Smart Futures is a youth programme run by the EY Foundation that combines paid work experience, interactive employability skills training and mentoring for young people in Year 12 (England) or S5 (Scotland). The programme is run with employer partners and is designed to give participants practical insight into different industries and working environments while building transferable skills and confidence.

Participants take part in up to two weeks of employability training and workshops, receive a business mentor who supports them through the programme and beyond, and complete paid work experience placements during school holidays. Programmes are industry-specific in some locations (for example Business & Finance, Tech Futures, STEM Futures, Real Estate Futures, Data/Actuarial streams) but are suitable for young people unsure of their exact career path.

Smart Futures runs across many UK locations (including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Liverpool, Bradford, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Reading and Luton) with multiple term-time, February, Easter, spring and summer cohorts. Applications are via an online form and shortlisted applicants are invited to a short telephone interview.

Christ's College runs a programme of live online webinars aimed at prospective applicants and their supporters. Sessions cover topics such as post-16 subject choices, how Cambridge works and the application process, international applicant issues (visas, exams, fees), writing personal statements and making competitive applications, and understanding student finance. Most webinars include a presentation followed by a typed Q&A; presenters answer questions but attendee cameras and microphones remain disabled.

The webinars run regularly across the year (different session types are scheduled from January through September, with some sessions occurring between January and November). Booking is via the Christ's College webpage and individual Zoom registration links; attendees receive joining details by email after registering. These events are live only and recordings are not provided.

Sessions are open to students from all backgrounds (and to parents, carers, teachers and advisers). Times are varied to accommodate international attendees and those with other commitments; attendees receive a follow-up email within 48 hours with further resources and links.

NG Bailey's award-winning apprenticeship programme offers a wide range of roles across the business and locations across the UK. Apprentices work and learn on the job while studying for a recognised apprenticeship qualification with training delivered in partnership with a national network of colleges. For 2026 there are around 70 roles across teams including Engineering, Facilities Services, IT Services and Freedom. Roles include office-based, site-based and field roles (for example BIM Technician, Buyer, Project Engineer, Electrical, Cable Jointer, Overhead Linesperson and Network Cable Installer). Apprenticeships combine practical on-the-job training with structured learning, coaching and development days, and are supported by the Early Careers team. NG Bailey also highlights career development, mentoring and industry-recognised training as part of the programme. Roles are released in phases by location with specific "apply from" dates for each location; applicants should check the NG Bailey careers portal for live vacancies and role-specific entry requirements. A degree apprenticeship option is offered for the Quantity Surveyor role, while other apprenticeships lead to vocational/apprenticeship qualifications relevant to the role.

PBC's Student Entrepreneurs Business Training Programme is a short, intensive bootcamp designed to help young entrepreneurs develop a viable business plan and take their ideas to the next level. Up to 50 motivated participants will take part in a concentrated programme of practical workshops covering idea development, market research, branding, digital presence, finance and pitching. The course runs in-person at Morley College London (North Kensington Campus) and includes hands-on activity each day.

Participants receive expert mentorship and network opportunities, culminating in a pitching showcase where teams have the opportunity to compete for a share of £5,000 in investment. The programme also includes 12 months of follow-up support and mentorship to help teams grow their ventures after the bootcamp week.

The programme is aimed at motivated 15- to 19-year-olds interested in starting or scaling a business. There are no formal entry requirements; applicants are asked to complete a short online application and upload a 2-minute video explaining why they should be selected.

This is a four-year Level 3 Engineering apprenticeship based at the Siemens Energy European Innovation Centre in Warwick, with formal block-release learning at a college partner (Manufacturing Technology Centre, Coventry). The programme follows the Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 pathway and combines on-the-job placements across professional teams with structured college-based learning. You will rotate through service engineering teams (including Reliability Engineering, Maintenance Repair and Overhaul, SGT-A65/35/20, Technical Support and Technical Data Services) to build practical and theoretical engineering experience.

You will work on operational troubleshooting, processing diagnostic data, and contributing to engineering solutions and technical documentation. The role develops continuous improvement skills (Lean Six Sigma basics) and offers project experience alongside other entry-level talent. Applicants must submit a CV and cover letter and provide most recent achieved or predicted GCSE grades; a minimum of grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language at GCSE is required. The apprenticeship is full-time, requires routine in-person attendance at Warwick and Coventry sites, and offers a starting salary of £16,181 plus benefits.

Scopri l'italiano is an interactive, subject-specific Masterclass hosted by the Italian Section of the Faculty of Modern and Medieval Languages and Linguistics at Robinson College, University of Cambridge. The one-day taster will introduce students to Italian language, culture and history through a programme of sessions designed to give an insight into studying Modern Languages and/or History at university level.

The Masterclass is suitable for Year 11-13 students, including those who have not previously studied Italian (ab initio applicants are welcome). Sessions will include cultural and historical talks alongside a language taster, providing participants with both practical language experience and contextual understanding relevant to MMLL and HML Tripos degree pathways.

The event is free to attend, limited to 30 places, and lunch will be provided. Students from any UK school may apply; travel costs may be reimbursed for eligible participants under the College's travel policy. If oversubscribed, priority will be given to applicants meeting widening participation criteria. For questions contact outreach@robinson.cam.ac.uk (venue concerns) or italian@mmll.cam.ac.uk (programme enquiries).

Cole Beauty Limited is recruiting a Digital Marketing Apprentice to join its marketing team at Cheadle Royal Business Park. The role is hands-on and brand-led: youll assist the Social Media Manager with content creation and scheduling, support influencer and PR research, contribute to creative ideation for short-form video and other formats, help analyse campaign performance, and provide administrative support across the marketing team. You will also support new product development research and help plan and execute brand events. This apprenticeship combines on-the-job learning with structured training delivered by Baltic Training Services Limited toward a Level 3 Multi-channel Marketer qualification. The programme includes two-day training blocks every 4 every 4 weeks alongside ongoing workplace mentoring. The apprenticeship starts on 2 March 2026, runs for 1 year and 5 months, and there is 1 position available. Essential entry requirements are GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 5. Applicants should be organised, analytical, team-oriented and have strong communication and IT skills; A-levels are preferred but not mandatory. After completion, Cole Beauty will support progression, including further training towards Level 4 qualifications.

This is a Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship with Alpha Manufacturing Hixon Limited based in Hixon, Stafford (ST18 0PS). Apprentices will study towards a Level 3 Engineering Technician qualification while gaining on-the-job experience in electro-mechanical principles and a range of engineering operations. The role is full-time (40 hours per week) with normal working hours Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30. The advertised wage range is £15,704 to £25,396.80, dependent on age and in line with National Minimum Wage guidance. On the job you will cover topics including engineering principles, technical mathematics, computer-aided design (CAD), and mechanical and electrical engineering. Apprentices will also learn about manufacturing processes, quality control, maintenance and health and safety regulations. Training is delivered in conjunction with The JCB Academy and includes a Level 3 Diploma (skills), Level 3 Certificate or Diploma (knowledge), functional skills in maths and English as required, and Employee Rights and Responsibilities (ERR). The apprenticeship offers good progression prospects within The Hex Group, including the possibility to progress to Level 4 or sponsored degree study for high-performing apprentices. Applicants must hold GCSEs in English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or equivalent).

This Level 3 Optical Assistant apprenticeship at Specsavers in Norwich gives you the chance to start an optics career while earning a full-time wage. Most of the role is on-the-job in a store setting: duties include booking customers for eye tests, pre-screening, measuring frames, recommending suitable frames and non-prescription products, processing orders and payments, and delivering strong customer service. The apprenticeship includes daily training in-store and specialist training with the employers training provider, culminating in an End-Point Assessment. The programme is full-time (40 hours per week) and includes weekend working; there is no college attendance as training is delivered on the job. The apprenticeship starts on Monday 2 March 2026 and runs for 1 year 6 months. Successful completion leads to a Level 3 Optical Assistant qualification and a range of progression opportunities within Specsavers or the wider optical sector. Applicants must have GCSE Maths at grade 9-4 (A*-C) and be able to travel to the Norwich store (9 White Lion Street, NR2 1QA) daily. Applicants should demonstrate strong communication, organisation and customer-care skills. After signing in on the Find an apprenticeship service you will apply on the employers website.

Chesterfield College is running an in-person Apprenticeship Registration Event at its Chesterfield campus on 10 April 2026. The event is designed for people who are looking to begin their search for an apprenticeship and provides one-to-one support from the college apprenticeship recruitment team. Attendees will receive information about apprenticeship opportunities and guidance on next steps. Participants will have a scheduled one-to-one appointment with a member of the recruitment team to discuss suitable apprenticeship vacancies, receive interview and CV support, and get help with the application process. Appointment slots run from 10:00-12:40 in 20-minute intervals, and from 14:00-15:40; if you cannot attend the listed sessions the team can arrange an alternative date or time. The event takes place at Chesterfield College, Infirmary Road, Chesterfield. To book an appointment or for further enquiries contact the apprenticeship team by phone on 01246 500 681 or email APLU@chesterfield.ac.uk. Attendees can expect personalised application support and signposting to current vacancy opportunities.

Join Vodafone's Level 6 Project Management Apprenticeship to gain hands-on experience delivering high-impact projects across the business. Apprentices work across functions such as Human Resources, Software, Network, Corporate Functions and Vodafone Business, supporting project governance, resource, cost and risk management, collecting and analysing project data, and helping co-ordinate timelines and communications.

The programme is a 3-year apprenticeship with hybrid working (London Paddington or Newbury, with approximately 8 days in the office per month). The role includes study time: Vodafone funds a Level 6 BSc (Hons) with the Association for Project Management (APM) and provides one study day per week. The site also references a Level 4 APM qualification and modules such as Business Consulting, Procurement and Financial Control, Governance, Introduction to Project Management, Digital Skills and Technology & Innovation.

Salary for the programme is advertised at £24,640-£27,000 per year. Assessment centres will be held between January-March 2026, and the apprenticeship start date (if offered) would be September 2026. Vodafone notes applications may close early if demand is high and provides support through buddies and programme networks.

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.

The Digital Advertising and Brand Strategy Academy is an immersive summer program run at UCLA Anderson School of Management for high school students (ages 14-18). Over 2-3 week sessions in Los Angeles, participants learn core digital marketing principles with a strong focus on marketing within entertainment, sports and media industries. The curriculum combines interactive lectures, hands-on workshops and field visits to brand headquarters and iconic local locations.

Students develop practical skills in social media strategy, content creation (photography, video editing, graphic design), analytics and influencer marketing using industry-standard tools. The program culminates in a team-based capstone project where students design and execute a professional digital marketing campaign and compile a portfolio showcasing their work.

Residential (boarding) and day options are offered. Tuition includes academic tuition, housing for residential participants, two meals per day, excursions and campus transportation. International students receive visa support, arrival assistance, insurance and an International Registration Fee as described in the course materials. Participants receive a course completion certificate and instructor feedback following the program.

The Medic Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme, developed in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, provides an immersive remote insight into medicine for students considering medical school. The programme covers six different areas of medicine, involves real doctors and high-fidelity clinical simulations, and takes students through a complete patient journey and the multidisciplinary team.

The course is e-learning based so students can complete sessions in their own time around school work. Students have 30 days to complete each session, and a certificate of completion is awarded once all six sessions are finished. A free reflective journal is included to support personal statements and interview preparation for medical school applications.

This programme is positioned to help prospective medical applicants demonstrate people-focused experience and observation of healthcare to medical schools. Access to the virtual work experience is provided via attendance at a Get Into Medicine conference.

Med School Entry (MSE) runs a free essay competition designed for aspiring medical and dental applicants. The competition aims to help students develop critical thinking, empathy and reasoning skills relevant to medical and dental study and admissions. Submissions are assessed by the Directors of MSE, including two senior NHS consultants and ex-medical school interviewers, and topics have been chosen to support UCAS personal statements and interview discussion. The competition is open to UK home applicants in Year 12 or older (including home schoolers) and is targeted at those applying to Medicine and Dentistry (UCAS 2026 and beyond). Essays must be the entrant's own work, use Harvard or Vancouver referencing, and are submitted as a Word document together with the provided submission form. All entries are checked with a plagiarism checker; non-original work will be eliminated. Entry is free and all participants receive a certificate of participation. Prizes for top entries include places on MSE interview and UCAT courses and personalised application support. Entrants submit a downloaded booking/submission form with their essay by email to info@medschoolentry.uk.

The Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, run by The Queen's College Translation Exchange, is a nationwide school competition created to promote language learning and inspire creativity in the classroom. Launched in 2020 in honour of translator Anthea Bell, the Prize provides free teaching resources for teachers and invites schools across the UK to prepare pupils for creative translation tasks. The competition accepts entries in multiple languages, currently including French (into Welsh and English), German, Italian, Mandarin, Russian and Spanish.

The Prize is free to enter and is open to pupils aged 11-18 at all UK schools. Registered teachers receive teaching packs throughout the year to integrate the competition tasks into classroom learning. The 2025-2026 edition launched on 19 September 2025; the competition period runs from 2 February 2026 to 27 March 2026. Schools and teachers are encouraged to register via the competition registration page to receive updates and access the teaching materials.

This online taster session from the University of Leicester covers the basics of applying to study Medicine. It explains the importance of GCSE grades, guidance on choosing appropriate A-Levels, and gives attendees an introduction to what universities look for in medicine applicants.

The session is delivered as a virtual webinar on Wednesday 18 March 2026 from 18:00 to 19:30 (online). It is specifically aimed at students in Year 10 and Year 11 who are considering applying to medicine in future.

Built in partnership with Birmingham City FC Foundation, this full-time Level 3 programme combines practical coaching, match play and classroom study to prepare learners for higher-level study or employment in the sports industry. You will gain an NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport (Sports Coaching) while developing coaching, fitness, performance, psychology and anatomy knowledge through fixtures, individual training plans and strength & conditioning support. Learning is delivered through practical coaching and performance sessions, workshops, performance analysis and classroom-based lessons. Learners train twice weekly with Birmingham City FC Foundation coaches and study at South & City College Birmingham’s Longbridge Campus. The programme includes real work experience with Birmingham City FC Foundation, a personal development plan and assessment through a portfolio of evidence including practical tasks, assignments and presentations. On successful completion learners can progress to university degrees such as Sports Science, Physical Education, Sports Coaching or Sports Development, or move into roles including leisure management, sports therapy, coaching and fitness instruction. The course also offers opportunities to train at Birmingham City FC’s training ground and potential pathways into coaching and football-related roles with the Foundation.

Knightstone Campus Half Term Workshops are one-day, in-person taster sessions at Weston College designed for school students in Years 9, 10 and 11. The event runs on Tuesday 14th April 2026 from 10:00-14:00 (BST) and offers multiple short, hands-on workshops including Introduction to Hair and Media Make-Up, Introduction to Hospitality and Catering, Introduction to Education and Early Years, and Introduction to Computing. Each session gives students a practical first look at the skills and environments used in those industries. Workshops are studio- and classroom-based with practical activities, demonstrations and the opportunity to meet teaching staff. Sessions are suitable for students exploring subject and career options and those considering college courses. Attendees should come prepared: bring make-up brushes for the make-up session, tie back long hair for catering activities, wear clothes that can get messy, and bring a packed lunch (college canteen closed during half-term). Spaces are limited and bookings are handled via the Eventbrite listing. For questions, contact the Weston College School Team at schoolteam@weston.ac.uk.

This five-day residential Mathematics summer school at the University of Cambridge (run as part of the Sutton Trust Summer Schools programme) runs from 17 August 2026 to 21 August 2026. The course is highly academic and is designed to introduce students to advanced mathematical concepts beyond the school curriculum while giving a taste of university-style teaching and supervision.

The week includes lectures on a variety of mathematical topics (previous years have included combinatorics, mathematical biology and theoretical physics), interactive workshops and small-group supervision sessions. Applicants should have strong prior attainment in mathematics (minimum GCSE grade 8 or National 5 grade A) and be currently studying Maths at A-Level, IB, Scottish Highers or equivalent.

Participants will develop mathematical thinking skills, gain greater awareness of what studying mathematics at undergraduate level involves (including preparation for STEP), and learn more about the Cambridge admissions process. A webinar outlining the programme will be held on Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 17:00 and Cambridge applications close at midday on 12 February 2026.