Useful Information

 

Eclips

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

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

 

Careers Companion

Another source of very useful information for all students, parents & carers. This is on the front page of the school website under the “Quick Links “ tab

https://bespoke.careercompanion.co.uk/libraries/index

 

Berkshire Opportunities https://www.berkshireopportunities.co.uk/employers-and-educators/opportunities-for-you-to-share/

 

Employment

 

Exciting Opportunities with Vodafone – Y13

• Software Engineer
• Network Engineer
• Project Management
• Data Analyst
• Cyber Security
• Level 4 Foundation Apprenticeship (CNFE) – No required qualification 

Applications close March 14th

The new standard is the Cellular Network Field Engineer or CNFE for short, it is a scheme that delivers a level 4 foundation degree scheme over 3 years, with a mix of office based and out at physical sites or locations.

Vodafone currently has vacancies open for this new and exciting apprenticeship standard with its launch happening September 2025.  We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are 18 years old by September 2025 or above, and hold a valid driving license, as the role involves driving to and from various locations. There are no qualification prerequisites, making this an accessible opportunity for many students.

A really important point is that the current vacancies that are open will be shutting on the 14th March, so if people are interested, they will need to follow the links as soon as they can.

Below is the link to the application and more detail around CNFE.

https://opportunities.vodafone.com/job/Newbury-UK-2025-Cellular-Network-Field-Engineer-Apprenticeship/1135344601/

 

GXO Logistics Services: Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship

Work across a variety of departments - including areas such as warehousing, health and safety, human resources and continuous improvement to gain a well-rounded view of GXO, their customers, and the wider world of logistics.  You will gain the confidence, experience and skills to lead and support your own team working towards your fully funded degree in Professional Supply Chain Leadership.

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000306598#apply

 

ICONIC: Construction Project Management Degree Apprenticeship

If you're interested in a career in the construction industry and want to get a degree whilst gaining on-the-job experience, this opportunity could be for you. The first 4 years of the apprenticeship will result in BSc Construction Management with the final year working towards MRICS, at which point you will have attained Chartered Surveyor status

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000306413#company

 

Bank of America: Global Markets Data Science Apprenticeship

Quantitative Strategies and Data Group (QSDG) uses models, data, and analytics to develop and deliver impactful solutions to sales and trading teams across Global Markets. They collaborate across business lines and are guided by the highest standards of governance, ethics and scientific

rigor. In this role you will contribute directly to the firm by helping to serve clients and manage risk.  You will be on active projects in the fast- paced environment of the trading floor.

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC1000305655

 

Work Experience & Insight Events

 

BAE Systems: Work Experience

Inspiring young people in their career choice BAE Systems Work Experience Programmes are very popular and places on the programme are limited. To register interest in their Work Experience Programme, simply complete the four sections of the form.  All requests are reviewed so please ensure you provide as much relative information as possible to support your submission.

https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/getting-ready-for-work/work-experience

 

Thales: Work Experience

The Thales Virtual Work Experience programme provides interesting and engaging sessions that give you a great, fun, and future-focused space to develop skills. It's all about making sure the next generation is ready for the world of tech and engineering!

https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries-europe/united-kingdom/news/inspiring-next-generation-engineers-thales-uks-virtual-work

 

Maths Meets Medicine – Explore Careers in the Pharmaceutical Industry

11^th March 5pm – 7pm

 

First Intuition – Insight into Accountancy & Financial Careers – Y10- Y13

The event will run on the 15th & 16th of July 2025 from 09.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Over the two days we will introduce them to the world of accountancy, discuss the different routes into the industry, review CV’s and discuss interview skills and tips.  The programme is run by our friendly and experienced staff in our Reading office. (All staff are DBS checked, and we follow safer recruitment procedures.)

Hot and cold drinks will be available throughout the day. However, lunch will not be provided. The centre is located near the Reading city centre which provides a variety of lunch options and there is a cafe in the building.

DAY ONE- 15th July

• Introduction to business and finance
• Getting into business and finance roles
• Understanding the roles and opportunities in business and finance
• Business challenge competition

DAY TWO- 16th July

• How to apply for jobs in business and finance
• Interview skills
• CV Surgery
• Meet the experts- local employer Q&A

The Accountancy Academy will take place in our spacious Reading centre located just a few minutes’ walk from the Reading city centre:  Fifth Floor, Reading Bridge House, Reading, RG1 8LS

Registration Form is included within the following, this event has been popular in previous years, we only have 20 SPACES AVAILABLE – successful students need to get permission from Their Head of Year   https://www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/fi-reading-accountancy-academy/

 

Insight to BDO

Tuesday, 11th March 2025, from 5pm to 7pm.

Are you ready to explore a career with one of the worlds leading accountancy and business advisory firms? Curious to see what makes BDO stand out in the industry? Now’s your chance!  This is a unique opportunity to gain behind-the-scenes access to a world-class firm and learn about their diverse career paths, cutting-edge projects, and commitment to supporting young talent.

What’s in Store?

• Hear directly from BDO professionals about their experiences and career journeys.
• Learn about BDO’s renowned school-leaver programs, apprenticeships, work experience and graduate roles.
• Explore opportunities in audit, tax, advisory, and more!

Why BDO?

BDO is more than just a leading accountancy firm—it’s a place where ambitious young professionals thrive. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality services and creating an inclusive, forward-thinking culture, BDO provides an ideal environment for young talent to develop and succeed. This event will offer a unique insight into how you can be a part of shaping the future of business!

Why Attend?

• Discover pathways into a career in accounting and professional services.
• Gain valuable insights into the skills and attributes BDO looks for in future talent.
• Network with professionals and get your questions answered directly by BDO’s team.
• Apply to in-person events BDO will be hosting across the UK as well as their work experience schemes.

Register Now to Secure Your Place:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDO-Virtual

 

InvestIN Work Experience Programmes

InvestIN is a London based organisation providing pupils aged 12-18 with an immersive experience of their dream career, offering programmes in London, Manchester and Dubai.  They have programmes in Medicine, Investment Banking, Entrepreneurship and Fashion to name a few.

https://investin.org/

The InvestIN Career Quiz!2025 Update: Now includes recommended subject choices & university destinations!

https://investin.org/pages/career-quiz?utm_source=UK%20Schools%20Master%20-%20180%20Days%20Engaged%20-%20ESC&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=UK%20Schools%3A%20Career%20Quiz%202.0%20(01JJC115YQ9QHDW6EDF7CYYNG7)&nb_klid=01F9CET3VZSWHWJPB7FE6JFZVJ

 

Spring WX Weekend Programmes

https://investin.org/collections/weekend-programmes-1

 

Ravensbourne: Creative Careers Work Experience

Ravensbourne are running their Make It! Summer School in July for current Sixth Form pupils you can use this Summer School as work experience.  Participants will work in groups to design, develop and pitch a product to industry professionals across the week, learning key creative career skills such as project management, user-centred design and public speaking.

https://100969engagecms.campusnexus.cloud/rul-outreach-event-registration?eventid=482e84e7-1d70-ef11-a671-000d3a7f07ab#msdynttrid=r4DZKWkOGfb8hhtTO4J_lQ4M9q69n0_Az2qI5OmwBVg

 

National Portrait Gallery: Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to develop your skills, give something back and explore new horizons while contributing to the work they do.  If you are over 16 and curious about what goes on behind the scenes in an art gallery they would love to hear from you. They offer opportunities in a range of departments and you do not need any particular experience or qualifications to apply.

https://www.npg.org.uk/about/jobs/volunteer-with-us

 

College Information

 

Reading College

Newbury College

Don't forget 2 weeks today we are holding an open evening WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH 4-7pm for 16-18 year olds which will include talks and tours of the college. 

It'll be a good chance for students who want to try the trade courses at our renewables centre, and engineering in the solutions lab and workshop, to see what it's all about and meet the team.  The Football Academy and sports team will be there.  And don't forget to mention our Performing Arts programme.

Please direct your vocational students our way.  Entry Level and Level 1 courses include Essential Skills, Achieve, Motor Vehicle, Hairdressing, Catering, Childcare, and Multi-trades.

T Levels include Business - Management and Administration, Construction Building Services, and Digital Support Services.  All the T Levels have a Foundation to T Level pathway.

 

University Information

 

Reading University – April Taster Days

Just a quick update to share with your students / subject teachers - our April Taster Sessions for sixth form students (Y12 or Y13 gap year students) are now live for booking.

We are running tasters for:

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Law

They can find information about these and sign up by clicking the link below:

https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days/taster-sessions

 

Oxford University

We are excited to let you know about the events we have planned for you and your students in the coming months. These include a March online student conference,

https://newsletter.admin.ox.ac.uk/q/11n2i87soqMC9y8I63E5DxG/wv#anc3

higher education fairs, a wide range of college and department outreach events and of course our summer University-wide Open Days at the beginning of July.

These will all provide the ideal opportunity for you and your students to learn more about applying to Oxford this year and to ask questions. https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate has been updated for 2026-entry applicants, and a new digital prospectus https://www.ox.ac.uk/digital-prospectus is also available to view.

Please see further information below regarding admissions tests dates for October 2025. We offer all our potential candidates step-by-step support with their applications so please do encourage your Year 12 (or equivalent) students to sign up to our newsletter,

https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/applying-to-oxford/undergraduate-admissions-and-outreach-newsletter

Choosing Oxford, so they can receive timely information about our admissions process as well as some fun insights into undergraduate life here at Oxford.

 

Cambridge University

I’d also like to flag to any of those staff who work with KS4 students and advise on A-level choice that for potential Cambridge applicants who are thinking of a physical science (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science etc) that they really should be taking Further Maths if offered at your sixth form (or the sixth form they’re going to). Additionally, for Arts & Humanities leaning students I would strongly encourage them to take a language if they studied one at GCSE (and enjoyed it!). As anyone who’s sat through a session with me will know, I really encourage students to not pick ‘odd combinations’ and instead try to select facilitating subjects – for example if you have someone who might think of applying for History at Cambridge I really don’t think picking Biology would be a useful subject for them!

 

Medieval Worlds Residential

Quite a few schools have asked for extension on the deadline for the Medieval Works residential so in the interest of fairness I’m letting everyone know that the deadline is now Monday 10 March (17:00). It’s a fantastic event and would thoroughly recommend it for any student who has an interest in things medieval and who is thinking of applying for English, History, or Anglo-Saxon Norse & Celtic! To nominate a student - https://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/medieval-worlds

 

Pelican Podcasts

A brand new national competition for teams of Y12 students (Y13 in NI/S5 in Scotland) designed to stimulate holistic thinking and the creative use of academic resources. We invite students to design and make their own short super-curricular podcast exploring an idea or theme that will have a cultural object which is local to them as a starting-point. A judging panel made up of a range of subject experts will draw up a shortlist of finalists from the submitted proposals. Finalists will then be asked to record their podcasts. The podcasts will be hosted on Spotify and other platforms, thus sharing your ideas with a wider audience and providing a super-curricular resource for more students in the years to come In addition, all the finalists will be invited to attend a two-day residential in September 2025 here at Corpus. They will have a chance to engage with a range of in-person super-curricular opportunities and to have a celebratory formal dinner in College, during which we shall announce the competition’s winning team. Deadline for submissions - 25 April

For more info and how to submit your school’s team - https://www.corpus.cam.ac.uk/pelicasts

 

Queens’ Medieval Outreach Day

Carrying on the medieval theme Queens are running an interesting event in September for those students who are interested in this period and aimed at students interested in English literature, Anglo-Saxon Norse and Celtic, History of Art, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, and Architecture:

Medieval Outreach Day 2025 - A Deeper Field of View: The Medieval Foundations of the Modern World - https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_diFGOxG09Hu1Gl0

 

Kelvin Essay Prize

For STEM students, Peterhouse have just launched their Kelvin Essay Prize Competition. This essay competition aims to give students the opportunity to explore scientific concepts and topics beyond the classroom, and to engage with scientific research. It is open to students in their penultimate year of study (Year 12 in England and Wales, S5 in Scotland, Year 13 in Northern Ireland), who are educated in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Please note that there is a strict limit of four entries per school preferably across multiple questions. Schools with lots of potential entrants may wish to run their own internal competition, before the chosen answers are submitted to us for consideration. More information on the competition, how to submit an essay, and this year’s essay questions can be found linked here.

 

Peterhouse Applicant Support Scheme (PASS)

This is an online programme, aiming to help support students in making a competitive application to UK universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The programme is run through a series of online webinars and workshops, email newsletters, and interactive challenges.

PASS is structured in two phases: Phase I, from April-July 2025, which covers aspects of university applications including course choice, super-curricular exploration, revision strategies and personal statements, and Phase II which covers aspects of university applications specific to Oxford and Cambridge.

The scheme is open to any students who will be entering Year 13 (England & Wales) / S6 (Scotland) / Year 14 (Northern Ireland) in September 2025. We are prioritising students from our Link Areas, and any applicants outside of those areas who meet one or more of our WP criteria. This programme is aimed at students who are on track to achieve at least 3 As at A-Level, or equivalent.

For further information, including the link for students to register, please see here.

 

King’s Virtual Language Bus

Unusually this is an event aimed at Y9 students (or equivalent) who might be interested in studying Languages at GCSE and beyond. This online interactive event is designed to inspire and empower students to embrace language learning. The day will involve an array of activities, games, talks, and presentations, offered by academics of languages and literature at the University of Cambridge and students who are taking a Modern and Medieval Languages or Linguistics degree. The online interactive event will take place on Tuesday 15 April 2025. To take part in this event, we require teachers to nominate their student(s). Teacher nominations need to be received by Sunday 16 March 2025. 

 

UK University Search Fairs: London Spring 2025 Fair

21st March 2025 Emirates Stadium

This exciting and informative event will provide attendees with the opportunity to speak to over 120 exhibiting universities and apprenticeship providers. These will include: Russell Group, red brick and modern institutions, as well as national and local apprenticeship providers and colleges.

https://www.ukuniversitysearch.com/fair-signup/london-spring-2025

 

University of Exeter: Careers Insight Week

Wondering where a University of Exeter degree could take you? Join them for Careers Insight Week, running from Monday 31st March to Thursday 3rd April 2025, launching the same month as National Careers Week. This is your opportunity to hear from successful Exeter graduates as they share

their career journeys, from life as a student to their roles in various industries

https://app.geckoform.com/public/#/modern/21FO00k0slplt5002g1t0ste6y?utm_term=1682173117381.ian1pi4

 

University of Southampton: Becoming a Doctor Webinar

Developing professional and personal skills is key to improving the health of our population. At Southampton, they believe in training doctors to become people who patients want to see and who colleagues want to work with. Join this webinar to find out more about why these skills are so

important and how they enable their students to become doctors who put patient care front and centre. https://www.ukuniversitysearch.com/institution-fairs/becoming-a-doctor

 

Cardiff University: Events

Cardiff University is situated in the heart of the Welsh capital. Founded in 1883 with just 13 academic staff and 102 full-time students, it has grown quickly and it now caters for in excess of 30,000 students. It is the only Welsh university in the Russell Group.  If you are considering Cardiff as a possible university then perhaps one of their events might be of interest. From experts sharing their latest research, to festivals, workshops and concert series, their varied events are open to all.

https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/community/events

 

Summer Schools

 

Year 12 - Discover Bath Residential summer schools (August residentials)

Applications are now open for our free-to-attend Year 12 summer schools for students meeting the University’s WP criteria and who are academically on track to get the grades required to study at Bath. Our 3-day residentials are a perfect way for your students to get a taste of first-year life and study at the University of Bath.  

Find out more here: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/discover-bath/

 

Year 12 - Step into Bath (July residential)

Applications are now open for our 3-day residential for Year 12 students who are keen to apply to Bath for 2026 entry. The Step into Bath residential takes place from 29-31 July 2025. As part of the summer school, students will get to experience what being a student at Bath is like. Attendees will go to lectures, attend workshops, and spend time socially with others. They'll be surrounded by likeminded students who are also considering applying to Bath and will spend time with them and current Bath students.   

Find out more here: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/step-into-bath/

 

Year 11 - Autism Summer School (August residential)

Applications are now open for our free-to-attend Year 11 Autism Summer School. This 1-night residential aims to give autistic students and their parent/carer the chance to experience higher education and university life. This event is open to Year 11 students (in any educational setting, including those who are home educated) who are due to take their GCSE examinations (or equivalent) in summer 2025 and are aiming for mostly grade 6/B or above in their GCSEs (or equivalent), with a minimum of 4/C in Maths and English Language

Find out more here: https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/autism-summer-school/