The Cardiff University Step-Up programme consists of online weekly masterclasses delivered by an expert tutor and facilitated by our Cardiff University Student Ambassadors. The masterclasses are designed to give priority group year 12 students in Wales insight into life and learning at University. The four-week course of online Masterclasses will run on Wednesday evenings from 5-7pm via Zoom and will launch on the 15th February 2023. Learn more here or express interest in the programme here.   

Applications are now open for the HSBC UK Work Experience Programme 2023.

You will gain real life hands-on experience of the world of work, develop a deeper understanding of the finance industry and receive some recruitment tips to help them in the future!

HSBC UK Work Experience Programme 2023 dates:

• Week A: 10^th-15^th July 2023
• Week B: 7^th-11^th August 2023

The programme is hybrid (2 days placement in-person and 3 days of virtual employability and skills workshops).

Application process: 

• Submit an online application form
• Complete a values-based online assessment
• Participate in a strengths-based interview with one of the HSBC Recruitment team

How to apply:

Please click here to apply to the programme.

The Sutton Trust Summer School Programme offers school-age students the opportunity to immerse themselves in university life. You walk away with the confidence and skills to choose where to apply and what to study, be a competitive applicant wherever that is, and find support with a network of like-minded peers. Students apply to one of 13 top-tier UK university partners where they take part in:

• Social activities
• Taster academic sessions
• Application skills workshops

Alongside the in-person programme, students gain access to long-term support with university applications via their online portal STO. All costs including travel, accommodation, food and activities are covered by the Trust and our partners which means it is completely free of charge for students to attend. Find out more and apply here. 

There will be a ‘Youth Event’ for 16-124 year olds, on the 10^th Feb 2023 at 2pm at the MEMO Barry. Please see attached flyer for details. It will be a great opportunity for you to talk to various organisations, about courses, employment, apprenticeships to help you focus on your future plans. Let me know if you’ll be attending so we can authorise the attendance. 

The global investment bank, Macquarie, has an array of brilliant opportunities for year 12 students, including a university scholarship programme, an in-person insight day, and a work experience week. 

Opportunity 1: University Scholarship: Rise To It With Macquarie

Macquarie’s scholarship programme represents a life-changing opportunity for academic Year 12 students from low socio-economic backgrounds and under-represented communities. Successful candidates will receive:

• A scholarship covering full tuition fees and maintenance loans;
• A work experience week;
• A guaranteed place on Macquarie’s Intern and Graduate Programmes;
• Career development resources, including access to a mentor, hands-on assistance to set goals and objectives, and a tailored development programme.

Opportunity 2: Work Experience Day in London on 4th April & Work Experience week October half term. Taking place on the 4th of April, this opportunity is for Year 12 students to network with finance professionals, undertake industry project tasks, and learn about pathways into the finance sector. At the work experience day, they will be given the ability to apply for the scholarship and the one week work experience programme in October.  Please apply ASAP for the work experience day via the link before the deadline of March 17th. 

The Nuffield Research Placements for Year 12 - Summer 2023. Over the years several of our students have completed the Nuffield placement and Laibah from Yr 13 won a £1000 prize for her report this year. Be aware there are eligibility criteria. The closing date is 30^th March 2023: Link to get more information and apply: Apply 

• Nuffield are particularly looking for Year 12 students who meet at least ONE of the criteria below to apply:
• From a household with an income of less than £30,000
• Receiving free school meals or have done in last 6 years
• Receiving EMA
• Living or have lived in social care
• First in your immediate family to participate in higher education

Speakers for Schools has a range of work experience opportunities, just be aware some are aimed at students in England - especially the Healthcare ones which relate to NHS England. Use the link here to see whether there’s anything relevant to you. 

Cardiff University’s Science in Health series of public lectures are being held on the Cathays Park campus. Their new home is the Sir Stanley Thomas OBE Lecture Theatre at the Centre for Student Life. Use the link here to see the programme of lectures. 

Gresham College has a series of lectures by different Professors; January’s lectures include: Professor Chris Whitty discussing the causes of Coronary Heart Disease and advances in reducing its effects; Professor Joanna Bourke discussing the cultural history of Breast Cancer, 'one of the most dreaded diseases for women'; Medical Law professor Professor Imogen Goold looking at whether it would be right to make Vaccination mandatory; and Professor Sarah Hart will explore Lottery-Winning Maths. The UK Government has just approved a coal mine for the first time in decades, after 190 countries agreed to phase down coal power in COP26, making Professor Myles Allan’s lecture on the Ocean Physics Behind Net Zero, particularly well-timed. For other lectures which are at undergraduate level use the link here.

General advice

Discover Uni is a government-funded facility which has data on nearly every university and their courses. You can find the entry data of students who joined a degree course and the percentage of those students who entered with particular grades - if you have the same grades then your chances are higher than if you have lower grades.try the website here: Discover Uni. 

Many universities have got upcoming Open Days so make sure you have a look at the places you think you may want to study at. I’ve just put the links for our most popular destinations’ Open Days below as well as the Open Days calendar. 

To make sure you understand the grades you might need for courses you’re interested in and confirm entry requirements please use the following website: https://www.whatuni.com/ Ask your LC to look at courses with you if you’re not sure whether you might need specific subjects/grades for a course you are considering.

Aspire is a collection of free careers, university and further education resources. It is designed to give state-educated students the tools and knowledge they need to make more informed decisions about their future. Their ‘guide’ is a free resource, full of information and guidance, designed to inform you and help you navigate the range of careers and further education out there. Access the online version of the Guide, alongside other resources, on the Aspire website,

Lots of Summer School opportunities are coming up. Use the links here to see whether you meet the criteria. I only highlight the Summer Schools which are free so be aware that there are other opportunities which would involve a cost; look for those on the university websites. 

UCL Summer schools

Southampton Summer school

Gloucester Summer School

Bath Summer School

Birmingham Summer School

Imperial London

Swansea University has a series of subject-specific webinars designed to support you as you begin thinking about which subject/s you might want to study at undergraduate level. Book your place on one here. 

They also have Open Days on 25 February, 10:00-16:00 and 25 March, 10:00-16:00

Nottingham University Summer School application is now open. It will support you to: 

·         experience life at a leading university 

·         try out a range of course options related to your interests 

·         develop a better academic focus and motivation 

 Applications are now open until 10^th March; for further details, watch the info talk and apply at www.nottingham.ac.uk/suttontrust.

The London School of Economics has an upcoming opportunity: LSE Explore – Year 12 (or equivalent) students – applications are now open. This is a series of online academic taster events for Year 12 students which offer insight into selected undergraduate degree subjects at LSE. 

Cardiff Uni have a few opportunities for Year 12: 

• Pathways to Law The opportunity to complete work experience with law firms, take part in academic workshops with academics at Cardiff University Law School, visit Cardiff University, take part in the Pathways to Law National Conference and more.
• Pathways to Engineering Over the course of the programme students will get the opportunity to experience teaching from Cardiff University’s School of Engineering and meet current students studying engineering. Students will gain an insight into university life with interactive sessions on topics like student finance, societies and exploring the campus. Industry professionals and companies will offer students an insight into the world of engineering through panels and the chance to apply for work experience. Applications: for more information on the programmes, eligibility criteria and how to apply please click here. The more eligibility criteria you meet the more likely you are to be offered a place on the programme. To apply click here. The cost of travel as part of the programme is covered by the university. 

They have set up an Eventbrite page for an online law event with Dr Shane Burke via Zoom on Wednesday 8^th February 2023 at 6pm.

They also have Open days coming up: Cardiff Open Days

Cardiff Met have a series of Open Days and Campus tours available:
https://www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/study/opendays/Pages/default.aspx

Newcastle University have their FREE Bitesize Uni (BSU) Summer School from 18-21 July 2023. Aimed at students currently in Year 12, you’ll spend four days/three nights on campus, staying in their student accommodation.You’ll get the chance to:

• try out subjects they may want to study at university
• get a taste of life on campus
• chat to current undergraduates and hear about their experiences
• explore the city  
• meet student peers from all over the UK

Applications are now open, but places are limited, so apply quickly. The deadline for applications is 12 March, 2023 (6pm). Apply here. 

There’s a virtual event coming up with Babcock International, who are a world leading engineering company specialising in aerospace, defence, and nuclear engineering. This should be a fascinating and interesting session on a type of engineering they think students may not know too much about. The date is Thursday 9th February Time - 5pm – 6.30pm Registration link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Babcock-NAW

The Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School programme?

High-quality apprenticeships not only offer young people the opportunity to earn while they learn but also ensure they gain valuable skills and get a foot on the career ladder. The Sutton Trust Apprenticeship Summer School is a three-day residential where students can meet leading employers and like-minded peers and learn more about how to access top apprenticeships.

At the end of the programme, you walk away with:

• An in depth understanding of apprenticeships and whether it may be the right route for you.
• Networking opportunities for future career opportunities.
• Access to their online portal STO for ongoing application support and career advice.
• Application guidance, including learning where to find current apprenticeships and understanding different application processes.

For more information and to apply click here.

Deloitte's ASPIRE programme: Deloitte’s ASPIRE program is your chance to see how different career paths align to your unique talents and strengths. Register your interest here.

• Use the website here to explore Degree Apprenticeships
• Use the website here to explore Degree Apprenticeships
• Network 75 offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities as well; use the link here: 

Network 75 

PwC has more information for potential accountants, business management or technology students interested in degree apprenticeships with them. Use the link  here to find out more