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Careers Bulletin 12 December 2024

Employment

Opportunities with:

James Cowper Kreston ( Accountancy), Unilever ( Research & Development) & Virgin Media ( Variety of roles)

 

Work Experience & Insight Events

  • Goldman Sachs: Immersive virtual simulation experience

  • Met Office : Virtual

  • GE Aerospace : Electrical Engineering

  • Theatre - Off stage Theatre Careers

University News

Cambridge - Opportuities for language students & Women in Computer Science

Oxford University - Numerous opportunities  - some are for students as young as Year 7!

Employment

 

Find an Apprenticeship

Please look on the National Vacancy listing below.

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeshipsearch

James Cowper Kreston – Accountancy & Finance Opportunities

2025 School Leaver Programme

Following our careers open evening last month, I’m pleased to share that applications for our 2025 School Leaver Apprenticeship Programme are now open!

 

As discussed previously, we hire a handful of A-level school leavers each year to join our Apprenticeship programme in our Audit & Assurance and Outsourcing teams. We offer students the opportunity to study the AAT Level 3 and Level 4 accountancy qualifications, with a view to then progressing to either the ACCA or ACA Level 7 qualification. I’ve included a link to our School Leavers careers page so you can find out a bit more about our opportunities - https://www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk/school-leavers/ 

Please also find attached a flyer that you can hopefully share with your students.

 

If you, or your students, have any questions regarding our programme, or the application process, just let me know.

 

Sarah Pearce | Student Development Manager
James Cowper Kreston /Accountants & Business Advisers
Main: 0118 9590261/M: 07388 945384 | E: SPearce@jamescowper.co.uk
www.jamescowperkreston.co.uk

 

Unilever: Research & Development Apprenticeships

In R&D you'll find out what consumers want and develop the technology to make innovations come to life. Unilever R&D apprentices follow a structured programme that allows you to put your science education and passion into practice while getting a degree.

https://careers.unilever.com/uk-apprenticeships-research-and-development

 

Virgin Media Apprenticeships

Virgin Media O2 is at the start of a new era.

  • Technical Business Administration
  • Commercial Analyst
  • Entertainment Trials Analyst
  • Technical Administration

You will receive support in developing your career, a starting salary of £27,000, role dependant.   Apprenticeships are available in Reading.

Find out more and apply via the link below:

https://jobs.virginmediao2.co.uk/en_US/careersmarketplace/SearchJobs/apprentice?661=%5B7226%5D&661_format=703&listFilterMode=1&jobRecordsPerPage=8&

 

As one of the UK’s largest businesses, we are powered by a epic, diverse and high performing team that provide customers with a range of services they love to use and rely on every day. Find your perfect role and see what you can do with us. Apprenticeships starting Spring 2024 Plus, access to all of our employee benefits, including: 25 days’ holiday 5 volunteering days a year Huge discounts on everything from days out to household bills

 

Work Experience & Insight Events

 

Goldman Sachs: Virtual Work Experience

Experience the dynamic realm of Operations at Goldman Sachs through our immersive virtual job simulation program designed specifically for students. In this engaging two-task simulation, you'll step into the role of an operational analyst and explore the world of financial services, client

interactions, and problem-solving within one of the world's most prestigious investment banks.

 https://www.theforage.com/simulations/goldman-sachs/operations-9vyc

 

Met Office: Work Experience

In this Virtual Work Experience programme you will be guided through the diverse careers available at the Met Office, helping you visualise some of the job opportunities that your skills and talent could lead to in the future. But that's not all! Completing this work experience won't just provide you

with valuable insights into Met Office careers; it also opens up the exclusive opportunity for you to apply for an in-person work experience with the Met Office!

https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/met-office-careers-forecasting-your-future/WEXP-00356?queryID=16e39a09dd001a0eb986ddfae3d1ab6b&pos=1&fromUrl=%2Fvirtual-work-experience%2Fsearch%3FrefinementList%5Bmodel%5D%5B0%5D%3DVIRTUAL-TO-REALITY

 

GE Aerospace: Explore Electrical Engineering

During this program, you will get the opportunity to step into the shoes of an Edison Engineer team member and complete tasks that replicate the work that our electrical engineering team does every day. You’ll learn key skills in avionics systems analysis, electrical systems design, and technical writing.

https://www.theforage.com/simulations/ge-aerospace/explore-electrical-engineering-ftgs

 

TheatreCraft: December News

TheatreCraft25 Online is the ultimate resource for anyone aged 16+ who’s curious about off-stage theatre careers. Sessions are designed to inspire, inform and connect you with opportunities in the theatre industry - all from the comfort of your home. No matter where you are in your journey,

TheatreCraft25 Online offers a chance to dive beyond the curtain and find your perfect fit in off-stage theatre.

 https://www.theatrecraft.org/registration/

 

University Information

 

Cambridge University

Scopri l'Italiano: Italian Taster Day - 19 February 2025
The Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics Italian Studies Section and Corpus Christi College are excited to host an in-person taster day on Wednesday 19 February 2025 for those interested in studying Italian at degree level. Students do not need to be currently studying Italian at A-level, and we welcome nominations for students who are considering studying Italian as an ab initio option. 

The day will give students an introduction to what studying Italian at Cambridge is like with workshops led by academics from the faculty, plus a chance to meet current undergraduates who are studying Italian (either as part of their MMLL or History & Modern Languages degree). Workshops will cover language, visual culture, film, and medieval and modern history. 

The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. There are 30 places available and students from any UK school can attend.

Please apply here : https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3wSpaaC93XJf3Su

If the event is oversubscribed we will in the first instance priortise students who meet our widening-participation criteria.

 

The Programme

10.30-10.45 Arrival and registration
10.45-11.30 Why study Italian? and the degree structure of Modern Languages at Cambridge
11.30-12.05 Italian culture session 1 (Medieval oriented)
12.05-12.40 Italian culture session 2 (Visual Art oriented)
12.40-13.40 Lunch and tour of Corpus Christi College
13.40-14.15 Language session
14.15-14.50 Italian culture session 3 (Modern culture with History)
14.50-15.10 Break
15.10-15.45 Italian culture session 4 (Contemporary culture with Cinema)
15.45-16.40 Application process and Q&A with current students
16.40-16.45 Closing words and depart

 

Women in Computer Science Programme

A sustained programme running over six months that gives female and non-binary students in Year 12 an insight into what studying Computer Science at university is like. It doesn’t require any previous experience studying Computer Science and would also be well suited to those with an interest in Mathematics.

 

The programme involves seminars which introduce students to different areas of Computer Science, and completing a research project in an area of their choice under the guidance of a current University of Cambridge student. All students who submit a completed research project will be invited to a residential event in Cambridge to celebrate their achievement. Offers will be given out to students who demonstrate active engagement in the Women in Computer Science seminars (www.cst.cam.ac.uk/outreach/wics-seminar-series).

 

Applications for this programme are open until Friday 26th January 2025. You can learn more about the programme and find the application form on our webpage: https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk/women-in-cs-programme

 

Oxford University - Opportunities

 

Explore Chemistry
The Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford is offering a series of enlightening online talks by our research chemists followed by a Q&A. This exciting opportunity is for KS5 UK State school A-level (or equivalent) Chemistry students and teachers. The next talk will be on Tuesday, 10th December 2024 (5.15-6.00pm). Following this, talks will take place on 21st January and 11th March 2025. To take part in any of these online opportunities, apply here.

 

Oxplore Livestream 2pm 18th Dec - Do we make our own luck?

Deadline to apply: 18th December at 1pm

Are some people luckier than others? Do we control our own destiny or are the things that happen to us preordained by fate? For centuries people have carried talismans, created rituals and consulted the stars in a bid to attract good fortune. But if luck is something that we can control, how come bad things still happen? From 2-2.45pm on Wednesday 18th December students aged 11-18 can explore this topic further with an expert panel from the University of Oxford. This event is live from the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, with a special show and tell of 'lucky' items from their world-famous collection of antiquities. Tickets are free and the only technical requirements are internet access and a free vimeo.com account.

Register here by 1pm on 18th December

 

Bug Fight! School Visits 

Are you interested in a day of Bug Fight! workshops at your school? These workshops are an hour long and are designed for a class of up to thirty-two students in Year 10-11. The workshops aim to introduce students to antibiotics, enzymes, substrates and inhibitors. Students will learn how antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolve and consider how we can make new drugs to fight antibiotic-resistant bugs. This workshop is offered in collaboration with the Ineos Oxford Institute for Antimicrobial Research (IOI). The workshop comes to your school; click here to book a date for your school, and click here to find out more!  

 

 

More opportunities for your students 

 

Uncover Engineering 2025 

Deadline to apply: 31st December 2024

Uncover is a residential programme run by Oxford University that gives female/non-binary Black African and Caribbean heritage students the opportunity to explore how Maths and Physics relate to Engineering, while offering a glimpse into university life. The programme is open to Year 10 state-school girls or students who identify as a girl or non-binary and will be held from the 7th-10th April 2025. The programme is held at St Hugh's college and the Department of Engineering Science, Oxford University. Sign up here. 

 

Uncover for Black African and Caribbean heritage students 

Deadline to apply: 31st December 2024

Uncover is a residential programme run by Oxford University that gives female/non-binary  Black African and Caribbean heritage students the opportunity to explore how Maths and Physics relate to Engineering, while offering a glimpse into university life. The programme is open to Year 10 state-school girls or students who identify as being of Black African heritage or Black Caribbean heritage and students of mixed-race with Black African and Caribbean heritage. The programme is held at Exeter Collegeand the Department of Engineering Science, Oxford University from 14th-17th April 2025. Sign uphere.

 

Trinity Talks - Reckoning with Brexit five years on: What happens next? 

Deadline to apply: 6th January 2025

Five years on from the UK officially withdrawing from the EU, this talk tries to separate the facts from the noise about what Brexit has meant for the UK, as well as understanding what a post-Brexit economy and country means under a new Labour government. Join the expert panel chaired by Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, with the Institute for Government’s Director, Hannah White, and Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies. This talk is free for teachers, students and parents of young people, who register with us in advance, from state schools in our linked areas. Tickets will be offered on a first come first served basis. Students are welcome to attend independently of their school but those under the age of sixteen should attend with a parent who should also have a (free) ticket. The talk will be held on Wednesday 22 January 2025 at 5.30pm at Trinity College in the de Jager Auditorium. The deadline to sign up is 6th January 2025. Please contact julia.paolitto@trinity.ox.ac.ukdirectly and include your name, address of your associated school and the number of tickets required in your email. For more information, click here.

 

Exeter Plus Year 12 Programme 2025

Deadline to apply: Monday 20th January 2025 at 9am

Exeter Plus is an Access and Outreach programme at Exeter College, Oxford University, for Year 12 pupils (or equivalent) at non-selective UK State Schools who are interested in applying to selective universities, including Oxford. Pupils in Year 12 (or equivalent) are eligible to apply. Click here for more information about the programme. The deadline for applications is Monday 20th January 2025 at 9am. If you have any questions, please get in touch: outreach@exeter.ox.ac.uk. For more information about outreach opportunities at Exeter, click here.

 

University of Oxford Access Day, for Young Women in Year 10-12 with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage. 

Deadline to apply: 22nd January 2025 at 5pm

Trinity College is again collaborating with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) and Jesus College to offer young women in Year 10-12 with Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage an exciting day exploring life as a student at the University of Oxford. This event aims to encourage students to consider Oxford as one of their future options. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Oxford Centre of Islamic studies and Trinity and Jesus College, experience an academic taster session, gain guidance and information relating to courses and admissions and hear from current students with shared identities. This event is taking place on 12th February 2025 (9.30am-3.30pm), with the option to tour Jesus College at the end of the day. Teachers can request places via this application form. The deadline to sign up for this event is 5pm on 22nd January 2025. For any inquiries or the need for additional information, please feel free to contact Hannah Rolley: hannah.rolley@trinity.ox.ac.uk.

 

UNIQ    

Deadline to apply: 23rd January 2025

As one of the most established programmes of its kind in the UK, UNIQ offers participants access to step-by-step online support as well as a residential based in an Oxford college. The programme is completely free and gives pupils the chance to meet Oxford academics, speak to current students and learn first-hand about the application process and what life might be like at Oxford. UNIQ is for Year 12 state school students with good GCSE grades or equivalent from backgrounds that are underrepresented at Oxford, offering students who are part of the programme support from April 2025 to the point of application in Year 13. It consists of an online programme of academic and application support, as well as an opportunity for an Oxford residential experience. Students can find out more about the programme and selection criteria on the UNIQ websiteuniq.ox.ac.ukApplications open on 12th December 2024 with the deadline to apply being on23rd January 2025. For more information, see the UNIQ website.

 

Keble Subject Taster Days 

Deadline to apply: Monday 27th January 2025 at 12 noon

Keble College, University of Oxford, hosts annual Subject Taster Days in the following subjects: Human Sciences, Geography, Biology, and Ancient History. These Subject Taster Days are for prospective students currently in Year 12 (or equivalent) at UK state schools and colleges and will be held between 11th-19th February 2025 at Keble College. The deadline to apply is 12 noon on Monday 27th January; to make an application or find out more information seeour website and form.

 

EMPower - targetted STEM events for Y10 and Y11 students of black heritage 

Deadline to apply: 29th January 2025

The EMPower programmes offer opportunities in Physics, Engineering, and Materials Science for students to explore these subjects more. If students apply for and are successful in gaining a place on the residential course, they will stay in one of the University’s historic colleges and take part in hands-on workshops. This programme is open to students in Year 10 and 11 of black heritage and runs between now and May 2025 (please check the website). More information is available on the website HERE. If you have any questions about this programme, email the team on engage@physics.ox.ac.uk. 

 

Astrophoria Foundation Year Oxford   

Deadline to apply: 29th January 2025

The University of Oxford’s Astrophoria Foundation Year is a one-year fully funded programme with an additional full bursary to cover accommodation and living expenses. The programme takes place at the University of Oxford and full-time study begins in October 2025. The course is for UK state school students predicted to meet A-level entry requirements, ranging from BBB-AAB (depending on course selected), with significant academic potential, who have experienced severe personal disadvantage and/or disrupted education which has resulted in them being unable to apply directly for an Oxford undergraduate degree programme. The course enables motivated students to reach their academic potential through a supportive and challenging academic course aimed at developing their skills, self-belief and academic confidence. Students passing the course are awarded a nationally recognised Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE) qualification. If passed at the required level, they will be automatically admitted to their chosen undergraduate degree course, without the need to re-apply. Applications are open now via UCAS. Apply before the 29th January 2025.

 

Centre for Personalised Medicine Art Competition 

Deadline to apply: Friday 31st January

The Oxford University Centre for Personalised Medicine Art is holding a competition for KS3 students in Years 7-9 to create a piece of art on the theme of how personalised medicine affects our planet. Students working individually or in groups can create, for example, a drawing, painting, collage, sculpture – anything goes, as long as it is something they can take a photo of. Every entry receives a certificate, and there are cash prizes for the best artworks.  Click on the following links to see the absolutely brilliant pieces created by winners and finalists for 2022-23 and 2023-24. Entries can be submitted any time between now and Friday 31st January 2025. Some of the best artworks from previous years of the competition have been displayed in the John Radcliffe Hospital, the Centre for Human Genetics, and St Anne’s College in Oxford. For more details and to enter, including a video about the competition, see Oxford CPM Art Competition.

 

African Caribbean Society (ACS) Shadowing Day for Year 12  

Deadline to apply: 31st January 2025

The Oxford ACS aims to give students the chance to connect, learn, and envision themselves thriving at Oxford University. This event is designed to inspire and support students on their path to Oxford. During the day, students will have the opportunity to shadow a current undergraduate from the ACS studying your field of interest. Students will also attend interactive taster lectures delivered by world-class academics, get expert application advice to strengthen your Oxford application, tour the stunning grounds of Oxford colleges and experience life at Oxford University firsthand. This shadowing day is for state school students in Year 12 with African and Caribbean heritage and will take place on Wednesday 19 February 2025 (9.30am-4.00pm). The day begins with registration at Trinity College and ends at Brasenose College in the afternoon.Students can apply directly via this application form, the deadline is 11:59pm on 31st January 2025. For any inquiries or the need for additional information, contact the Oxford ACS Access team: access@oxfordacs.org. 

 

Chiral Chemistry Workshop 

Deadline to apply varies depending on workshop

This online workshop is run online by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and focuses on 3D shapes, chirality, the role of chirality in biological systems, and the resources available to research chemists looking at proteins, such as the main protease in SARS-CoV-2, the latter being an active area of research in our department. There is also an opportunity to ask our Student Ambassadors questions about their research and their academic careers to date. This event is open to UK state school KS5 Chemistry students and teachers and runs between 28th of January to 3rd April 2025. Sign up here to book your spot! (Students may attend without a teacher, provided we have a teacher contact).

Trinity College Beyond the Classroom Online Academic Enrichment Programme back in 2025! 

Deadline to apply for online sessions: 24 hours before each session (see session times below)
Deadline to apply for extension programme: 5th March 2025

Trinity College’s after-school academic enrichment programme is back for 2025! The programme features a new series of mini lectures, Oxplore taster sessions, academic skills talks and advice about preparing for university study and submitting a competitive application to university and the University of Oxford. The programme is held online via Teams and is open to any state school student in Year 7 to 12; the programme runs from 5th March-9th July 2025. Students attending seven or more sessions will receive a certificate of participation from Trinity College, Oxford; there is also an extension programme for students in Year 12 considering applying to study one of thenineteen subjectsTrinity College admits for study at Oxford. The Extension Programme includes a FREE one night/two day residential taking place at Trinity College on the 10-11th April 2025, a mini tutorial in chosen subject area, access to the library, free time for revision and private study to explore the subject in more detail and meet other participants on the programme. Throughout the year, students are also supported with suggested reading and other materials and are offered online mini tutorials and support with their Oxford applications. Students can sign up now by completing our registration form. The Year 12 deadline for applying for the extension programme is 5th March 2025.        

                                                                                                      

Women and Non-Binary People in STEM Series

Deadline to apply varies depending on specific event (see below)

This STEM Series is organised by St Anne’s, St Catherine’s and Mansfield Colleges for women and non-binary people currently in Year 11 and 12. This series of online talks includes an all-subjects launch event, and then subject-specific work for women and non-binary students thinking about applying to Oxford. Each talk will cover the course offered at Oxford, a short academic taster session, and a Q+A with current students. The series will culminate with invitations to taster days at one of St Anne’s, St Catherine’s or Mansfield college. Talks will be held on 20th-23rd January 2025, 27th-30th January 2025, 3rd-6th February 2025 and 10th-11th February 2025. Each talk will run between 4.30-5.30pm online. Registration is now open via this link: Apply here. 

 

 

Materials Science Open Days 2025 

Deadline to apply varies depending on specific event (see below)

What is it like studying Material Sciences at Oxford University? These open days allow prospective students in Year 11 and 12 to experience lectures, tour the department, meet our students, and more! There are both in person and online events so you can choose which best suits you. This year students must register themselves individually to attend these events. In person events at the Department of Materials are taking place on the 18th and 19th February18th and 19th March 2025 and online on the 21st February 2025. Sign up for the February in-person open days here by 5pm 28th January; sign up for the March open days hereby 5pm 25th February 2025; and for the online February open day, sign up here by the 20th Feb. If you would like to bring a group of students accompanied by a teacher, please email schools.liaison@materials.ox.ac.ukto arrange this. 

St John's Study Days and Subject Exploration Days 2025 

Deadline to apply: Five weeks before each event (see below)

Subject Study Days are free events in college open to Year 12 students from non-selective state schools in the UK. These events are held at St John's College St Giles', Oxford OX1 3JP. The following subjects are available on the following dates in 2025: 

26th February - Chemistry

12th March - History

15th March - Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

23rd April - Classics

2nd May - Psychology

14th May - Maths and Computer Science

16th May - English

21st May - PPE (Politics, Philosophy and Economics)

The deadline to sign up for each event is five weeks prior to the date of each study day. More information is available on the website here.

 

Cyber Champions    

Cyber Champions delivers free, in person, digital and cyber skills workshops to primary and secondary school children, parents and local community groups across the UK. Cyber Champions come to your school at a time that is most convenient to you. The programme is aimed at primary and secondary school students’ parents and local community groups across the UK. The initiative mobilises young professional volunteers from local universities and industry to deliver the interactive workshops and act as inspiring role models. Cyber Champions has achieved national recognition and is a finalist at the National Cyber Awards 2024. For more information see attached flyer and link here, or to book a workshop please emailinfo@cyberchampions.org.

 

University of Bath

 

Year 12 Pathways to Bath - Application deadline 31 December

Pathway to Bath is a free online programme for Year 12 (UK) students, who meet our Widening Participation Criteria Widening Participation Criteria

The programme provides students with

•            the opportunity to work with experienced staff and current students

•            explore a chosen subject in-depth

•            develop key academic skills for university study and beyond

Students will gain insights into what teaching and learning is like at university. They also have the opportunity to apply for a place on a free 3-day residential visit to campus in the summer.

The programme is designed to fit around students’ busy schedule. Live sessions will take place on Wednesday late afternoons and are always recorded and available to view. Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be eligible for a guaranteed conditional offer.

Applications close on 31 December and we particularly invite more applications in the following subjects:

•            Electrical and Electronic Engineering

•            Languages (French and Spanish)

•            Sociology

•            Chemistry

•            Business

•            Mathematics

•            Physics

https://www.bath.ac.uk/campaigns/pathway-to-bath-programme/ or email the Pathway to Bath Team at pathway@bath.ac.uk

 

Year 10-13 Ask Bath

Ask Bath e-mentoring programme is available to students in Years 10-13 and offers academic peer support for revision and homework, as well as information and discussion about university life, via a secure online chat service.  

Ask Bath enables students to connect with current university undergraduates who are trained E-Mentors and exchange 1:1 chat message via our partner Brightside’s secure platform.  The service is flexible and available at any time simply by downloading the Brightside App onto a laptop, tablet or phone.  

To be eligible to join Ask Bath students will need to meet one or more of our Widening Participation criteria

We include a link below to a short video that you are welcome to share with your students Find out more here