues in a supportive culture that encourages you to be yourself.
Learn more

Wellbeing

Wellbeing at BDO includes physical, financial and mental health and our priorities and focus each year are informed by what our people tell us is most important to them.
Learn more

How we'll support you.

We offer a range of support services to help you thrive in your new role. From study leave to taking care of your mental wellbeing, we'll be with you every step of the way.

BDO gives you the opportunity to be yourself, you can feel it from the moment you apply. Our People Managers and Buddies enable us to be the best version of ourselves.

Manav Krishnan,

Audit School Leaver Apprentice

BDO is a fantastic firm to be a part of as the organisation is fast growing and bold. The culture revolves around people and progressing with purpose. This has enabled me to develop rapidly and kick start my career.

Jake Revell,

Advisory School Leaver Apprentice

From the day I started as a school leaver, I've really felt like part of the team. I really enjoy being able to come into the office and collaborate with the rest of the team from both a work and social perspective.

Joseph Hester,

Tax School Leaver Apprentice

MEET LAURA

Find out why she completed an Apprenticeship at BDO.

Rewards & Benefits

We offer a wide range of core and voluntary benefits, with a few examples below.

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2024 Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme at BDO

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Learn more about applying for 2024 Audit School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme at BDO

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Job Description

Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Norwich, Belfast.

At Aviva, we're best known for providing insurance. And there are lots of factors that affect how much it costs. This includes the type of cover being provided, the likelihood of something bad happening, the value of what's being insured, and the customer's history of making claims in the past.

Our underwriters take all this, and more, into account. They assess whether it's something we'd be comfortable to insure and, if so, how much we would charge our customer for it.

Join us as an Underwriting Apprentice and you'll be learning from some of the most skilled underwriters in the insurance industry. What's more, you'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and enjoy a permanent role from day one.

We don't expect you to have had any previous underwriting experience - our structured programme will teach you everything you need to know. Right now, we are more interested in your passion, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Underwriting spans all areas of our insurance business. As an Underwriting Apprentice here, you'll be working alongside and learning from some of the most skilled underwriters in commercial insurance.

We will teach you how to work with our customers and you'll get to spend time building relationships with our brokers (and other parts of the business), helping secure new business while ensuring our existing customers get the best solutions, tailored to their wants and needs.

Everything you do will have an impact on Aviva and our customers, so you'll need to be passionate about delivering the best service and results. At the same time, we'll sponsor your continued studies as you work towards becoming a qualified underwriter.

You'll spend 80% of your time working in the role and 20% working towards accredited qualifications. These studies will be with a national training provider and usually take three years to complete.

In your first year you will usually follow our in-house training plan and complete a Certificate in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

If you're based in England, you might spend your second and third year working towards your Level 4 Insurance Professional Apprenticeship qualification. You'll also gain a Diploma in Insurance from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

If you're based in Scotland, you'll likely work towards a SCQF Level 8 Insurance Technical in your second and third year as well as your Diploma in Insurance.

Throughout, you'll be working alongside a community of highly skilled and experienced professionals who will be on hand to support and encourage you every step of the way. This is a brilliant learning environment - a place where everyone is welcome to share ideas, ask questions, and seek out advice.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A salary of £23,900 per year

Paid study time and support towards professional qualifications

A permanent job from the start

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

Eligible for a performance-related bonus

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering time to get involved in projects and local communities

To join us on this apprenticeship, you'll need (or be on track to achieve) at least two A-Levels or three Scottish Highers. Or have an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

You will also need at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at grades A*-C (9-4) or have equivalent qualifications. These must include English and Maths.

New insights, perspectives, and diversity of thought are invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need any previous experience in underwriting to apply.

Instead, we're looking for:

A confident communicator

Someone who can adapt well to different tasks and situations

The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Most importantly, you'll need to be naturally curious, keen to take the lead when it comes to your own development, and excited by the prospect of building a long-term career with Aviva.
This apprenticeship role can be based in Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Norwich, or Belfast. It's likely you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this smart working. Three days in the office and two days from home is a typical example, but that can vary. When you join us, your leader will discuss what works best for you, your team, and the business.

Smart working means you'll still need to live within commuting distance of the office you'll be based in. That way, you will get to spend time with your team in person as well as virtually. It'll also help you access the support and people that will help you succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We're here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a diverse mix of cultures, genders, ages, perspectives, and ideas.

What's the application process?

Please note: If we have a lot of responses, applications may close early. So, it's best to apply as early as you can.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations, and submit it along with a copy of your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete a situation strength test and an online numerical reasoning test.

Pass that and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

Additional Information

We are inclusive - we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way. So, regardless of gender, why not apply? And if you're in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working - spending around 60% of their time in our offices and 40% at home.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.

Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll arrange an alternative method.

To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here.

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Underwriting Apprentice - Level 4 - Aviva

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Job Description Location: Birmingham, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Norwich, Belfast. At Aviva, we're best known for providing insurance. And there are lots of factors that affect how much it costs. This includes the type of cover being provided, the likelihood of something bad happening, the value of what's being insured, and the customer's history of making claims in the past.

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Claims Apprentice

In Summary

If you're the kind of person who takes pride in delivering first class customer service, then this could be the route for you!

Job Description

Locations: Bristol, Glasgow, London or Norwich

Claims are at the heart of our business. It's where customers really get to feel the benefit of what we do. That's why our Claims teams are so important. They're there for customers when something goes wrong and to help get things back to normal as soon as possible.

Claims can be for little things - a broken window or a leaky washing machine. Or they can be for major life events like a serious car accident. No claim is the same, which means you'll never know what you'll encounter from one day to the next.

Our claims roles are varied, each one has its own learning journey. But join us as a Claims Apprentice and you'll be learning from some of the most passionate and caring colleagues in our business. What's more, you'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and enjoy a permanent role from day one.
What does it involve?
Across our Claims business we offer three levels of apprenticeship qualification. These roles all have a specialist element, which could be customer, supply chain management or even marine claims! You will have the opportunity to confirm your preference(s) on your application form.

Customer and Casualty Claims
Level 3 (England), SCQF6 (Scotland)
Locations: Glasgow and Norwich

As a customer Claims Apprentice you'll start by learning the ropes within one of our Motor Claims Notification teams. These are the people our customers call when they first want to notify us about a claim, so you can expect to deal with customers on the phone and by email on a daily basis.After this, your next placement is likely to be in a more specialist team, such as Liability or Loss, giving you the chance to develop more detailed and specialised experience and knowledge. From here, you could move to a different area to broaden your experience still further or decide to dive deeper into a specialism.

Supply Chain Apprentice
Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Chain Manager
Location: Norwich

As a Supply Chain Apprentice, you will support the Procurement team in delivering a brilliant service for colleagues and customer alike while studying to become a Procurement and Supplier Management professional. The role is varied and will allow you to build strong risk and governance skills as well as well as gaining commercial and management skills. You will work towards a professional qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

Marine Claims Apprentice
Level 4 Insurance Practitioner
Location: London

As a Marine Claims Apprentice, you will be responsible for being the first port of call for our customers when they make a claim on their marine insurance. It might be for a boat or even a submarine! You will work with our internal and external partners to handle marine losses, utilising our philosophies and standards to deliver brilliant customer-focussed and commercial outcomes. You will also become an expert in identifying fraud and work with external specialists.

Technical and Financial Claims
Level 6 Insurance Practitioner
Location: Bristol and London

Our Financial and Technical Claims teams work on some of Aviva's biggest and most complex cases. You might be looking at large property or financial claims to help our customers get their businesses or homes back on track. You will work in small specialist teams (some of the best in the industry) to build your knowledge and confidence while delivering brilliant commercial customer outcomes. Throughout, you'll study for a Level 6 Apprenticeship, which is equivalent to a degree.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A salary of £23,900 per year

Paid study time and support towards professional qualifications

A permanent job from the start

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

Eligible for a performance-related bonus

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering time to get involved in projects and local communities

To join us on a Level 3 Apprenticeship, you'll need at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at grades A*-C (9-4) or have equivalent qualifications. These must include English and Maths.
Where will you be based?
For a Level 4 and 6 Apprenticeship, you will need the above qualifications plus have, or be on track to achieve, at least three A Levels (grades B, C, C or above) or four Scottish Highers (grades B,B,B,C or above) - or a Level 3 equivalent qualification.

New insights, perspectives, and diversity of thought are invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need any previous experience in claims to apply.

Instead, we're looking for:

A genuine passion for helping customers

Excellent communication skills

Someone who can show initiative and look for different ways to get the best outcome for our customers and our business

The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Good prioritisation and planning skills Most importantly, you'll need to be naturally curious, keen to take the lead when it comes to your own development, and excited by the prospect of building a long-term career with Aviva.

These apprenticeships can be based in Bristol, Glasgow, London or Norwich. It's likely you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this smart working. Three days in the office and two days from home is a typical example, but that can vary. When you join us, your leader will discuss what works best for you, your team, and the business.

Smart working means you'll still need to live within commuting distance of the office you'll be based in. That way, you will get to spend time with your team in person as well as virtually. It'll also help you access the support and people that will help you succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We're here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a diverse mix of cultures, genders, ages, perspectives, and ideas.

What's the application process?

Please note: If we have a lot of responses, applications may close early. So, it's best to apply as early as you can.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations, and submit it along with a copy of your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete a situation strength test and an online numerical reasoning test.

Pass that and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

Additional Information

We are inclusive - we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way. So, regardless of gender, why not apply? And if you're in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working - spending around 60% of their time in our offices and 40% at home.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.

Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll arrange an alternative method.

To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here.

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Claims Apprentice In Summary If you're the kind of person who takes pride in delivering first class customer service, then this could be the route for you! Job Description Locations: Bristol, Glasgow, London or Norwich Claims are at the heart of our business. It's where customers really get to feel the benefit of what we do.

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Job Description

Locations: Bristol, Eastleigh, Norwich or York

Are you fascinated by data, technology, and all the things they can do? With some 18 million UK customers and 325 years of experience, we have one of the broadest and deepest data sets in the financial services industry. Within that data, lies endless new and exciting opportunities.

Join us as a Data Apprentice and you'll be learning from one of most experienced and supportive data communities out there. What's more, you'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and enjoy a permanent role from day one. Plus, you don't need any previous experience. Just the passion and willingness to learn.
What does it involve?
Our Data Apprenticeship is designed for creative people who want to learn how to apply the best computer science, engineering, statistics, and machine learning techniques to the vast quantities of data our business holds.

There are many roles and specialisms within data. Through your apprenticeship, you'll learn the core fundamentals, which will give you a great foundation to go on and explore different principles and practices.

You could be spending your time in one or more of the following roles:

Insights Analyst
Help identify trends and spot opportunities that will help make our Health insurance business even better. Whether it's changes to our products or improvements to the experience we provide for customers, your insights can make a real impact.

Data Science Apprentice
Work with our Commercial Analytics team who are helping to shape the future of insurance at Aviva through cutting-edge analytics. You will tackle business problems, research, design and build data models, present solutions to internal teams and assist with the development of our in-house applications using Python F and r.

Pricing Consultant
Learn how to use data to create prices for our customers and business. Using sophisticated technology, you'll analyse product data to let us know how products are performing and where there are opportunities to improve.

You'll spend 80% of your time working in the role and 20% working towards a Level 4 Data Analyst Apprenticeship qualification (equivalent to a foundation degree). These studies will be with a national training provider and usually take 18 months to complete.

Once you've completed your apprenticeship, there are lots of opportunities for further study, if that's what you choose to do. You might want to enrol on a higher-level apprenticeship course that could see you gain a BSc Degree, for example, or do some specific technical development relevant to your role.

Throughout, you'll be working within our global data community, Aviva Quantum. Experienced data professionals who will be on hand to share their knowledge, and support and encourage you every step of the way. This is a brilliant learning environment - a place where everyone is welcome to share ideas, ask questions, and seek out advice.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A salary of £23,900 per year

Paid study time and support towards professional qualifications

A permanent job from the start

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

Eligible for a performance-related bonus

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering time to get involved in projects and local communities

To join us on this apprenticeship, you'll need (or be on track to achieve) at least three A-Levels or Scottish Highers at grades B-C or above. Or have an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

You will also need at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at grades A*-C (9-4) or have equivalent qualifications. These must include English and Maths.

New insights, perspectives, and diversity of thought are invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need any previous experience in data or STEM subjects to apply.

Instead, we're looking for:

A genuine passion for, and understanding of, data and technology

A confident communicator

Good analytical and problem-solving skills

Someone who can be a force for change and can show us how you've helped to change things for the better in your school, college, or outside interests

Most importantly, you'll need to be naturally curious, keen to take the lead when it comes to your own development, and excited by the prospect of building a long-term career with Aviva.
This apprenticeship role can be based in Bristol, Eastleigh, Norwich or York. It's likely you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this smart working. Three days in the office and two days from home is a typical example, but that can vary. When you join us, your leader will discuss what works best for you, your team, and the business.

Smart working means you'll still need to live within commuting distance of the office you'll be based in. That way, you will get to spend time with your team in person as well as virtually. It'll also help you access the support and people that will help you succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We're here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a diverse mix of cultures, genders, ages, perspectives, and ideas.

What's the application process?

Please note: If we have a lot of responses, applications may close early. So, it's best to apply as early as you can.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations, and submit it along with a copy of your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete a situation strength test and an online numerical reasoning test.

Pass that and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

Additional Information

We are inclusive - we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way. So, regardless of gender, why not apply? And if you're in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working - spending around 60% of their time in our offices and 40% at home.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.

Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll arrange an alternative method.

To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here.

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Data Analyst Apprentice - Level 4 - Aviva

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Job Description Locations: Bristol, Eastleigh, Norwich or York Are you fascinated by data, technology, and all the things they can do? With some 18 million UK customers and 325 years of experience, we have one of the broadest and deepest data sets in the financial services industry.

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Risk Apprentice - Level 3

In Summary

Do you want to be an Apprentice Risk Consultant and collaborate on projects and bring governance and assurance to everything that we do? If yes, this might be the right role for you.

Job Description

Location: Norwich or York

Risk underpins everything we do at Aviva. From helping us make better business decisions to reducing the need for our customers to ever make a claim, our Risk teams are key to building and maintaining the success of our business and the trust of the 18 million people we serve.

No one wants to have to make an insurance claim, as it usually means something's gone wrong. Our Risk Consultants work with customers to minimise the risk of that happening. They work hard within the business, collaborating on projects and bringing governance and assurance to everything that we do.

Join as an apprentice in our Risk function and you'll be learning from some of the most skilled Risk professionals in the industry. What's more, you'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and enjoy a permanent role from day one.

There are different roles and specialisms within Risk. Through this apprenticeship, you could be spending time in one of the following roles:

Risk Function Apprentice - You'll bring fresh ideas and innovative thinking, supporting the Risk function and helping Aviva evolve as the external risk and regulatory landscape changes. Building an understanding of the different risks we manage as a business as well as the regulatory landscape we operate in, you'll get lots of support to develop a breadth of knowledge across the Risk function as well as the wider Aviva business.

Financial Crime Analyst - A Financial Crime Analyst strives to maintain and improve the Financial Crime framework, embedding best practice and acting as an ambassador for change. You will continuously seek to improve the customer journey, reduce waste, and deliver efficiency including understanding where automation can add value to the customer journey, all while meeting regulatory expectations.

You'll spend 80% of your time working in the role and 20% working towards a Level 3 Compliance and Risk Officer Apprenticeship. These studies will be with a national training provider and usually take up to 15 months to complete.
Throughout, you'll be working alongside a community of highly skilled and experienced professionals who will be on hand to support and encourage you every step of the way. This is a brilliant learning environment - a place where everyone is welcome to share ideas, ask questions, and seek out advice.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A salary of £23,900 per year

Paid study time and support towards professional qualifications

A permanent job from the start

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

Eligible for a performance-related bonus

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering time to get involved in projects and local communities

To join us on this apprenticeship, you'll need (or be on track to achieve) at least two A-Levels or three Scottish Highers at grades C or above. Or have an equivalent Level 3 qualification.

You will also need at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at grades A*-C (9-4) or have equivalent qualifications. These must include English and Maths.

New insights, perspectives, and diversity of thought are invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need any previous experience in risk to apply.

Instead, we're looking for:

A confident communicator

Someone who can adapt well to different tasks and situations

Self-motivation and a dedication to changing things for the better

Most importantly, you'll need to be naturally curious, keen to take the lead when it comes to your own development, and excited by the prospect of building a long-term career with Aviva.
This apprenticeship role can be based in Norwich or York. It's likely you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this smart working. Three days in the office and two days from home is a typical example, but that can vary. When you join us, your leader will discuss what works best for you, your team, and the business.

Smart working means you'll still need to live within commuting distance of the office you'll be based in. That way, you will get to spend time with your team in person as well as virtually. It'll also help you access the support and people that will help you succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We're here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a diverse mix of cultures, genders, ages, perspectives, and ideas.

What's the application process?

Please note: If we have a lot of responses, applications may close early. So, it's best to apply as early as you can.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations, and submit it along with a copy of your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete a situation strength test and an online numerical reasoning test.

Pass that and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

Additional Information

We are inclusive - we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way. So, regardless of gender, why not apply? And if you're in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working - spending around 60% of their time in our offices and 40% at home.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.

Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll arrange an alternative method.

To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here.

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Risk Apprentice - Level 3 In Summary Do you want to be an Apprentice Risk Consultant and collaborate on projects and bring governance and assurance to everything that we do? If yes, this might be the right role for you. Job Description Location: Norwich or York Risk underpins everything we do at Aviva.

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Software Development Apprentice Pathway – Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 - Technology

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Software Development Apprentice Pathway – Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 - Technology

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Job Description

Software Development Apprentice Pathway - Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, Graduate Apprentice (Scotland) - Technology
Location: Bristol/Norwich/Perth/York

To say we're a data and tech-driven business is a bit of an understatement. Every area of Aviva relies on data and technology (hardware and software) and the people behind it - to create innovative solutions, anticipate problems and to keep everything running like clockwork. It's no small wonder, then, that talented apprentices are so highly prized around here.

Roles in this pathway will see you either be part of a team developing and releasing software to create compelling customer experiences, automating our software and processes, or working with our data. If you are fascinated by technology and what it can do (no matter what subject you've studied) this could be the pathway for you.

As the UK's largest insurer, a FTSE 100 company and an international leader in our industry, our Technology teams are crucial to our success. We truly believe our Technology community is among the most experienced and supportive anywhere. Without their skills and ideas, Aviva wouldn't be the company it is today.

You'll be able to earn a salary while working towards an apprenticeship and other qualifications and learning from some of the most inspirational people in tech. And our Apprentice roles are permanent jobs from day one.

As the name suggests, this pathway is all about developing and releasing software that will keep us at the forefront of our industry. Data acts as the lifeblood that drives our business forwards - we rely on it to solve problems, inform decisions and create innovative solutions. So if you think logically, enjoy problem solving, are curious about how things work and have some knowledge of coding, this could be the pathway for you.

Each of our roles in this pathway are aligned to either a Level 4, Level 5 or Level 6 Apprenticeship in England or a Graduate Apprenticeship in Scotland - see below for specific detail. Whichever route you take, you'll spend 80% of your time gaining real hands-on experience in the role and 20% dedicated to your Apprenticeship studies. As long as you're curious and passionate about change and technology, we can teach you the rest - you'll have a structured training programme and a support network to help you develop.

Roles in this pathway include:

Automation Engineer (Norwich) - our Automation Engineers work closely with other teams to discover and eliminate problems by gathering requirements and implementing process automation including low code/no code solutions. In this role, you'll deliver automated solutions to help Aviva improve processes, save costs, and achieve better outcomes for both our 18 million customers and thousands of colleagues. Like our Apprentice Software Engineer, you'll be working collaboratively in small teams to build high quality solutions that meet our colleagues and customers' needs. And rest assured, whatever you're working on, you'll have the full support of our expert technology community behind you!

This Level 6 Apprenticeship will see you gain a BSc (Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions upon successful completion of your studies (c48 months).

Data Engineer (Bristol) - our Data Engineers work with stakeholders to define and translate business requirements into data models for analytics and/or report building. They are responsible for designing, building and maintaining the systems we use to collect, store and analyse data. As an Apprentice Data Engineer, you'll learn and apply the technical skills to create and maintain data components and pipelines as well as the basics, best practices and importance of data modelling. Along with great problem-solving skills, your eye for detail and your ability to work independently and collaboratively (as part of a team and with stakeholders) will be put to good use.

This Level 5 Data Engineer Apprenticeship is the equivalent of a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (HND). It's a brand new apprenticeship which we expect to take approx. 24 months to complete.

DevOps Engineer (Norwich) - our DevOps Engineers are responsible for developing and facilitating the improvement and optimisation of our software engineering practices and processes to speed up and automate the development, testing and release of our code to production. They don't settle for 'this is how we have always done it'; instead they are constantly looking for opportunities to improve and optimise how we use technology in our business and are focussed on providing industry leading cloud capability.

The Level 4 DevOps Engineer Apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC). We will be running this as an accelerated apprenticeship where you'll be immersed in approx. 16 weeks 'bootcamp' style front loaded learning programme. This will enable you to add value to your team once you join them and throughout the remainder of your apprenticeship (c18 months).

Software Engineer (Norwich or Perth) - our Software Engineers develop software for a wide range of applications and projects here at Aviva. As a Software Engineer, you could be maintaining and enhancing our existing applications, or be creating new products and platforms such as our award-winning "My Aviva" portal. Whatever you're working on, you'll work collaboratively in small teams to build high quality solutions that meet our colleagues and customers' needs. It's interesting and challenging - and rest assured, whatever you're working on, you'll have the full support of our expert technology community behind you!

If you're based in England (Norwich) you'll ultimately be working towards a Level 6 Apprenticeship over c.48 months. Your learning journey will be kick started with an accelerated Level 4 Apprenticeship where you'll be immersed in approx. 10 week 'bootcamp' style front loaded learning programme followed by learning on the job to complete your Level 4 Apprenticeship. Once completed, you'll then continue your studies entering the Level 6 apprenticeship where you'll obtain a BSc (Honours) in Digital and Technology Solutions upon successful completion.

If you are based in Perth, you'll study directly for your Level 6 Scottish equivalent apprenticeship - the Graduate Apprenticeship - where you'll gain a BSc (Honours) degree in IT: Software Development upon successful completion of your apprenticeship (c.48 months).

Test Engineer (Bristol, Norwich or York) - our Software Testers ensure that our software is fit for purpose, resilient and secure. You will work to identify any issues, gaps, glitches or missing elements so that our customers and colleagues have a seamless and trouble-free experience when using our products and applications. During your apprenticeship you will learn the fundamentals of test management best practices, how to use test automation tools and gain in depth knowledge of Behaviour Driven Development practices.

The Level 4 Software Tester Apprenticeship Apprenticeship is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or Higher National Certificate (HNC). We will be running this as an accelerated apprenticeship where you'll be immersed in approx. 16 weeks 'bootcamp' style front loaded learning programme. This will enable you to add value to your team once you join them and throughout the remainder of your apprenticeship (c18 months).

Your application will be for the pathway however we understand you may have a role preference(s) and you will be able to select these as part of your application process. That said, if you're not sure which role you'd be best suited to at this stage - that's ok too! Either way, we'll assess where your strengths lie and consider you for all roles - taking your preference into consideration.

Whatever role you go into, you'll be working alongside a community of highly skilled and experienced technology professionals who will be on hand to support and encourage you every step of the way.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A permanent job from day one

Starting salary of £23,900 including paid Apprenticeship study time

Gaining an Apprenticeship with all your training paid for

Support towards relevant professional qualifications and lots of other development opportunities

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Opportunities to get involved and give back to our local communities with paid volunteering time

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

A discretionary annual performance-related bonus

Share Save scheme

Flexible working and wellbeing support

New insights, perspectives and diversity of thought are all invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need to have studied IT to join us in Technology. We have Apprentices who have studied everything from Music to Maths to History, and they're all equally brilliant. For these roles you'll need to:

Have at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at A*-C or 9-4 grade (or equivalent), including English and Maths

Have, or be on track to achieve, at least three A Levels (grades B, C, C or above) or four Scottish Highers (grades B,B,B,C or above) - or a Level 3 equivalent qualification

Have an understanding or experience of coding, whether that's through your studies or as an outside passion for self-learning

You'll also be a confident communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a love of learning and a commitment to continually developing yourself. You're someone who can be a force for change and who'll be able to show us how you've helped to change things for the better in your studies, your work experience, or your outside interests. And it goes without saying that we'll be looking to see that you have a genuine curiosity in technology.
Apprentice roles within our Software Development pathway are based in our Bristol, Norwich, Perth and York offices (not all roles are available in every location - see above for specifics).

It is likely that you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this Smart Working. Three days in the office and two days from home per week is a very typical example but can vary between teams. When you join us, your leader will take time to discuss this with you, and agree what works best for you, your team and the business.

As we adopt this Smart Working approach, it's important to note that you will need to live within a commutable distance of the relevant location you are offered a role in. That way you'll get to spend time with your team in person, as well as virtually, and get access to the right support networks internally to help you to succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We are here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a mix of cultures, genders, and ages.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations and submit it along with your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete our online Numerical Reasoning and Situational Strengths tests.

Pass those and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

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Software Development Apprentice Pathway - Level 4, Level 5, Level 6 - Technology - Aviva

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Job Description Software Development Apprentice Pathway - Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, Graduate Apprentice (Scotland) - Technology Location: Bristol/Norwich/Perth/York To say we're a data and tech-driven business is a bit of an understatement. Every area of Aviva relies on data and technology (hardware and software) and the people behind it - to create innovative solutions, anticipate problems and to keep everything running like clockwork.

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Aviva Change Delivery Apprentice - Level 4 - Technology

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Aviva Change Delivery Apprentice - Level 4 - Technology

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Job Description

Change Delivery Apprentice Pathway - Level 4 - Technology
Location: Bristol/Norwich/York
If you're the kind of person who enjoys getting to the heart of a problem and finding solutions - someone who's curious about change and technology and what it can do (regardless of what you've studied), a Level 4 Apprenticeship in either Business Analysis or Project Management could be just what you're looking for.

As the UK's largest insurer, a FTSE 100 company and an international leader in our industry, our Change and Technology teams are crucial to our success. We truly believe our Technology community is among the most experienced and supportive anywhere. Without their skills and ideas, Aviva wouldn't be the company it is today.

You'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and learning from some of the most inspirational people in tech. And our Apprentice roles are permanent jobs from day one.

Our Change Delivery Apprenticeship Pathway is designed for people who are naturally curious people who aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and enjoy creating innovative solutions. If you enjoy organising, whether that's information or people, and you like to influence the way things are done, this route could be the start of your new career.

During your first 18-months, you'll spend 80% of your time gaining real hands-on experience in the role and 20% dedicated to your Level 4 Apprenticeship studies. As long as you're curious and passionate about change and technology, then we can teach you the rest - you'll have a structured training programme and a support network to help you develop.

Our roles in this area include:

Business Analyst (Bristol, Norwich or York) - our Business Analysts help us understand the customer needs we need to meet and what's required to drive practical solutions to meet them. They analyse and evaluate business opportunities and identify areas for improvement. If you're the kind of person who can explain complex concepts and problems in a simple way, this is the place for you. And in everything you do, you'll champion the use of technology to improve how we do things for our 18.7 million customers and thousands of colleagues.

As well as your Level 4 Business Analysis Apprenticeship qualification (equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC)) you will also get a BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.

Project Manager (Norwich) - our Project Managers are experts in organisation, both of themselves and others! We look for people who are comfortable taking the lead in group situations and making sure that everyone is heard. With a passion for delivering great customer service and a mix of people and planning skills, you'll learn to act as an agent of change, driving success over the project lifecycle - from initial idea to delivery and project handover - ensuring things get done in the right way, on time and on budget.

As well as your Level 4 Project Manager Apprenticeship qualification (equivalent of the first year of an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Certificate (HNC)) we will also support you to achieve the Association of Project Management's Project Management Qualification (PMQ).

Don't worry if you're not sure which role you'd be based suited to at this stage. In fact, we encourage you to keep an open mind. Throughout the recruitment process, we'll assess where your strengths lie and, should you join us, we will offer you the role we feel best aligns to these. However, you will be able to tell us on application if you have a preferred role or location.

Whatever role you go into, you'll be working alongside a community of highly skilled and experienced technology professionals who will be on hand to support and encourage you every step of the way.

What's in it for you?

A permanent job from day one

Starting salary of £23,900 including paid Apprenticeship study time

A Level 4 Apprenticeship with all your training paid for

Support towards relevant professional qualifications and lots of other development opportunities

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Opportunities to get involved and give back to our local communities with paid volunteering time

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

A discretionary annual performance-related bonus

Share Save scheme

Flexible working and wellbeing support

What do we look for?

New insights, perspectives and diversity of thought are all invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need to have studied IT to join us in Technology. We have Apprentices who have studied everything from Music to Maths to History, and they're all equally brilliant. For these roles you'll need to:

Have at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at A*-C or 9-4 grade (or equivalent), including English and Maths

Have, or be on track to achieve, at least three A Levels (grades B, C, C or above) or four Scottish Highers (grades B,B,B,C or above) - or a Level 3 equivalent qualification

Be a force for change and improvement - whether it's through your studies, your work experience or your outside interests, we'll want to see how you've helped make things better

You'll also be a confident communicator with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a love of learning and a commitment to continually developing yourself. And it goes without saying that we'll be looking to see that you have a genuine curiosity in technology and how to use it to best serve customers and employees.

Our Change Delivery Apprentice roles are based in our Bristol, Norwich and York offices (not all roles are available in every location, see above for specifics).

It is likely that you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this Smart Working. Three days in the office and two days from home per week is a very typical example but can vary between teams. When you join us, your leader will take time to discuss this with you, and agree what works best for you, your team and the business.

As we adopt this Smart Working approach, it's important to note that you will need to live within a commutable distance of the relevant location you are offered a role in. That way you'll get to spend time with your team in person, as well as virtually, and get access to the right support networks internally to help you to succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We are here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a mix of cultures, genders, and ages.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

There, you'll be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your motivations and submit it along with your CV.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete our online Numerical Reasoning and Situational Strengths tests.

Pass those and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

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Change Delivery Apprentice - Level 4 - Technology - Aviva

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Job Description Change Delivery Apprentice Pathway - Level 4 - Technology Location: Bristol/Norwich/York If you're the kind of person who enjoys getting to the heart of a problem and finding solutions - someone who's curious about change and technology and what it can do (regardless of what you've studied), a Level 4 Apprenticeship in either Business Analysis or Project Management could be just what you're looking for.

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Accountancy Apprentice - 2024

In Summary

Number crunching is for calculators. Accountancy is for creative problem solvers with big ideas who want to make their mark. Does that sound like you?

Job Description

Based in Norwich or York

At Aviva, being an Accountant isn't all about number crunching. Our teams play a direct role in deciding what our business does now, and where we go next.

Of course, they spend a lot of time looking at the figures - we're a heavily-regulated industry after all. But they also help us solve problems. Think strategically. And ensure we maintain our position as a market-leading, FTSE 100 company.

Join us as an Accountancy Apprentice and you'll be learning from some of the most skilled Accountants in the insurance industry. What's more, you'll be able to earn a salary while working towards qualifications and enjoy a permanent role from day one.

This role sits within the Aviva's life business, which takes care of assets in excess of £250bn. As well as supporting the business day-to-day, the team's current priorities are to build best-in-class reporting processes and deliver a finance change programme which will help fuel Aviva's growth.

Day to day, you'll be working on financial reporting: helping to analyse our monthly financial performance and using specialist software to provide valuable insights to the Group and external stakeholders, such as regulators. You'll also be involved in the accountancy-side of projects that are helping to implement improvements for our business, giving you the opportunity to build relationships with colleagues and teams across Aviva.

You'll spend 80% of your time working in the role and 20% working towards a Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accountancy. These studies will be with a national training provider and usually take three years to complete.

Throughout, you'll be working alongside a community of highly skilled and experienced professionals who will be on hand to support and encourage you every step of the way. This is a brilliant learning environment - a place where everyone is welcome to share ideas, ask questions, and seek out advice.

What do we look for? What's in it for you?

A salary of £23,900 per year

Paid study time and support towards professional qualifications

A permanent job from the start

A great support network to help you grow into your role

25 days holiday, plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Discounts on all Aviva products

Eligible for a performance-related bonus

Flexible working and wellbeing support

Paid volunteering time to get involved in projects and local communities

To join us on this apprenticeship, you'll need (or be on track to achieve) at least five GCSEs or Scottish National 5s at A*-C or 9-4 grade (or equivalent), including English and Maths. Have, or be on track for, at least three A-Levels at grades B, C, C or above (England).

New insights, perspectives and diversity of thought are invaluable to us. Which is why you don't need any previous experience in accounting to apply.

Instead, we're looking for:

Problem solving skills

Attention to detail

Strategic thinkers

Strong Microsoft Excel skills and the ability to work with complex data

People who are supportive of others and work well within a team

Most importantly, you'll need to be naturally curious, keen to take the lead when it comes to your own development, and excited by the prospect of building a long-term career with Aviva.
This apprenticeship role can be based in Norwich and York. It's likely you'll balance time in the office with working from home. We call this smart working. Three days in the office and two days from home is a typical example, but that can vary. When you join us, your leader will discuss what works best for you, your team, and the business.

Smart working means you'll still need to live within commuting distance of the office you'll be based in. That way, you will get to spend time with your team in person as well as virtually. It'll also help you access the support and people that will help you succeed.

About Us

We're a leading international insurance, savings, retirement, and investment business. We're here to help our customers plan for the future and, when the worst happens, make things right.

You might be thinking that we're just another boring, corporate firm. But we don't all wear suits and shiny shoes here. We're proud to be different and just like our customers, our people are a diverse mix of cultures, genders, ages, perspectives, and ideas.

What's the application process?

Please note: If we have a lot of responses, applications may close early. So, it's best to apply as early as you can.

Start by pressing 'apply' to be taken through to our online application.

If you match our criteria (or get pretty close), we'll ask you to complete a situation strength test and an online numerical reasoning test.

Pass that and next will be a video interview.

The final stage is a virtual assessment day, with tasks that enable you to show us what you're good at and what you enjoy.

Impress us there and we'll offer you a role to start in September 2024.

Additional Information

We are inclusive - we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way. So, regardless of gender, why not apply? And if you're in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you.Most of our people are smart working - spending around 60% of their time in our offices and 40% at home.

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the role. During your application, there will be an opportunity for you to send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability.

Please submit your application online if you can. But if that presents a problem, just email avivaearlycareers@aviva.com and we'll arrange an alternative method.

To find out more about working at Aviva in general, take a look here.

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Accountancy Apprentice - 2024 In Summary Number crunching is for calculators. Accountancy is for creative problem solvers with big ideas who want to make their mark. Does that sound like you? Job Description Based in Norwich or York At Aviva, being an Accountant isn't all about number crunching.

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Uni Taster Days Student Guide to University 2023

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Uni Taster Days Student Guide to University 2023

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The Students’ Guide to University has been produced by UniTasterDays.com in collaboration with HELOA to support you to make brilliant future university decisions. Which may be the initial decision: is university right for you? Or the choices that might come next, on where to go, or what to study?

It has been split into sections which are designed to support you with various parts of your higher education decision-making journey. Including why you may wish to consider university, advice when you’re making your university choices, fees and finance support, application help, what to expect after you apply and when (/if) you start your course.

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Introducing The Uni Guide Podcast

Supporting students, teachers, careers colleagues and parents with all things university.

In this podcast series, we will be providing listeners with the cutting edge and most up-to-date information and conversations about university. In plain English, without the jargon, and from the lived experience of everyone involved in the process - including guest experts, current students and recent graduates.

We’ll cover topics including:

Why and how do students apply for university?

How much does university really cost?

How can students select a university course or institution?

How can they prepare for exams?

What do they need to know before starting their course?

And many more!

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Supporting Teachers, Careers Colleagues and Parents with all things university

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Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Ad-Hoc Work Experience

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Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital Ad-Hoc Work Experience

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Our Ad-Hoc Work Experience window is now open ❗️

Get your applications in before the window closes on Friday 15th September ⏰

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What qualification is right for you?

BSc Construction and Commercial Management- Covering a broad selections of subjects, this degree prepares you for roles including construction management, planning, BIM, estimating, and health & safety. You will be part of the site team liaising with subcontractors, planners, quantity surveyors and operatives to ensure that the project runs smoothly, safely, according to the plans and on time.

BSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management- As a quantity surveyor, you will play a key role in a construction project, managing the costs from the early design plans, through to completion. Your priorities will be to make sure that projects meet legal and quality standards and that clients get good value for money.

BSc Civil Engineering- As a civil engineer you will be the key technical person involved in the designing, planning and managing of construction projects, able to think both creatively and logically to resolve design and development problems.

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What qualification is right for you? BSc Construction and Commercial Management- Covering a broad selections of subjects, this degree prepares you for roles including construction management, planning, BIM, estimating, and health & safety. You will be part of the site team liaising with subcontractors, planners, quantity surveyors and operatives to ensure that the project runs smoothly, safely, according to the plans and on time.

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Hear what some of our nurses say about the role:
Simone Bedford, (Principal Lecturer, University of Sunderland)
'I knew I wanted to be a Nurse from a very early age, but it ended up being a second career for me and I have never looked back. People say nursing is rewarding, but what does that actually mean? It means that you can make a difference to someone's life, to make them comfortable, to help them get better, to offer sound advice (and) to be there in their time of need.'
Linda Jones (Specialist Clinical Services Director, Spire Healthcare)
'Florence Nightingale popularised the idea of nursing being a vocation. She argued that "vocational duties require Nurses to care for all aspects of patients, especially the messy, dirty, non-technical bits. Not to do so is not to care or be a good Nurse."

In nursing you really do get to care for your patients when they are at their most vulnerable time in life, when they need a smile, a listening ear, reassurance that it is ok, and most importantly, a need to feel safe. Each day I feel so fortunate to be a part of an individual's care. Gaining someone's trust is one of the biggest privileges you will ever encounter.

I took a leap of faith approximately 22 years ago and moved into the caring profession at Spire Healthcare as I wanted a change in direction and just knew I had so much more to offer others. Having a young child while balancing days, nights and weekend shifts was no mean feat but the reward was more than worth it. During my career I have developed an enormous sense of being and belonging to a team which I respect. A team upon which I can depend. A team where we all have the same purpose, and a team where we can reflect and learn from critical events as well as celebrating success. This team is called Spire Healthcare!

I started at Spire Healthcare as a Healthcare Assistant and commenced my training while continuing to work bank shifts in the evening and weekends. I was fully mentored and supported by the trained staff who supported me though my Nursing Degree. Spire has continued to encourage every step of my career development. Some of the reasons I remain committed and loyal to Spire Healthcare is because we put patient safety first, staff are invested in and listened to and there is encouragement to develop and grow.

You get back what you put in... the return on your investment is plentiful so seize every opportunity that you can!'
Michele Millard (Regional Clinical Services Director, Spire Healthcare)
'What can you expect as a Nurse? You will work weekends, Christmas, New Year's Eve and probably your birthday. There will be days when you aren't sure which way is up, but also days when you go home knowing you have made a real difference to someone's life. You will have the privilege of being with people at the toughest time of their life and you will support them through this. You will know how much that means to them and you will become a more rounded person because of that. You will realise that mostly when people are angry they are just scared and that sitting, listening and holding their hands will stop the fear. And the angry person will just vanish to become the person that just needs support.

You will be challenged and sometimes feel out of your depth, but you will always have your team. Your team will carry you on the days you can't go on and you will carry them on their bad days. You will learn so much about yourself, and learn to do and be better. You will meet colleagues who will inspire you to be the very best Nurse you can be. You may have experiences that will make you cry, but I guarantee you will have more days when you laugh with your patients and colleagues.

I worked for the NHS for about eight years and became a ward sister before I joined the private sector. Spire have been great employers, giving me opportunities to grow and develop, challenging me to be a better Nurse and a better person. They have enabled me to help so many people in more ways than I ever imagined. The private sector offers a huge diversity of experience so can suit just about any person. If you have a passion for putting patients at the centre of what you do, they will help and encourage you to achieve this. Spire Healthcare will strive beside you to advance care, improve the patient's journey and develop yourself.

After 38 years of practice I still love my job, and go to work knowing that each day my work will make a difference to someone in a unique and personal way and for some people that help may change their life. Having that opportunity is priceless.

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Hear what some of our nurses say about the role: Simone Bedford, (Principal Lecturer, University of Sunderland) 'I knew I wanted to be a Nurse from a very early age, but it ended up being a second career for me and I have never looked back.

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Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) Norfolk Constabulary

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Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) Norfolk Constabulary

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The entry requirements for all Police Officer roles have changed, in line with the College of Policing’s Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). This change recognises today's complex and challenging work in Policing and gives those who become an officer the recognition that they deserve for the high level of service required. To be a Police Constable, you will either enter the job with a degree or take a learn while you earn approach.

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The entry requirements for all Police Officer roles have changed, in line with the College of Policing's Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). This change recognises today's complex and challenging work in Policing and gives those who become an officer the recognition that they deserve for the high level of service required. To be a Police Constable, you will either enter the job with a degree or take a learn while you earn approach.

There is still a variety of entry routes to ensure that there's a pathway suited to everyone.

If you already have a degree, you may wish to enter using the Degree Holder Entry Programme (DHEP)

If you do not already have a degree, you may wish to enter using the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA)

If you wish to study before entering the programme, you can study a Professional Policing Degree at your own expense (PPD)

You can find out more about each of the routes below. You can also volunteer to gain experience.

Recruitment lines are open.

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The entry requirements for all Police Officer roles have changed, in line with the College of Policing's Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). This change recognises today's complex and challenging work in Policing and gives those who become an officer the recognition that they deserve for the high level of service required.

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The four year engineering programme uses the degree apprenticeship model of delivery, which combines an academic course of study and a work-based element of learning.

For our programme, you spend 40% of your time per week on off-the-job study, with two study days a week during term time.

You will pursue the Level 6 Design and Development Engineer apprenticeship standard alongside the BEng (Hons) Engineering degree.

Applications open January 2023

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We have chosen the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer apprenticeship standard, as the content of this qualification best reflects the academic content of the degree programme:

Mathematics and science for engineers

Materials and manufacture

Mechanical, electrical and electronic principles and applications

Statics and dynamics

How to undertake and apply business-led projects

Engineering operations and business management

Applying advanced technology techniques

Whilst the apprenticeship standard is Level 6 Design and Development Engineer, the degree is not design engineering focussed.

After successfully completing your BEng (Hons) Engineering degree, you will be entered for End Point Assessment (EPA). You will have maintained a record of the skills and knowledge you developed during your apprenticeship training period, throughout the four years. This will showcase your occupational competence in the workplace.

The EPA consists of a Case Study Presentation and a Professional Discussion with an independent End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The assessment is graded Fail/Pass/Distinction and you are required to achieve a minimum of 'Pass' in both components in order to successfully complete your Degree Apprenticeship Programme.

Our highly experienced team will support and guide you through the process of identifying suitable evidence to showcase your occupational competence and help you prepare for EPA.

EAL is the EPAO for The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.

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We have chosen the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer apprenticeship standard, as the content of this qualification best reflects the academic content of the degree programme: Mathematics and science for engineers Materials and manufacture Mechanical, electrical and electronic principles and applications Statics and dynamics How to undertake and apply business-led projects Engineering operations and business management Applying advanced technology techniques Whilst the apprenticeship standard is Level 6 Design and Development Engineer, the degree is not design engineering focussed.

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HSBC Degree Apprenticeships - Applications Open Now 

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HSBC Degree Apprenticeships - Applications Open Now 

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Degree Apprenticeships – Applications open now!

Our degree apprenticeships offer an alternative to the full-time university route providing you with full-time employment alongside studying towards a BSc (Hons) in Financial Services Management, fully funded by HSBC.

Positions are available now, with full-time, permanent opportunities across various locations in England, Wales and Scotland. These positions are within Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, Asset Management, and Private Banking.

These positions will be starting in October 2023 so if you are deciding on your next stage after College, this could be your next step!

To find out more and to apply, please visit our website on UK Apprenticeships by the closing date of 18th December 2022.

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Apprenticeships play an important role in our business, and provide people who may not have gone to university with another route in to a challenging and rewarding career with HSBC.

We aim to be a true reflection of the customers we serve and communities we operate in, which is why encouraging talent from all backgrounds to join our business is so important to us. We've found that Apprenticeship opportunities are one of the very best ways to equip people with the skills they need to succeed.

Our UK Apprenticeship programmes allow you to combine work and study, with the opportunity to gain a formal qualification ranging from Foundation through to Degree level.

These opportunities all provide an alternative to the classical A-level and university pathways; with a range of different learning methods designed to fit your way of learning such as workplace teaching, classroom-based learning, online courses, on the job training and independent study.

We are looking for people with drive and aspiration, those who think, see, and do things differently and who can represent and relate to our diverse global customer base. We employ, develop and promote employees based on merit and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment.

We offer two types of apprenticeships in the UK: Foundation Apprenticeships (Modern Apprenticeships in Scotland) and Degree Apprenticeships.

Please note these specific Apprenticeship programmes are currently only available in the UK.

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Join one of our exciting Apprenticeships in the UK

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As a degree subject, geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It's often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do. Whether you have just completed a geography degree, or are thinking ahead to your next steps and are planning what to do after it, we have information about your employability, work experience and career options, including advice about postgraduate study, how to plan your career, and how to find and apply successfully for jobs.

Things to consider when choosing a career:

Which aspects of geography do you enjoy?

Do you prefer to work in a team or by yourself?

Which of your geographical skills are your strengths?

All jobs need broad, transferable skills. Think about how you have a portfolio of skills

Will you need any professional qualifications to follow your career path?

During your undergraduate studies, it is important to think ahead to what you plan to do after graduation. This will help you to plan and set targets for achieving your career goals, and may also influence decisions such as undergraduate module choices or securing work experience. The following resources might help you to do this:

Being a professional

Whether or not you go into a career related to your degree in geography, being a professional will go a long way to making your experience in the world of work more rewarding and serve you well in getting ahead. 'Standing out from the crowd' will get you the jobs you want to do; allow you to develop your responsibilities in each role you undertake; and help you progress in your career. Your geographical training will have provided you with many transferable skills already, but there are several other aspects of working life which you need to consider.

Being a professional in the workplace is the most important thing you can do to leave a positive impression on colleagues and clients, and get recommendations when you need them in the future.

The key features of acting professionally include:

Acting professionally in the workplace

Being committed to continuing professional development (CPD)

Working towards, achieving or maintaining a recognised accreditation

Developing and maintaining relationships with other professionals by networking

Use your employer to get feedback on how you are performing during your regular professional development reviews. Your line manager may also be able to give you advice about how to improve your skills and knowledge, which professional memberships or accreditations are considered useful in your sector, and what CPD opportunities are available for you.

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Royal Geographical Society - Why you should study geography

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As a degree subject, geography is highly respected by employers. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It's often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do.

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How to write a winning apprenticeship application 

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How to write a winning apprenticeship application 

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Crossing Borders - Norwich University of the Arts

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Crossing Borders - Norwich University of the Arts

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Crossing Borders - Anglia Ruskin University & University of East Anglia

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Crossing Borders - Anglia Ruskin University & University of East Anglia

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The Money Charity - Financial Wellbeing + Financial Education
The uni survival kit: how to stay quids in. As the UK’s leading financial capability charity, every year we produce the essential guide to student finance and managing money at university, The Student Money Manual.

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YEAR 12 - The Sutton Trust US Programme 2023

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YEAR 12 - The Sutton Trust US Programme 2023

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The Sutton Trust US Programme helps state school students in the UK to explore higher education and US culture. The programme includes UK-based residentials before all students get to visit US universities in the summer of 2023.
An optional part 2 of the programme supports students to apply to US universities alongside their UCAS options.

How much does it cost?

It is free to take part in the programme. All costs are covered for students including travel, accommodation, food and admissions test preparation.

Who is it for?
To be eligible, students must:

Be in Year 12 in England or Wales, S5 in Scotland or Year 13 in Northern Ireland

Attend, and have always attended, a state-funded school or college (i.e. non fee-paying)

Not hold US citizenship

Be from a low or middle income family (generally a household earning £45,000 or less)

Be interested in US culture and higher education

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The number of Sutton Trust students admitted to US universities.

The number of different US universities attended by our students.

The amount of financial aid accessed by our students.

The proportion of our students who are in the first generation of their family to go to university.

Find out more about the US Programme

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The number of Sutton Trust students admitted to US universities. The number of different US universities attended by our students. The amount of financial aid accessed by our students. The proportion of our students who are in the first generation of their family to go to university.

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Cambridge University Gonville and Caius college: taster lectures, student experience, application advice.

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Caius Schools is the official YouTube channel for outreach of Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge (we say 'Keys' for short, hence our channel name!). Subscribe for a mixture of information and guidance about the application process, taster lectures from Caius academics, and to hear the experiences of our students from a range of backgrounds.

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UNiDAYS - Fast, free, exclusive discounts for students

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Get FREE, instant access to student discount. Join us today, and start saving with big retailers like ASOS, Adidas, Apple, Samsung, LookFantastic, Nike and LOADS more...

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Every apprentice follows an approved programme of study, designed for the job they're training for.

Your employer will decide the structure of your training, but apprenticeships generally combine:

a detailed training plan

regular progress reviews

practical training on the job

theoretical study at a college

assessment testing at a training facility

mentoring and support throughout your apprenticeship.

By the end of the course, you should have gained the qualifications, skills and experience potential employers in the field are looking for.

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Every apprentice follows an approved programme of study, designed for the job they're training for. Your employer will decide the structure of your training, but apprenticeships generally combine: a detailed training plan regular progress reviews practical training on the job theoretical study at a college assessment testing at a training facility mentoring and support throughout your apprenticeship.

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Student finance - student loans or student grants for tuition fees and living costs, extra help, student loan repayments.

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Making your money last across the year can be hard, especially with all the added costs like books and social groups. Learn here how to budget effectively with great advice from the Money Advice Service.

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- It can be helpful to write down what you have been experiencing before you go to your first appointment. - You could also take a friend if that would help with your apprehension, it is also within your rights to ask for a doctor that is the same gender as you.

- For more tips on speaking to a GP take a look at our video.

Helpful hint

Need to register?
- Take a look at the NHS directory of GP surveys.
- You can look into GP surgeries that specialises in mental health.
- If you are not registered with a GP where you are you can request an emergency appointment or a temporary location appointment.

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It can be helpful to write down what you have been experiencing before you go to your first appointment. - You could also take a friend if that would help with your apprehension, it is also within your rights to ask for a doctor that is the same gender as you.

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Sort out your student finance in three easy steps. Video provided by Student Finance England. Note that financial support varies across the UK.

England

Applications for courses starting in 2021 will open early 2021, for a loan to cover tuition fees (paid directly to the university) and maintenance costs (paid directly into your bank account at the start of term). This is available wherever you choose to study in the UK, and is repayable. You don't need to have a confirmed offer of a place at uni to start the process.
Find out more from Student Finance England
Other

Travel expenses - you may be able to get a grant to cover some of your travel expenses if:

your course requires that you study abroad, or if you're on an Erasmus work or study placement

you're a medical or dental student studying abroad, or undertaking a clinical placement in the UK

Wales

Tuition fees

If you live in Wales, you can apply for a tuition fee loan (repayable) to cover tuition fees, regardless of where you choose to study in the UK. This will be paid directly to your university or college by Student Finance Wales. You can apply from early 2021 for courses starting in 2021, and you don't need to have a confirmed offer of a place at uni to start the process.

The Welsh government has some useful information about the financial support available on its website.
Apply to Student Finance Wales
Maintenance

All eligible students will receive £1,000 a year for accommodation and living costs. Students may also be eligible for an additional means-tested maintenance grant. The total amount will be based on household income, with the highest level of support going to those most in need.

Students who do not receive a full grant will also be able to apply for a maintenance loan from Student Finance Wales. This is repayable and the amount depends on where you will be living. You can apply from February, and you don't need to have a confirmed offer of a place at uni to start the process.

Read more about the help you can get with living costs from Student Finance Wales.

Financial incentives​

The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offers additional funding if you study subjects through the medium of Welsh.

Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol has more info - contact them on 01267 610 400 or at gwybodaeth@colegcymraeg.ac.uk.

Other

Travel expenses - if you are undertaking a clinical placement in the UK or studying abroad as part of your studies, you may be able to claim some of your costs. This grant can cover expenses such as medical insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

There are extra grants available to help support you through your studies, depending on your personal circumstances. There's help available for students who have children, adult dependants, or a disability.

Scotland

Tuition fees

If you live in Scotland and choose to study full-time at a Scottish university or college, you will not have to pay tuition fees. However, you will need to apply to SAAS to have your tuition fees paid for you, as this is not automatic.

Scottish students who wish to study elsewhere in the UK will be charged the standard tuition fees for their chosen course provider, but may apply for a loan to cover the costs through SAAS.

Part-time students with an individual income of up to £25,000 per year can apply for a fee grant. The amount paid depends on your course.

Maintenance

The student loan (repayable) is means tested. There are different levels of support available if you are applying as a dependent or independent student, and you don't need to have a confirmed offer of a place at uni to start the process.
Apply to Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS)
Bursaries (non-repayable) are means tested using either your parents' income or your own household income if you are an independent student, and are available to Scottish students studying anywhere in the UK. Three bursaries are available:

The Young Student's Bursary (YSB) is an annual payment for students aged 25 or younger who are classed as 'dependent'.

The Independent Students' Bursary (ISB) is an annual payment for independent students.

Scottish-domiciled nursing and midwifery students may also apply for a non-income-assessed bursary (plus some additional allowances) for qualifying full-time courses at a Scottish university or college.

Other

Travel expenses - you may be able to claim help with reasonable travel expenses if:

you're on an Allied Health Profession (AHP) course, or taking a nursing diploma/degree and need to travel to a practical placement away from the university

studying abroad is a compulsory part of your course - you can claim the cost of your journey abroad and medical insurance

Northern Ireland

Tuition fees

For students who live in Northern Ireland and choose to study at a Northern Irish course provider, the maximum tuition fee is capped, and you can apply for a tuition fee loan to cover this cost. Likewise, if you choose to study elsewhere in the UK, you may apply for a tuition fee loan, but the costs will be higher. This loan is repayable.

Maintenance

A repayable maintenance loan is available to full-time students to cover accommodation and living costs, and is paid directly into your bank account. The loan is means tested and will vary on where you live/study and the length of your course. You can apply from February and you don't need to have a confirmed offer of a place at uni to start the process.

The maintenance grant and Special Support Grant are means tested and help you pay for additional course-related costs such as books, travel, equipment, and childcare. You can apply for either grant but not both, so check which is best for you. Neither grant is repayable.
Apply to Student Finance Northern Ireland
Other

Travel expenses - if you are a medical or dental student attending clinical training in the UK or Republic of Ireland as part of your course, or studying outside the UK for at least 50% of each term, you may be eligible to apply for a means tested grant to help with some of the costs incurred.

Applying for student finance is easy when you know how. Watch this video to find out what you need to do. Video provided by Student Finance England.

Course providers can offer support in many ways.

As well as financial help, you may also be able to get study support (for example, if you have a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, or if you need to brush up on some academic skills), or help to manage your studies around other priorities (such as caring responsibilities), or even to help with personal circumstances (e.g. if you are going to uni without the support of your parents).

Additionally, if you are worried about the social aspects of university, getting accommodation, or would like help to manage your mental health and wellbeing, there are lots of options available.

Disabled students

Universities and colleges are inclusive environments, with support available to help you study. Make sure you speak to your course provider as early as possible so they can arrange support or make any adjustments you need to make a successful transition to your studies.

Don't forget, when you apply for student finance, you will also be able to apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs). Find out more about DSAs.

Students with care experience

There's plenty of support in higher education if you have spent time in care, including financial help and accommodation, as well as help with settling in to your new surroundings.
Find out more about support for care experienced students

Refugees and asylum seekers

If you're a refugee or asylum seeker applying to higher education, there's support available to help you with finance and your studies.
It's a good idea to contact universities or colleges before you apply, to discuss what support they can offer you. This will depend on your circumstances, and you will need to let them know your refugee status.

Mature students

If you have any worries about starting your university course, just make sure you're prepared.

Make a schedule and arrange any childcare you need.

Ask for help if there are any skills you need to update.

Take time to settle in and talk to other students and support staff.

Students not supported by their parents (estranged)

If you are studying without the support of your parents due to a breakdown in your relationship (also known as being estranged), you may be eligible to apply for student finance as an independent student. Many universities also offer other forms of support, so it's well worth doing your research before you apply.

Find out more

If you have caring responsibilities

If you are responsible for providing unpaid care to a family member, partner or friend, you may be able to receive extra support during your studies. This could include financial help, such as a bursary, support with managing your workload and deadlines, or even help with your own health and wellbeing.
Find out more

Help with mental health and wellbeing

There are lots of different ways in which universities support students with their mental health and wellbeing. Whether you're struggling to adapt to a new situation, managing an existing mental health condition, or would just like to know how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing, it's important to know what's available.

Student Space is a new online hub from Student Minds. Here you can find support for mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a range of information, access to dedicated support services (phone or text), details of the support available at your university, and tools to help you manage the challenges of student life.
Visit the Student Space website. Find out more

Other personal circumstances

Whatever you need support for, it's always a good idea to speak to your course provider directly to see how they can help you - you might be surprised by what's available
Find out more

International and EU students

If you live outside the UK you'll need to arrange a Tier 4 student visa - unless you're an EEA or Swiss national.

If you are from outside of the UK, you'll need to prove your English language skills, and make an application through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Your university or college will help you apply, and you can enter your passport details here on ucas.com when you fill in your application or after you have submitted it.

Fees can vary, depending where you're studying and whether you're from the EU or outside the EU - check university and college websites.

More about visas, immigration, and English language tests More about fees and finance for EU and international students studying in the UK

​

UCAS article

UCAS article

UCAS article

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Sort out your student finance in three easy steps. Video provided by Student Finance England. Note that financial support varies across the UK. Applications for courses starting in 2021 will open early 2021, for a loan to cover tuition fees (paid directly to the university) and maintenance costs (paid directly into your bank account at the start of term).

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What to expect and, more importantly, what you'll get as you enter an apprenticeship.

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As an apprentice, you'll get:

Apprentice pay and the National Minimum Wage

There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you're in.

Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.

Aged 16 to 18

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and in your first year

The current National Minimum Wage rate for an apprentice is £5.28 per hour.

Aged 19 or over and have completed your first year

You're entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage rate for your age.

Time apprentices are paid for

You must be paid for:

your normal working hours

training that's part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)

study towards English and maths qualifications, if they're part of your apprenticeship

Your normal working hours should be in your employment contract (this might be your apprenticeship agreement).

There are rules about how many hours you can work in a week and being paid overtime.

If you're studying for English and maths qualifications which are part of your apprenticeship, your employer should allow you time to study during your normal working hours.

Training

As an apprentice, at least 20% of your normal working hours must be spent on training.

Your training might happen every week, every month or in a separate block of time.

The training might take place:

at your place of work

somewhere else like at a college or training provider

online

Your training provider will be able to tell you when and where your training will be.

Holidays

You'll get at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

If you've been in local authority care

If you're under 25 when you start your apprenticeship and have previously been in local authority care, you may be eligible for a bursary payment.

Ask your training provider for more information about what you'll get, if you're eligible and how to apply.

Help and advice

Your school, college or training provider may be able to give you advice about apprenticeships.

Contact Acas for free and confidential advice on your rights at work.

Contact the Support Service for Apprentices for mental health support and advice.

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Becoming an apprentice - what to expect, apprenticeship levels, pay and training, making an application, complaining about an apprenticeship.

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Can I still apply for student finance?

England

All full-time and part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate SFE and EU student finance applications for the 2021 to 2022 academic year are now open. New and continuing students should apply as soon as possible. SFE students can apply online by signing in to their online account.

EU students should apply using the relevant application form.

Wales

All full-time and part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate SFW and EU student finance applications for the 2021 to 2022 academic year are now open. New and continuing students should apply as soon as possible. SFW students can apply online by signing in to their online account.

EU students should apply using the relevant application form.

Northern Ireland

All full-time and part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate SFNI and EU student finance applications for the 2021 to 2022 academic year are now open. New and continuing students should apply as soon as possible. SFNI students can apply online by signing in to their online account.

EU students should apply using the relevant application form.

How long is it taking to process evidence and applications?

It can take up to 6 weeks for evidence and applications to be processed.

Check the status of your application and make sure you've sent everything we've asked for in your online account.

If you're unsure what your application status means, you can find out more information.

What if I cannot post the evidence you've asked for because I'm self-isolating or unwell?

The easiest and quickest way to provide evidence is by uploading a digital copy of it to an online account.

Watch our evidence walkthrough film for more information on how to do this.

Don't worry about sending evidence by post just now if you're not able to. Our priority is your safety and well-being, so stay at home. If you send us evidence later than normal we'll make sure you don't lose out on student finance because of this.

I cannot send new medical evidence from my GP because of COVID-19. Do I have to wait until I have new evidence to make my application for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)?

No. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, we understand that you may not be able to get any new medical evidence or diagnostic assessment reports. You should send us any evidence you already have so we can check your eligibility for DSA. If we need additional evidence, we will let you know.

Student Finance England will accept an evaluation of need in place of a full diagnostic assessment if you have Specific Learning Difficulties. If you have an evaluation of need, you should email it to dsa_medical_evidence@slc.co.uk along with your full name, customer reference number and date of birth. Student Finance England will accept any evaluation of need completed up to and including 30 June 2021.

I cannot post my DSA1 form to you because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Can I email it?

Yes. If you've printed and signed your DSA1 form, we can accept a scanned copy of it. We can also accept a digital version of the form with your digital signature.

The process is different depending on who is providing your DSA.

For Student Finance England, send your form to dsa_team@slc.co.uk

For Student Finance Wales, send your form to sfw_dsa_team@slc.co.uk

For Student Finance Northern Ireland, send your form to the DSAs officer at your local Student Finance NI (SFNI) office.

Please be aware, these email addresses may not be able to respond to general DSA queries.

My parent/partner has recently lost their job. How will this affect my student finance?

Some student finance is based on your household income, so we'll need financial details from your parent(s) or partner to calculate how much funding you can get. However, we understand that financial circumstances can change and we have a process in place to help with that. This process makes sure you won't lose out on any student finance you're entitled to.

During the student finance application process your parent(s)/partner will be asked to provide financial details from a previous tax year. If they've lost their job and are not earning as much now as they did then, we can look at your application based on their 'Current Year Income (CYI)'. But this can only be done after they've given us the details of the previous tax year.

There are different rules for the CYI process depending on where you live in the UK and also the type of student finance you're applying for - to find out the specific rules that apply to you go to the relevant website:

2020/21 Academic year

If your student finance has already been calculated for 2020/21 using the CYI process, we may need to contact your parent(s) or partner for financial evidence for the 2020/21 tax year. In this case, we'll get in touch with them in late 2021. If their income is different to what they estimated previously, your student finance will have to be recalculated.

I cannot complete my DSA1 form as my university or college is closed. What should I do?

When filling in the DSA1 form, you can leave Section 5 blank. You should ask your university or college to send us an email confirming:

your full name

your customer reference number (if known)

the academic year you're applying for

your course start date

your course end date

your year of study. For example, year 1 of 3

your level of study. For example, undergraduate or postgraduate

whether you're in attendance on your course or studying as part of a distance learning course

whether you're studying full-time or part-time

if you're studying part-time, the intensity of your course. For example, 50% of the full-time equivalent

For Student Finance England, your college or university should email dsa_team@slc.co.uk

For Student Finance Wales, your college or university should email sfw_dsa_team@slc.co.uk

For Student Finance Northern Ireland, your college or university should email the DSAs officer at your local Student Finance NI (SFNI) office.

I cannot get to a Study Needs Assessment Centre because of COVID-19. What should I do?

Needs Assessments can be done remotely if you cannot attend in person. The Assessment Centre will confirm in their report that your assessment was completed remotely.

If you prefer a face to face assessment, or the disability/condition you have cannot be assessed remotely, you should contact your Assessment Centre as soon as you can. They will give you further information about booking your Needs Assessment.

If your Needs Assessment is completed remotely or face to face, we will only process your application for Disabled Students' Allowance once we receive the report from your Assessment Centre.

In 2021/22 my course will mostly involve online learning, so I'll be staying at home to study remotely. How will this affect my student finance?

You'll still be entitled to a Tuition Fee Loan, means tested Maintenance Loan and any grants you qualify for.

Your Maintenance Loan and any grants you're entitled to will be paid as normal so long as your uni or college confirm you've registered with them. Your Tuition Fee Loan will be paid each term when your university confirms your attendance to us, even if you've been studying remotely. Whether you are online learning for one term or the whole academic year will have no effect on this.

If your course is classed as a 'distance learning' course, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Disabled Students' Allowance only. However, if you are distance learning due to a disability, you may also qualify for a Maintenance Loan.

I was supposed to be living away from home at my uni or college during term time, but I will now be staying at home as my course will involve online learning. Will this affect my student finance?

Yes, it's important that you inform us of where you're living during the academic year as this will have an impact on the rate of Maintenance Loan you're entitled to.

Students who are living away from home during term time are entitled to a higher rate of Maintenance Loan than students living at home, to meet the higher living costs.

If we have the wrong information about where you're living during your course you'll have to repay any funding you were overpaid, this could affect your funding in future years. To update your living location, sign in to your online account.

Visit our pages to learn more about Maintenance Loan rates for:

I cannot meet the UK residency requirements because COVID-19 restrictions prevented me from travelling to the UK. Will this be considered when my eligibility for funding is being assessed?

Yes, if you can provide evidence that COVID-19 caused you to have a temporary break in your residency from the UK you should still be eligible for student finance.

If my academic year gets extended, will student finance be extended to help me cover that?

If your current academic year gets extended, meaning if teaching is extended and your course lasts longer than 30 weeks and 3 days, we will assess you for a 'Long Courses Loan'. However, if you finish your course later because of ongoing re-assessments, you won't be able to get more student finance.

To get a Long Courses Loan you must be getting the extra Maintenance Loan that depends on your household income.

Your university or college will have to tell us about this extension before we can assess you for the Long Courses Loan.

If you're eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), you'll still get this support during any extensions given by your university or college.

Will I still get student finance next year if I have to repeat or extend my study?

Yes. We already have a process for handling this type of situation where students sometimes have to repeat a year for various reasons.

For any period of previous study you will still be able to get a Maintenance Loan.

A Tuition Fee Loan is available for the full length of your first course, plus one extra year if needed. If you don't have enough years of funding left to cover your course fees, you may be able to get an extra year of support due to compelling personal reasons.

If you're eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA), you'll receive DSA support for the duration of your studies. DSA are unaffected by previous study.

I am still being charged for childcare although my children cannot attend. Will my Childcare Grant still cover this?

Yes. If you are still being charged by your childcare provider, and you're still a student, your Childcare Grant will still be paid. The amount payable will remain capped at 85% of the cost charged, or the maximum applicable rate of Childcare Grant, whichever is lower.

If you use the Childcare Grant Payment Service, you will need to continue to review the invoices and approve your Childcare Grant payments online.

My childcare provider has closed and you've sent me a CCG2 form. If I can't send this back will I still be paid Childcare?

Don't worry about sending us a CCG2 form just now if you're not able to. Our priority is your health and well-being so stay at home. When we get your form later in the year we'll finalise your payments then.

If you have been overpaid, we'll reduce your 2020/21 grant entitlement by the overpayment amount. We understand this may cause you financial hardship. Should this happen, we will work with you at the time to find a more affordable way for you to pay back the overpayment.

If my placement is delayed what impact will this have on my student finance?

If your current academic year gets extended, meaning your course lasts longer than 30 weeks and 3 days, we will assess you for what we call a 'Long Courses Loan'.

The Long Courses Loan is part of the Maintenance Loan so to be eligible, you must be getting the extra Maintenance Loan that depends on your household income.

Your university or college will have to tell us about this extension before we can assess you for the Long Courses Loan.

How is my non-medical helper support affected by COVID-19?

If the type of support offered by your non-medical helper is now done remotely, your Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) will still cover the cost of this. You should agree that remote support is acceptable with your non-medical helper provider.

We understand that you may not have been able to attend classes because they were cancelled by your university or college, and this could have impacted your non-medical helper support. For Student Finance England, cancellations of your non-medical helper will not be paid from your DSA allowance.

The rules are different for Student Finance Wales and Student Finance Northern Ireland.

I had planned to study abroad in 2020 to 2021, but I'll now be staying in the UK to study online with my overseas provider. How will this affect my funding?

Normally, students studying abroad for a year of their course would be entitled to a higher amount of Maintenance Loan to help with the costs of living overseas. But as you'll no longer be living abroad during term time, you'll now be eligible for the home rates of Maintenance Loan instead, which can vary depending on your specific circumstances:

Living at home

Living away from home, outside London

Living away from home, in London

Visit our pages to learn more about Maintenance Loan rates and amounts for:

You need to make sure we have the correct information about where you'll be living each term, otherwise you may have to repay any funding you have been overpaid. You can update this information by signing in to your online account now.

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Guidance for students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland

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All full-time and part-time, undergraduate and postgraduate SFE and EU student finance applications for the 2021 to 2022 academic year are now open. New and continuing students should apply as soon as possible. SFE students can apply online by signing in to their online account. EU students should apply using the relevant application form.

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Your essential guide to making the most of your time at university, including postgraduate study and what to do after you've graduated.

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Rate My Apprenticeship Booklet 2021-2021

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Rate My Apprenticeship Booklet 2021-2021

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GT Scholars - 42 Top Apprenticeship Programmes for Young People in the UK

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GT Scholars - 42 Top Apprenticeship Programmes for Young People in the UK

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Target Careers - Guide to your Future 2020

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Target Careers - Guide to your Future 2020

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Target Careers - Paths to Professional Careers PARENTS GUIDE

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Target Careers - Paths to Professional Careers PARENTS GUIDE

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LMI for All is an online data portal funded by the Department for Education.

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The LMI for All portal provides high quality, reliable labour market information (LMI) to inform careers decisions.

Explore LMI data - interested in the labour market and want labour market information?
Here you can find out where to access information on the labour market and link through to some websites using LMI for All data. You can also explore data using our widgets, Careerometer and Skillsometer.

Designers - want to design your own labour market information website or application?
Here you can get some inspiration on how LMI for All could be used in your own website and learn how others have done it.

Developers - want to use LMI for All?
If you are a developer and want to use the LMI for All service, the you can find out about the service, how to access the API and, importantly, find out about the structure of the database and the data it includes.

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Finding Labour Market Information

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The Best Websites to Find Labour Market Information

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Find out why labour market information is important when making career decisions. This post provides a list of websites to find information on job markets.

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Ted Talk - Why jobs of the future wont feel like work

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Ted Talk - Why jobs of the future wont feel like work

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Why jobs of the future won’t feel like work

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We’ve all heard that robots are going to take our jobs -- but what can we do about it? Innovation expert David Lee says that we should start designing jobs that unlock our hidden talents and passions -- the things we spend our weekends doing -- to keep us relevant in the age of robotics. “Start asking people what problems they’re inspired to solve and what talents they want to bring to work,” Lee says. “When you invite people to be more, they can amaze us with how much more they can be.”

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Ted Talk - The new jobs of the future and other insights on the changing workforce

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Ted Talk - The new jobs of the future and other insights on the changing workforce

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Ben Pring: The new jobs of the future, and other insights on the changing workforce

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COVID-19 will change everything -- and the way we work and learn will be no exception. Will the traditional office structure be a thing of the past? Could our education system start to look more like a lifelong journey? Tech futurist Ben Pring and head of TED Chris Anderson tackle these questions and more in this thought-provoking interview.

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Norfolk County Council - Norfolk's Economy

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Norfolk County Council - Norfolk's Economy

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There are ambitious plans for Norfolk - we are looking to create 73,000 more homes, 57,000 more jobs and 5,300 new businesses by 2026.

Our key sectors, many of which are of national importance, are spearheading growth.

We have a powerful energy hub on the east coast, advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities and a world-class food, life-science and agri-tech cluster.

Tourism is one of the greatest and oldest economic contributors to our county. It supports more than 54,000 jobs and contributes about £2.8bn to the local economy.

These sectors present attractive investment opportunities. There is plenty of space for businesses to start up and grow; we have quality, cost-effective, commercial property compared to London and the South East and lower-than-average operating, property and living costs.

Scottow Enterprise Park (SEP), a former RAF base located just eight miles from Norwich, is owned by Norfolk County Council and consists of a mixture of individual buildings and open space. The site lends itself to a variety of possible uses and is now at 85% occupancy with 93 businesses in tenancy. This includes 19 start-ups.

Norfolk's economy is large, ranking 15th for jobs and 10th for business numbers out of 206 upper tier authorities. It has more 37,000 business [1] and 348,000 jobs [2].

Norfolk has grown faster than the non-London UK average since the recession and is now worth £18.5bn [3] to the UK economy.

It has a buoyant labour market with employment levels at 76.7% [4] - above the national average and the highest for 10 years.

References:
[1] Nomis (ONS Interdepartmental Business Register 2015)
[2] Nomis (ONS Bres 2015)
[3] ONS Regional GVA 2015
[4] ONS Annual Population Survey Oct 2015 - Sep 2016

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There are ambitious plans for Norfolk - we are looking to create 73,000 more homes, 57,000 more jobs and 5,300 new businesses by 2026. Our key sectors, many of which are of national importance, are spearheading growth. We have a powerful energy hub on the east coast, advanced engineering and manufacturing capabilities and a world-class food, life-science and agri-tech cluster.

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Enterprise Adviser Network - Labour Market Information

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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

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It’s time to take control of your future | Springpod

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Springpod is a careers platform where students can experience the world of work and university before they apply. Rated 4.9/5 on TrustPilot.

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Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited Economic strategy for growth & opportunity 

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Norfolk and Suffolk Unlimited Economic strategy for growth & opportunity 

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Speakers for Schools is excited to present its weekly broadcast schedule! This schedule will be updated regularly and talks will be targeted to different age groups are accessible via signing up using the registration from links below. registration closes at 12pm the day before the broadcast date - links are then sent out by email that afternoon.

Tips on participating in the Broadcast
To access the talks, links should be opened in a browser that is not Internet Explorer and students should join the live event anonymously, there is no need to create a log in.
Students wishing to see subtitles for the broadcast can turn them on via the panel on the right-hand side of the screen.

Further guidance on how to access talks can be found here.

Questions for speakers can be submitted via Q+A Function during the talk which will be made live for students to submit questions. The questions submitted will be moderated by a member of the SFS team and approved if relevant.

We send out the join link to our broadcasts the day before. Should you require the join link earlier, please email broadcasts@speakersforschools.org

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Upcoming Broadcasts | Speakers for Schools Events

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Stay updated with Speakers for Schools' weekly broadcast schedule. Engage in enlightening talks targeted for different age groups. Register now and join the conversation!

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Discover our full programme of online taster sessions and webinars, and experience what it's like to study your chosen subject at university.

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University of Hertfordshire Taster Sessions

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University of Hertfordshire Taster Sessions

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Keen to find out more about going to uni? Join our online events

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UCAS runs you through the importance of work experience as you enter higher education or the workplace itself.

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A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.

To gain a better understanding of a career, organise some work experience or a few days' work shadowing with an employer. It may not give you time to develop job-specific skills, but it can give you insight into the work involved. It also shows you have motivation and commitment. Some schools, colleges, and universities may be able to organise this for you but if not, research and contact companies yourself.

Alternatively, you could gain relevant work experience as part of a vocational programme, such as a BTEC diploma or apprenticeship. You could also consider an internship, a higher education course which offers a work placement (a sandwich course), or a foundation degree.

Internships can last from a few weeks to up to a year, and could be something you organise for a summer holiday or a gap year. Depending on the type of contract, you may or may not receive a wage. Internships are available in many sectors and industries such as business, law, marketing, engineering, and hospitality, and can give you the opportunity to gain more career-specific skills and knowledge. They are very popular and competition for places is high, so you'll need to apply as early as possible.

Sandwich degrees normally last four years and include a year working in industry with an employer. Most placements offer a salary and they are a great opportunity to gain in-depth experience of work in your chosen field.

Foundation degrees are vocational/work-related degrees. They combine academic skills and knowledge with workplace performance and productivity. They focus on a particular job role or profession and are designed in conjunction with employers.

The first thing to look for when searching for a great employee is somebody with a personality that fits with your company culture. Most skills can be learned, but it is difficult to train people on their personality. If you can find people who are fun, friendly, caring, and love helping others, you are on to a winner. Personality is the key.
'One area that many young people underestimate is their inherent digital expertise. Having grown up in the digital world, many tools and technologies are second nature to them. Now is the time to capitalise on these skills and show potential employers exactly how valuable they can be.'

Want to find out more?

Here are some reports and surveys which give detailed insight into the careers of the future:

Top tips and guidance from people who recruit - a great guide produced by CIPD. It's packed full of advice directly based on what recruiters say - what they look for when they pick out the best job applications, the kinds of questions they ask at interview, and how they choose who to give the job, apprenticeship, or work experience opportunity to. You'll also find a section on what to do if you haven't got any work experience, including information on volunteering and how it can boost your chances of finding a job.

What are the 21st century skills every student needs? An insightful article from the World Economic Forum about the skills needs of the future, with references to key research and reports.

Working Futures (UKCES) - based on detailed labour market information, this report offers a forecast for job opportunities in the UK up to the year 2024, based on past behaviour and performance. The report isn't intended to offer precise predictions, but an indication of which industries might expand, which might contract, and on what scale.

Careers of the Future and the Future of Work: jobs and skills in 2030 (UKCES) - a piece of research exploring the future of work, and how jobs and the skills needed in the workplace will change by 2030.

Sector Insights (UKCES) - a collection of reports that look at particular sectors in the UK to identify the outlook for jobs and skills, identify major trends affecting each sector, and how the mix of skills needs is likely to change over the next decade. These reports also investigate employers' perceptions of the skills needs of specific occupations, and the challenges employers have in meeting those needs.

Education and skills survey 2016 - the Right Combination (CBI/Pearson) - this report provides useful insight into the skills employers are looking for, based on the results of a survey of nearly 500 organisations in the UK.

Skills Matter (OECD report): - a survey of adult skills in 28 OECD countries. It was developed to provide a picture of the match between the supply and demand for skills, how labour markets are changing, and how well equipped their citizens are to participate in and benefit from increasingly knowledge-based economies.

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A recent survey showed two thirds of employers look for graduates with relevant work experience because it helps them prepare for work and develop general business awareness. Importantly, one third of employers felt that applicants did not have a satisfactory level of knowledge about their chosen career or job.

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Sign up with Speakers for Schools to find out about Virtual work experience opportunities available to you.

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Our mission is to give all young people access to the top. By connecting our national network of schools with industry leading employers, we open young people's eyes to the possibilities ahead of them.

Our programme is run through a simple, safe-guarded portal, giving students access to opportunities, schools an easy way to manage their work experience and employers the chance to diversify their early talent pipelines and meet their social mobility goals.
Create your free Experience account with Speakers for Schools below.

Student

Employers

Educators

our experience service supports...

Young People

We give students who wouldn't otherwise have access to industry-leading organisations access to eye-opening work experience placements and inspiring insight days

Schools and Colleges

We help teachers and careers leaders to manage their work experience more effectively and to offer their students high impact placements with top employers

Employers

We work with large and small organisations to make it easy for them to reach new and diverse groups of students before they start their careers

experience makes a difference

Take Part

Our service was set up to make it easy for employers to reach new and diverse groups of students, simple for students to find high quality placements and straightforward for schools and colleges to access and manage work experience placements. Take part today to start accessing everything Experience has to offer.

Explore our campaigns

Through sharing best practice, practical advice on what we know works and inspiring events, we're crowd-sourcing our partner employers' expertise to support better practice across each industry. If you're already working with us, or you work in early careers and social mobility, you can access our industry specific resources and events.

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Our mission is to give all young people access to the top. By connecting our national network of schools with industry leading employers, we open young people's eyes to the possibilities ahead of them.

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The Forage Virtual Work Experience Opportunities

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The Forage Virtual Work Experience Opportunities

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"You can't have a say at the table if you don't have a seat at the table. So these programs and these opportunities for people who look like me, act like me and think like me, are an opportunity to have a seat at the table so we can have a better future for the people behind us."

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Free Virtual Work Experience Programs from Top Companies - Forage.

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Work experience opportunities and workshops with top employers

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Explore your options, get experience with the world's top employers and be confident about your career choices.

Join over 350,000 students!

What we do

We’ll help you explore options for your future.

Making decisions about your future can be tricky.

Even if you know what you want do, finding work experience, or comparing courses can be confusing.

Springpod gives you access to different experiences, for free!

You can now use Springpod to explore the world of universities

🚨 NEW! Our University Hub is now live! 🚨

For all secondary school and college students looking to explore university, this is for you.

Here, you can check out a variety of different universities from all over the UK, discover various statistics about them and gather all the information you could possibly need when making your decision on where to study next.

You'll find our Subject Spotlights - a series of engaging, Netflix-style mini lectures delivered by top professors to help you in your exploration of different subjects.

There's a tonne of content to help with the living side of university too. Advice on finances, socialising, accommodation and loads more can all be found for free!

Virtual Work Experience

Take part in Virtual Work Experiences, gain skills and meet employers.

Whatever job you're interested in, there's a Virtual Work Experience for you, from attending a live surgery, to designing a lunar landing module.

Find Apprenticeships

If apprenticeships are more your thing, you can search and filter opportunities in your area with different employers.

HOW IT WORKS

Filter the right opportunities for you with your personalised profile

Create your free Springpod profile in under 2 minutes and get access to your dashboard.
Your free Springpod profile helps you to:
- Explore opportunities and get personalised recommendations
- Get discovered by potential employers
- Build your digital CV

Create your profile

Create your profile and plan your future, all in one place

We've partnered with over 50 top organisations.

HELPING STUDENTS LIKE YOU

Tens of thousands of young people are already using Springpod every month to explore their options, gain experience and make more informed decisions about their future.

Dont believe us? Watch these student stories

“

Thank you very much for providing me with this excellent, unique and exclusive opportunity. I thank you for all your hard work in assembling this program and couldn't be more grateful for the chance to experience what a career is like in this industry, as previously I had no idea what a career in engineering was like. It was a very enjoyable program that was very interactive and challenging. It was extremely engaging while also forcing you to be independent and use your own brain to accomplish things.

”

Alfie

“

It really opened up my view to types of work and the paths I can take to get there. It was really entertaining and interesting and really raised my interest in working at Atkins as you clearly showed how amazing the team is and the support especially on the mental health side of things. Thank you so much again for all your time, work and effort and I hope I can seek guidance from you all again!

”

Julian

“

Thank you so much for engaging with people like myself who dream to end up in a position that you're in at the moment. As a girl myself, I found it so comforting hearing about how welcomed the female industry professionals were at Atkins and it really encouraged me to keep working towards a career in engineering and to not be put off in this male-dominated industry as I now realise I deserve to be there just as much as anybody else.

”

Alanna

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It's time to take control of your future

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Explore your options, get experience with the world's top employers and be confident about your career choices. Join over 350,000 students! What we do Making decisions about your future can be tricky. Even if you know what you want do, finding work experience, or comparing courses can be confusing.

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Barclays Life Skills Virtual Work Experience

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Barclays Life Skills Virtual Work Experience

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Estimated time required: 20-40 mins

Virtual Work Experience gives you a unique opportunity to gain work experience in a company that you might not normally get access to while highlighting the essential skills you might need. Over 50,000 people visited our virtual work experience in 2020.

What is the Virtual Work Experience tool?

By using this tool, you'll get to see the inner workings of a digital transformation agency, and actively work with different departments on one exciting project, helping them solve problems and complete real-life tasks.

As part of the experience, you'll also see lots of tips as well as links through to other LifeSkills content. These are designed to help you learn how best to deal with situations you may come across in the workplace. Following these links will help you get the most out of your virtual work experience and learn more about the vital skills you'll need in the workplace.

Barclays LifeSkills is offering an online work experience programme for young people in the UK aged 14-19, which typically includes Year 10, 11, 12 and 13 (England and Wales), S3, S4, S5 and S6 (Scotland) and Year 11, 12, 13, 15 (Northern Ireland). This comprises online activities, 5 live sessions with Barclays employees and project work. It starts on Monday 23 October 2023, the deadline for applications is 19 October 2023 and you can register on springpod.com.

Why not extend your virtual work experience journey further by learning about a different industry, specifically financial services through our online lesson film outlining how a bank works and the different role available?

Alternatively, you can visit our virtual work experience hub for more tools and tips.
How do you use it?
The tool is an interactive video where you can ask and answer questions using buttons; think of it as a first-person role-playing game. You'll meet lots of people from different departments of the agency and learn more about what they do.
What do I need to use it?
All you need to get going with this tool is a free LifeSkills account. It's that easy.
How long will it take?
The tool should take approximately 20 mins to complete however there are lots of tips spread throughout that would be useful to check out as you go. You can always come back to them afterwards too.

Why not extend your virtual work experience journey further by learning about a different industry, financial services, through our online lesson film outlining how a bank works and the different roles available?

Alternatively, you can visit our virtual work experience hub for even more tools and tips.

Once you've used the virtual work experience tool, why not get your CV ready for applications using our CV Builder tool.

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Virtual Work Experience tool | Barclays LifeSkills

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Learn where your skills are needed in the modern workplace and see the inner workings of a company with our free online virtual work experience tool.

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In this exciting challenge, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the career opportunities within the Creative and Digital sector. The challenges highlight lesser-known job roles, the key skills needed within the sector and the qualifications required.

These job roles and key skills are highlighted through a fictional project in which students have to develop, advertise and launch a new app called ‘Sustainable Swap’ – created to allow people to swap their unwanted clothes, rather than purchasing new items and, therefore, help to protect the environment.

Each challenge also includes a ‘Career focus’ page that looks in detail at the job role students are about to take on. This information includes role specifics, key skills and job requirements.

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In this exciting challenge, students will have the opportunity to learn more about the career opportunities within the Creative and Digital sector. The challenges highlight lesser-known job roles, the key skills needed within the sector and the qualifications required.

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FutureGoals VWex  - Manufacturing & Engineering

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FutureGoals VWex  - Manufacturing & Engineering

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The aim of this challenge is to showcase the range of career opportunities within the Manufacturing and Engineering sector. The challenges also aim to make students aware of the key skills needed within the sector, as well as the qualifications required.

These key skills and careers are highlighted through a fictional project based around the development and launch of ‘Project Z’ – a new product designed for the Health and Social sector.

Each challenge also includes a ‘Career focus’ page that looks in detail at the job role students are about to take on. This information includes role specifics, key skills and job requirements.

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Manufacturing & Engineering — FutureGoals VWX

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The aim of this challenge is to showcase the range of career opportunities within the Manufacturing and Engineering sector. The challenges also aim to make students aware of the key skills needed within the sector, as well as the qualifications required.

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In this first Live Brief, students’ knowledge, skills and focus will be tested through a fictional new housing development project. This first challenge booklet is broken down into three separate tasks that focus on skills from the three core curriculum areas: maths, English and science.

Each challenge also includes a ‘Career focus’ page that looks in detail at the job role students are about to take on. This information includes role specifics, key skills and job requirements.

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In this first Live Brief, students' knowledge, skills and focus will be tested through a fictional new housing development project. This first challenge booklet is broken down into three separate tasks that focus on skills from the three core curriculum areas: maths, English and science.

Each challenge also includes a 'Career focus' page that looks in detail at the job role students are about to take on. This information includes role specifics, key skills and job requirements.

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In this first Live Brief, students' knowledge, skills and focus will be tested through a fictional new housing development project. This first challenge booklet is broken down into three separate tasks that focus on skills from the three core curriculum areas: maths, English and science.

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New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership - Careers and Coffee Sessions

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New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership - Careers and Coffee Sessions

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The New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership now have a YouTube channel where they will be hosting ‘Careers & Coffee’ sessions with a variety of interesting guests.

These sessions will be available for you to view live every Tuesday & Thursday at 12.30pm or recorded sessions can be found on the YouTube playlist.

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New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership works with businesses, local authority partners and education institutions to drive growth and enterprise in Norfolk and Suffolk. We are transforming the economy by securing funds from government to help businesses grow, through the delivery of ambitious programmes to ensure that businesses have the funding, support, skills, and infrastructure needed to flourish and ensuring that the voice of our business community is heard, loud and clear.

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NEACO - The Take Your Apprenticeship Podcast

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NEACO - The Take Your Apprenticeship Podcast

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CORPORATE AWAY DAYS

High Performance has now curated a Corporate Away Day that harnesses the educational qualities synonymous with the podcast and helps steer businesses in the right direction and educate on the mindset it takes to excel. High Performance have exclusively partnered with Pennyhill Park to bring the Away Day alive.
Limited dates available for 2022.

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High Performance has now curated a Corporate Away Day that harnesses the educational qualities synonymous with the podcast and helps steer businesses in the right direction and educate on the mindset it takes to excel. High Performance have exclusively partnered with Pennyhill Park to bring the Away Day alive.

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YEAR 11, 12 & 13 - University of Oxford Springboard Videos

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YEAR 11, 12 & 13 - University of Oxford Springboard Videos

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Discover your new favourite topic with our Springboard videos, bringing you cutting-edge research from Oxford's graduate students.

We've asked our students to share their research, from climate change and colonialism to microbiomes and mathematical logic. Browse the wide range of topics below - we hope they'll be the first step in your own exploration of academic ideas outside the classroom.

These videos are intended for school pupils in Years 11, 12 and 13. Each offers an introduction to a new topic, plus lots of activities and further resources to explore. When you click on a topic, we'll ask you a few questions and then play the video you've chosen. Find out more about activities and resources for students, teachers and families from Oxford for East England.

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Springboard videos from Oxford for East England

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Unifrog Webinar - An introduction to Unifrog: Students 

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Unifrog Webinar - An introduction to Unifrog: Students 

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Unifrog Webinar - An Introduction to Unifrog:Parents

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Unifrog Webinar - An Introduction to Unifrog:Parents

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Interviews with inspiring people from all walks of life

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Penguin Talks - How to Achieve Anything with Gareth Southgate and Sharky

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Penguin Talks - How to Achieve Anything with Gareth Southgate and Sharky

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How To Achieve Anything with Gareth Southgate and Sharky: Virtual Penguin Talk

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Speakers for Schools - Broadcast Video Library

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Speakers for Schools - Broadcast Video Library

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Watch recordings of previous Speakers for Schools video broadcasts.

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Broadcast Video Library | Speakers for Schools

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Explore a diverse library of inspirational talks from renowned speakers. Dive into topics ranging from culture, heritage, and more with Speakers for Schools.

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Who we are
and why we exist?

BecomingX was set up with one purpose. To create a world where everyone can realise their potential.

Despite being eternal optimists, we are worried. We are worried that many people believe that ‘success’ is about how much money you make, the car you drive or how many likes you get on social media. We are worried that ‘talent’ is seen as some mythical genetic force possessed by the few, rather than the product of determination, hard work and experience. We are worried that our education systems are not adequately preparing young people for the future. Most of all, we are worried that most people do not realise what they are really capable of achieving.

So we've set out to change that. By combining our deep understanding of high performance with the stories and insights from the world's most inspiring and iconic people, we aim to help people understand what it takes to succeed, to raise their aspirations and to build the skills and confidence to realise their potential.

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Watch our films to explore the stories of the world's most inspiring people and find out what it takes to succeed.

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Virtual Penguin Talk - How to Prepare for the Squiggly World of Work with Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis

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Virtual Penguin Talk - How to Prepare for the Squiggly World of Work with Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis

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How to Prepare for the Squiggly World of Work with Helen Tupper & Sarah Ellis: Virtual Penguin Talk

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The Nine to Five with Stacey Dooley - Series 1: 1. Can't Take the Heat

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Stacey takes five teens to a Gordon Ramsay restaurant for work experience.

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What to expect studying medicine.

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The British Medical Association is the trade union and professional body for doctors in the UK.

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New to studying in the UK? Join the BMA

Membership is free for students in your first year.

Access our online library

Get help with your research and dissertation

Access our huge range of learning resources

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Find out how to become a doctor and what to expect at medical school.

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Links to all of the established conservatoires in the UK, what to expect, and how to choose your course.

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Who are the FDS?

The aims of the Federation are:

To engage in activities, projects and discussions collectively and individually that enable diverse groups of people to receive excellent training for the contemporary profession in all its aspects.

To work with other schools with shared vision, values and approaches in the training to share current best practice and identify opportunities for change and enhancement in the future.

To work with the industry and professional stakeholders to ensure that the training experiences provided allow graduates to enter and sustain professional careers with a current, adaptable and expert skillset.

To be an identified presence in public discussion of both the challenges and values of conservatoire training

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The aims of the Federation are: To engage in activities, projects and discussions collectively and individually that enable diverse groups of people to receive excellent training for the contemporary profession in all its aspects. To work with other schools with shared vision, values and approaches in the training to share current best practice and identify opportunities for change and enhancement in the future.

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Answer a few questions and we will take you through the possibilities step by step

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Royal Society of Biology Website - Careers Resources

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Royal Society of Biology Website - Careers Resources

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We provide careers resources for teachers and careers advisors in schools and universities through the UK. Below are some of the free downloadable resources.

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Explore Careers Opportunities About us Learn

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Helping you level up to a career in games and immersive

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Creative Sports & Leisure Apprenticeships & Traineeships

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Creative Sports & Leisure Apprenticeships & Traineeships

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Welcome to Creative Careers

We make it part of our mission to connect and engage with schools, college and sixth form career leaders to support their CEIAG activities that help to deliver Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 & 8. Our Engagement Team have built strong working relationships with schools, colleges and sixth forms through delivering immersive and award winning activities that offer insight into the UK creative industries and the creative economy.

Our creative career focused programme is delivered through a range of activities which include; creative careers assemblies, creative career mock interviews, creative career map sessions, creative career experience sessions, next steps sessions, transition meetings and creative taster days.

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We make it part of our mission to connect and engage with schools, college and sixth form career leaders to support their CEIAG activities that help to deliver Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 3 & 8.

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Massive Open Online Courses - affordable, flexible, and breadth of courses. Advance your career and educational prospects.

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MOOC.org | Massive Open Online Courses | An edX Site

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Find MOOCs from Harvard, MIT, Microsoft and other top universities and institutions in subjects like computer science, data science, business and more.

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iDEA - The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award

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iDEA - The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award

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Your Game Plan - Digital learning to shape your future career

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We are dedicated to creating employment pathways, building career confidence and matching future talent to the right opportunities. YourGamePlan helps employers unlock tomorrow's talent.

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Develop hobbies, new skills, and career changing expertise with flexible, online courses.

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Independent UK university rankings, course information, and expert advice for all students.

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Research and understand the UK's universities and their courses, what else they offer and compare which will best suit you.

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Use WhatUni to compare all of your university based options.

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Compare the Best University Degrees Courses UK | Whatuni

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Find courses at top universities. Free, trusted advice to help you decide which university is best for you. The UK's biggest student reviews site.

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Do you not know how to choose a university? Feeling stressed and anxious about making a decision? Get support and advice from our guide on how to choose a university in the UK.

If you've just received your A-level results or are in the university clearing process, you're probably wondering what to consider when choosing a university. From the course itself to the university location and student union bar, we round up everything you need to think about right here.

After reading our guide, you'll be better equipped to make the right university choice for you.

How important Is choosing the right university?

The choice you make when choosing a university will shape your immediate future. It will determine who you meet (maybe even your future spouse!) what skills you will develop and opportunities you can seize. Therefore, it is a crucial decision that has a lot of impact on the rest of your life. And that, as we know, is quite a lot of pressure.

But just because it is such an important decision does not mean it is a make-or-break decision. You could have a happy and wonderful experience at lots of universities, so don't be too hard on yourself if you are struggling to choose a UK university. Thousands of other future students are in your shoes, shuffling one way and the other without really knowing what university to pick.

Choosing a university post COVID-19

Choosing a university in 2020 is different from the norm because of the recent pandemic and ongoing social distancing measures.

Cambridge University was one of the first institutions to state that all lectures would be conducted online until the summer of 2021 . And this is a measure that many other universities are adopting for unknown durations.

What this means for new university students is that some of the usual considerations may not be given as much thought this year. The local nightlife, social scene or the technology available in lecture halls will start to be overlooked, whereas career opportunities and the course content may be given more scrutiny.

How to choose a university

Below you can find the biggest considerations when choosing a university. Not all of them will apply to you, but there is some food for thought for every university hopeful.

Consider your course and future

Choosing a university is likely to centre around the course you want to do and the career you wish to have after graduation. Not all universities offer the same courses so you will need to investigate which ones do offer the degree you need.

Moreover, you may wish to look into the details of those courses to see what modules are included. Does it include a module that you want to specialise in and find interesting? Or are they irrelevant for your desired career?

Another way to judge the course is to look at the professors and lecturers who teach at the university. Are they spearheading the field with innovative research, or have they even inspired you to get into the discipline?

University ranking and employment rate

If you are unsure of how good the courses are that have made your shortlist really are, there are ways to learn more about them without reading flashy course booklets handed to you by the universities. You could try to contact current students on that course to get their experiences and feedback (this is best done on university course open days).

Another way is to look up the course and university position on respected rankings. There are a few different tables you can look at, and not all of them are regarded as reliable. The Times Higher Education is one of the handful that is worth browsing.

Industry connections

Some universities will actively advertise on their course curriculum that they have connections within the industry. This may provide an opportunity for you to get a work placement with a company you dreamed to work for, or a similar opportunity. It's also a good idea to look at employment rates after graduating from each university - many of them publish this information.

If you can't find this advertised, email the course leader directly to find out what's on offer with them.

Online and remote learning options

University courses have always had a remote learning aspect to them, usually in the form of blackboard where course notes and announcements are published, or where recorded lectures are made available.

These types of platforms may be used even further due to the recent pandemic, with some universities reducing the number of lectures and swapping them for online learning. The details of this may be a consideration when starting university in 2020.

You could always get a feel for what's on offer by trying some short online courses from a university you're considering.

University location and campus location

The city or town of your university will probably hold a lot of weight in your decision. You might prefer to live and study in a vibrant busy city or may prefer one of the smaller UK university destinations.

The location may be important for an array of reasons, including but not limited to:

Travel time back home

Travel time to a weekend job

Social scene and nightlife of the location

General atmosphere and local amenities/venues

Whether you prefer a campus university or one located around a city

Remember to check the campus location of your course and not just where the university is predominantly based!

Think more about the social scene

The social scene is one consideration that usually gets a lot of attention. Nobody wants to go to university in a boring city with few bars and no cinema or special events throughout the year.

For the immediate future, in light of COVID-19, this may not be as important as normal. But your university life is going to last four or more years, so still take the social scene into account when you make your university shortlist.

Extra-curricular activities and sport

Going to university is not only about studying and preparing for a career. It is about character building, making friends and getting involved with things you are passionate about. Whether that be poetry, politics or sports, you may want to look closely at what clubs and societies are connected to the university.

You should also check out what else is in the area not connected to the university.

Erasmus and overseas opportunities

Lots of university courses offer work placements where you get credit for the time you spend on the job. But some courses offer exciting overseas placements where you can go around Europe or further afield to gain valuable experience that will stand out on your CV.

However, be prepared for tough competition for these positions, and it's probably not best to hang your hat on this factor alone when choosing a university.

The better news is that the Erasmus programme may remain open for UK students even after Brexit negotiations. The Erasmus programme is a way for students to swap universities for a single term or full year and is often an eye-opening experience for many. Currently, the UK's continued participation in the scheme will depend on Brexit negotiations.

If studying abroad is on your bucket list, make sure to ask if this could still be an option at your university and on your specific course.

And if you do go, get a head start and learn the local language!

The financial aspect

University is expensive in the UK and there is no getting away from the high fees. But you can save money by choosing a university that will not make the cost of living so expensive. For example, living and studying in Newcastle or Carlisle will be far cheaper than doing so in central London.

But there is a way you can avoid those hefty course fees if you plan to complete your full degree abroad. University tuition costs much less in many European destinations and some of them now offer bachelor's degrees taught in English to attract the international market. Master's degrees are widely taught in English and exceptionally cheaper compared to the UK equivalents.

Speaking of master's degrees...

If you already know that your bachelor's degree is just a stepping-stone to an academic career, you might already know what master's degree you wish to do or even have a PhD idea in mind. If this sounds familiar, you should ideally start looking at the acceptance criteria for the master's degree in question.

What do you need to get on the course? Will the bachelor course you have in mind suffice those requirements? Plan early by considering these things when choosing a university.

Additional support services

Some students may require additional support for their learning. This could range from help to manage deadlines or support for specific learning difficulties. UK universities usually offer additional services to help these students and can provide them with the support they need to earn their degree. But that doesn't mean every university offers the same services - and some may be streets ahead of others.

If you need additional support, it is always best to investigate what is on offer by emailing and calling the university departments responsible for offering these specialised services.

I still don't know what university to choose

If you are still unsure about what university you want to attend, there is nothing wrong with taking a gap year and taking the time to figure it out. With university course fees almost £10,000 per year, using the time to get the decision correct may be wise.

During your gap year you could try and get some work experience, save some money, travel when possible and read more about the subjects you're considering.

I want to go this year, but I'm still not sure

On the other hand, you may not be 100% certain that you will choose the right university or course but remain adamant that you do want to attend in 2020.

If you tick this box, then choosing a course that offers transferable skills with a wide range of job opportunities is best. For example, some courses are very restrictive into what careers they lead to, such as accountancy. But other courses, like degrees and computer science courses , can keep your future career options wide open.

We've discussed some of the key points that soon-to-be freshers might want to consider, but what things should you not put too much emphasis on?

The main one is the university choices of your current friends. If your friends from sixth form or college just so happen to want to go to the same university then that's great. But if you make your decision based on their preferences and follow them to a university, this could limit your new experiences, social life, and personal growth.

Your university decision should be an entirely personal choice. You can still remain friends with your current gang by going to another university and visiting them often, so don't sacrifice this important decision just to keep your close friends nearby.

Going to university should be seen as a way to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people and develop your soft skills. Even if you head to a university where you know absolutely nobody, you'll still meet new and exciting people.

Everyone understands that this can be daunting, but hundreds of other students will be in the same boat as you and even more open than usual to meet new people.

Final thoughts on choosing a university

For many people, choosing a university is the first major life decision they make that's entirely their own. While guides and recommendations can provide factors to consider, the weighting you give you each factor and the ultimate decision has to be yours. In some cases, the best university in the league tables may not be in a city that you like, or the one with the best post-graduate employment rate may not have a strong community around your favourite sport. Talking through your decisions and considering what you want to achieve most in the next 3-4 years will help you with the decision, as will listening to your own feelings and instincts about each option .

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How to Choose a University? | Check out our advice - FutureLearn

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Do you not know how to choose a university? Feeling stressed and anxious about making a decision? Get support and advice from our guide on how to choose a university in the UK. If you've just received your A-level results or are in the university clearing process, you're probably wondering what to consider when choosing a university.

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Deciding where to study is a huge task, especially if you're going abroad. However, the journey towards finding your perfect university should be a lot less daunting if you have a clear idea of the tools available to help you, right from the start of your search.

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Expert support and advise on how to choose the right university course for you.

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How to choose the right undergraduate course for you

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Our information & advice helps you learn how to research your ideal subject, understand the type of course that suits you and where you should go to study.

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University of Cambridge Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Cambridge Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Cambridge Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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Undergraduate Prospectus for 2023 entry to the University of Cambridge.

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University of Bristol Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Bristol Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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Cardiff University Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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Cardiff University Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of York Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of York Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Oxford Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Oxford Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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Oxford University's Undergraduate prospectus for 2023-entry

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University of Manchester Online Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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University of Manchester Online Undergraduate Prospectus 2023

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Undergraduate prospectus | The University of Manchester

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Explore our digital prospectus and start your journey to undergraduate study at Manchester. This is your future.

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University of East Anglia Undergraduate Guide 2023

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University of East Anglia Undergraduate Guide 2023