Join Mitchells & Butlers as a Chef Apprentice at Sizzling Pubs (The Sun - Wakefield). You will work in a fast-paced kitchen preparing and cooking food to brand standards, keeping the kitchen clean and preparing for busy service. No prior experience is required; the employer seeks passion, a good attitude and a willingness to learn. This is a full-time apprenticeship with 30 paid hours per week over a 15-month programme. Training includes a mixture of on- and off-the-job learning (workshops, webinars), regular reviews with your line manager and Lifetime Trainer, and scheduled progress and feedback sessions. Apprentices without GCSE equivalents will complete Functional Skills in English and Maths as part of the programme. You will work towards a Production Chef Level 2 Apprenticeship standard. Pay depends on age: £10.00 per hour for 16-20 year olds and £12.21 per hour for those 21 and over. Additional benefits include staff discounts across company brands, funded further qualifications up to degree level, pension, paid holiday entitlement and other employee perks.

Space to Explore Potential (STEP) is Durham University's widening access summer school programme aimed at Year 12 students from Black-heritage backgrounds. The programme offers events and activities during Year 12 and Year 13, academic taster sessions across multiple subject strands, and opportunities to experience student life through cost-free residentials on campus.

Participants develop academic and personal skills, receive guidance on UCAS and student finance, and get support with personal statements. By passing the assessed summer school project, students can work towards a guaranteed alternative offer from Durham (usually two A-level grades below the standard entry requirement for the chosen degree). Some STEP subject strands have specific A-level or equivalent subject requirements; these are set out in the STEP Subject Requirements guidance.

Applications for the 2025-26 cycle open on 28 January 2025 and close on 3 April 2026. Places are limited and selection uses the published eligibility and selection criteria to prioritise applicants who are most likely to benefit from the programme.

The Arts Theatre Cambridge offers a range of volunteer roles that help make every visit welcoming and safe. Roles include Front of House duties such as ushering, greeting audiences, and serving refreshments, and Marketing Distribution volunteer roles that involve the physical distribution of posters and flyers around Cambridge to promote upcoming shows. Volunteering provides practical experience in customer service, teamwork, and theatre operations and is a good way to learn about theatre marketing and build confidence. Distribution volunteers represent the theatre in public and help maintain relationships with local businesses; an information pack for distribution volunteers is available via the theatre website. To apply for distribution volunteering, send an email with the subject line "Distribution Volunteer Application" explaining why you would like to join the Marketing team (contact details and the distribution volunteer information pack are on the theatre website). To apply for Front of House volunteering, email the theatre stating your interest in joining the Front of House team. For further information, contact the theatre using the email addresses provided on the Volunteering page.

The Lincoln College Life Sciences Essay Competition 2026 invites Year 12 (or equivalent) students across the UK to submit a single essay (up to 1,500 words, excluding bibliography) answering one of three set questions on topics such as AI in medicine, the feasibility and ethics of generating 'mirror life', or the function of non-coding regions of the genome. Entries should be submitted as a PDF with pages numbered and the entrant's name and school clearly shown on the first page. Diagrams and charts are encouraged and do not count towards the word limit. Submissions must be the entrant's own work; AI-generated text or images are prohibited, and essays must not be material submitted to an exam board. All entries require approval from a teacher at the entrant's school (you will be asked to provide the teacher's name and contact email on the form). The deadline for submissions is Monday 16 March 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Successful entrants achieving bronze or higher will receive certificates; gold-award winners are invited to a prize-winners day at Lincoln College (free, with lunch provided) with travel support available for those who need it.

This is a full-time Level 3 Optical Assistant apprenticeship with Specsavers in Tonbridge. The role is customer-facing and involves booking customers for eye tests, pre-screening patients, measuring and fitting frames, recommending suitable products, processing orders and payments, and providing high-quality customer service. Most learning is on the job in-store, with specialist training and an end-point assessment included as part of the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is 40 hours per week (full-time, including weekend working) and includes training to achieve the Level 3 Optical Assistant apprenticeship standard (Optical assistant 2022). The training provider is Specsavers Optical Superstores Limited. The apprenticeship starts on Monday 23 March 2026 and runs for approximately 1 year 6 months. The position includes a wage of £16,163.40 a year (reported hourly range £7.75-£10.20ph DOE). Applicants must hold a GCSE in Maths at grade 9-4 (A*-C) and should be able to travel to the Tonbridge store daily. After completing the apprenticeship, apprentices will be a qualified Level 3 Optical Assistant with a range of career progression opportunities within optics and related services.

The Wild Collective is a forest school-style, nature-based youth club run by Riversmeet Community Cooperative at Danaway Permaculture Homestead. These monthly, drop-off sessions are focused on nature connection and practical land-based skills, with activities centred around fire, shelter building, food and foraging, and tool use. Sessions are self-directed and optional so participants can join in activities or spend time relaxing in the natural environment. Sessions are led by Sarah Lenehan, a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner, and supported by DBS-checked volunteers to ensure a safe, inclusive environment. The pilot programme is subsidised by the Ernest Cook Trust, enabling the cooperative to offer the sessions at a low cost to local families. The approach emphasises young people shaping activities; organisers invite participant ideas and adapt sessions to interests and skill levels. This event is intended for teens aged 13-16 (11-12 welcome to try if comfortable joining older peers). It is an in-person, community-focused learning opportunity that blends practical outdoor skills with peer connection and wellbeing in a rural homestead setting.

Join a focused GCSE French revision workshop at Alliance Française d'Oxford designed to sharpen speaking and writing skills ahead of the exams. The session concentrates on pronunciation, key phrases, written structures and exam techniques, with targeted practice to help students speak more fluently and write more accurately. Activities include speaking practice, written exercises, and instructor feedback tailored to common GCSE tasks.

This in-person, intensive revision session is paced at 3 hours daily and is suitable for pupils from any exam board. It is specifically for Year 11 students (those taking GCSEs in 2026). Places are booked via the Alliance Française d'Oxford website; add the course to your cart and complete checkout to secure a place.

This in-person introductory Search and Rescue (SAR) course run by Atlantic Pacific provides practical, hands-on training in maritime rescue techniques. Delivered at AP's Training Centre in the Royal Docks, London, the programme focuses on deck work, close-quarter manoeuvring, casualty recovery, search patterns, man-overboard procedures and safe towing and maintenance of vessels. Instruction is delivered by experienced rescue professionals and uses the International Maritime Rescue Federation Rescue Boat Operative programme as a baseline. Across the course participants complete Emergency First Aid and gain certified boating experience toward RYA Powerboat Level 2 alongside Atlantic Pacific's SAR Fundamentals module. Training emphasises decision-making, teamwork, leadership, communication and wellbeing while operating in real-life rescue scenarios; assessment is continual throughout the course. The course is designed for those preparing to join professional rescue services, volunteer with humanitarian or maritime rescue organisations, or anyone seeking the practical skills to respond to water emergencies. Places are limited (maximum 4 participants) and a prerequisite RYA Powerboat Level 2 or equivalent is required.

Join Mitchells & Butlers as a Production Chef Apprentice at The Queens Head (Ember Inns) in Orpington. This apprenticeship begins on 17 March 2026 and places you at the heart of a busy pub kitchen where youll learn practical, on-the-job skills while working alongside experienced chefs. The role is based at 73 High Street (BR6 6BQ) and is a site within the Ember Inns/Mitchells & Butlers group. Most of the apprenticeship is spent working in the kitchen with a combination of on- and off-the-job training delivered by Lifetime Training Group Limited. You will undertake practical food preparation and cooking, follow recipes and brand standards, maintain hygiene and safety, and develop teamwork and organisational skills. The programme includes functional skills in English and maths if required, regular reviews every 12 weeks, workshops, webinars, and a mix of face-to-face and remote progress checks. This vacancy offers paid employment while you train: 30 paid hours per week, with wage bands of £10.00/hour for 16-21 year olds and £12.21/hour for 21+. Additional benefits include staff discounts, pension, paid holiday, funded qualifications up to degree level and other company perks. Applications are made via the company's website through the Find an apprenticeship sign-in flow.

The University of Surrey Residential Summer Schools (part of the Surrey Scholars programme) offer Year 12 students the chance to experience studying a subject at university degree level. The 2026 residential programme is free to attend and provides a short on-campus experience across three subject strands: Business, Engineering Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. There are 100 places in total shared across the strands. During the four-day, three-night programme participants will take part in sample lectures, workshops, research projects, sports tasters and evening social activities. The programme includes overnight accommodation and three meals per day; transport costs are covered on request. The residential summer school is targeted at Year 12 students from under-represented backgrounds who attend non-selective state schools or colleges in the UK and meet the specified widening-participation criteria. Applications for the 2026 Summer Schools open on 2026-01-19 and close on 2026-03-29. Applicants are encouraged to use the Surrey Scholars application form to register interest and apply; places are allocated based on eligibility and capacity of the chosen subject strand. For queries contact summerschools@surrey.ac.uk.

The LMH Taster Day Series 2026 offers Year 12 students from UK state schools and colleges a chance to experience studying specific undergraduate subjects at the University of Oxford and at Lady Margaret Hall. Each single-day event includes subject-specific taster lectures and hands-on academic workshops led by LMH tutors, a tour of the college led by a current undergraduate, and a free lunch in the college dining hall. Subject days in 2026 include Modern Languages and Linguistics (22 April), Physics (27 April), Mathematics and Computer Science (6 May), History (8 May), and Classics and Ancient History (14 May). The taster days also provide information about Oxford admissions relevant to each subject (including mock interviews and discussions of admissions tests where applicable). Events are aimed at supporting students who are considering applying to Oxford and will be useful for those with a keen interest in the relevant subject. To apply, students must complete the online Taster Day application form; the form requests details about background and academic achievements but does not require a personal statement. If travel assistance is needed, applicants should contact outreach@lmh.ox.ac.uk to discuss confidential financial support.

BlackRock's 2026 Apprenticeship Programme (UK) is an 18-month training contract for recent school leavers that starts in September 2026. Apprentices will be fully immersed in the business, working alongside industry experts, receiving on-the-job training, professional development and studying towards an industry-recognised qualification. On successful completion, apprentices may be offered a full-time role at BlackRock. Opportunities are available across teams and locations including Client Experience (Edinburgh), Data Operations (Edinburgh), Investment Operations (Edinburgh & London) and Portfolio Management (London). London apprentices will work towards a Level 4 Investment Operations Specialist qualification; Edinburgh apprentices will work towards SCQF Level 6 Providing Financial Services. Entry requirements differ by location: London candidates need a minimum of grade 4 GCSE in English and Maths and three A-levels (or equivalent) by September 2026; Edinburgh candidates require National 5 passes in English and Maths and three Highers (or equivalent) by September 2026. Applicants must not already hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree and must have the right to work in the UK; BlackRock cannot provide visa sponsorship for this programme.

The Cambridge Re:think Essay Competition 2026 is an international essay competition for secondary-school students, organised by Cambridge Re:Think (CCIR). The competition runs in two age divisions (Junior, ages 11-3; Senior, ages 14-8) and invites students to respond to thought-provoking prompts across politics, philosophy, history, science and ethics. Submissions undergo a double-blind review by an international panel of scholars and professors. Entry is free and open to students worldwide who have not commenced undergraduate study. Winners and shortlisted entrants receive digital certificates; prize winners receive cash awards, CCIR Academy scholarships, and invitations to an Award Ceremony and Dinner hosted at King’s College, University of Cambridge on 31 July 2026 (winners attend free). The competition emphasises academic integrity: essays must be original, sole-authored, submitted as anonymised PDFs, follow MLA 8 citation, and the use of AI writing assistance is prohibited. To apply, registrants create a participant account and submit a single essay addressing one of the provided prompts via the competition submission portal within the submission window. The competition also offers free monthly online writing workshops and an Official Essay Guide to help entrants prepare.

Altrincham BID is running the second annual Ultimate Altrincham Pudding Competition as part of A Taste of Altrincham. The competition runs from Friday 27 February to Sunday 7 March 2026 and invites residents of all ages to design a dessert or cake that captures the spirit, character and flavour of Altrincham. New for 2026 there are three categories: Children (up to age 11), Student (11+ currently in education) and Adult. Entrants must submit their Altrincham-inspired recipe together with images of their pudding or cake by email to info@altrinchambid.com, stating which category they are entering. Entries must be submitted by midnight on Monday 23 February 2026. A shortlist of finalists will be selected and those finalists will be invited to present their creations at a live judging event. Finalists will bring their puddings to Altrincham Town Hall for a live judging event on Saturday 7 March 2026 at 2:00pm. Tickets to attend the final are free but must be reserved via Eventbrite. The overall winner will be crowned the Official Altrincham Pudding 2026.

This Civil Engineering Apprenticeship with Concrete Repairs Limited (CRL) offers on-the-job training across disciplines such as safety, quantity surveying and planning, together with specialist concrete repair techniques (including coating systems and cathodic protection). You will assist Graduate and Site Engineers with engineering checks, surveys, site measurements, producing as-built records, and keeping accurate daily records. You will be mentored by one of the company's Chartered Engineers as part of your professional development. The apprenticeship is a Level 6 degree apprenticeship delivered in partnership with the University of the West of England, Bristol. You will study for a bachelor's qualification via day or block release and complete an End Point Assessment, working towards Incorporated Engineer status with the Institution of Civil Engineers. Typical working hours are Monday-Thursday 09:00-17:30 and Friday 09:00-16:30 (36 hours 30 minutes per week). The role is based at The Old Boiler House, Burnett Business Park, Gypsey Lane, Keynsham (BS31 2ED). The apprenticeship starts on 1 September 2026, lasts 5 years 6 months and has 1 position available. Essential qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths (grade 4) and A Level Maths (grade C). The vacancy closes on 31 March 2026.

RWE Renewables are recruiting for a three-year Wind Turbine Technician apprenticeship based at the London Array Offshore Wind Farm. The programme combines on-the-job training with classroom study: the first two years are classroom-based at IPS International training facility in Rochester and the third year comprises on-site training at the London Array offshore wind farm operating at Ramsgate. Successful completion results in an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (Mechatronics Maintenance Technician). Apprentices will learn to carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, fault finding and diagnosis, and work with advanced mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems. The role involves working at height and offshore in all weather conditions, following strict health and safety procedures, and working as part of a small technical team. The apprenticeship is full-time (37 hours per week) with shift patterns. Applicants must have at least five GCSEs including English, Maths and Science at grade 4/C or above. Candidates must be willing and able to work at height and at sea, be willing to work shifts, and live within an hour of the site. Enrolment is subject to prior attainment checks and government apprenticeship funding eligibility.

Sunderland Culture's Creative Work Experience (part of the Culture Start programme) is a four-day in-person placement giving 15-18 year olds practical insight into careers across the cultural and creative sector. Participants will rotate across Sunderland Culture venues (Arts Centre Washington, National Glass Centre, Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens) to experience tasks such as curating, theatre introduction, technical lighting and sound, box office and ticketing, venue tours, glass demonstrations, staff and artist insights, creative challenges and support with creative CVs/portfolios.

The programme runs 10:00-16:00 each day; lunch is provided and travel support can be arranged for those who need it. Places are limited (up to six young people per intake) and the selection process includes application assessment and a short informal online interview. Sunderland Culture encourages applications from young people who are under-represented in the arts and gives priority to applicants meeting specified essential criteria related to financial or personal disadvantage.

To apply, complete the online application form (links on the Sunderland Culture website). If you need support completing the form or an alternative format, contact vicki.kennedy@sunderlandculture.org.uk. Successful applicants will be invited to an online one-hour induction and asked to take part in evaluation activities with the University of Sunderland research partner.

An Early Years Apprentice position at Horsell Childcare Limited offering on-the-job experience working directly with children in a long-established local setting in Woking, Surrey. The role provides the opportunity to learn best-practice childcare approaches from an experienced team while studying for an Early Years qualification. The apprenticeship is part time and delivered on-site only. Applicants will gain practical experience in childcare duties alongside theoretical learning associated with their qualification. Further information is available on request and applicants are directed to the employer website (www.horsellchildcare.co.uk) or the Find a job application link for full details and to apply.

DeMontfort Fine Art is recruiting an Accounting Assistant Apprentice to join their Treasury/Finance team based at De Montfort House, Europa Way, Lichfield. The role is primarily office-based and involves supporting reconciliations, liaising with galleries on queries, working with Microsoft Dynamics ERP, assisting month-end processes, and preparing and posting journals. The position is full-time at 37 hours 30 minutes per week (Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30) with occasional weekend cover. This apprenticeship includes employer-led on-the-job training alongside a formal training programme delivered by P.T.P. TRAINING LIMITED. The apprenticeship leads to an AAT Level 3 Assistant Accountant qualification. Trainees will attend 3-hour live online classroom sessions every two weeks, complete associated coursework, and use BPP and Kaplan platforms for self-study; required learning resources will be provided to the learner’s home or workplace address. The role is paid: £14,722.50 in the first year (may increase with age) and follows National Minimum Wage guidance for apprentices. The apprenticeship offers 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, an employee benefits programme, and potential career and study progression within the business upon completion.

This is a three-week, on-campus summer program at UCLA that introduces high school students to advertising, marketing and public relations. Participants engage in interactive, hands-on classes where they design brands, create commercials and social media content, and develop holistic marketing plans. The course emphasises teamwork, case studies and practical exercises so students build a portfolio of work.

The program runs residential (boarding) and day options and includes a full schedule of academic classes, supervised activities and excursions. Tuition covers academic tuition, housing for residential programs, two meals per day, included activities and some local transportation. Students receive instructor feedback, detailed performance reports and, where applicable, college-credit grade reports for credit-bearing classes.

International students are supported with visa documentation (Letter of Introduction) and an international registration fee covers visa support, transportation to/from campus, 24/7 arrival assistance and international medical/health insurance. Upon completion participants receive a Course Completion Certificate and a Letter of Recognition from the Summer Institute UCLA program.