Mentoring
If you can, you should try to sign up for a mentoring scheme. Many of the schemes listed below have eligibility criteria. In addition, there’s often a focus on access to top universities. That being said, a good mentor will be able to help you meet employers, gain work experience, fill in application forms etc.
Success at School’s Career Zone Mentoring is a great place to find current degree apprentices, who can support with CV writing, applications, personal statements, work experience and career decisions.
Zero Gravity was set up to help state school students get into top universities. In their words, “The Zero Gravity app gives you access to mentors, peer community, exclusive learning resources and work experience opportunities. So you can smash your uni and apprenticeship applications”.
The Sutton Trust supports young people from less advantaged backgrounds to access leading universities and careers. Their programmes (e.g. Access Apprenticeships) are free to attend. All costs – including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by The Trust and their partners.
The Social Mobility Foundation’s Aspiring Professionals Programme offers mentorship, work experience opportunities, career workshops and help with degree apprenticeship applications.
STEM Learning offers a free national online mentoring scheme. By working with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) professionals, you can ask for career advice and learn more about potential future pathways, including apprenticeships.
Migrant Leaders Development Programme connects disadvantaged students and students from immigrant backgrounds to mentors from top organisations. The programme includes online learning modules, workshops and work experience opportunities.