by Kieron McCarthy | Jun 2, 2025
The Open University – Care Experienced Scholarship
Location: National
Offer Type: Higher Education Scholarship
In Partnership with the John Lewis Partnership
This scholarship has been designed in collaboration with The John Lewis Partnership as part of the Building Happier Futures initiative. It offers young people with experience of being in care the opportunity to study for an undergraduate qualification completely free of charge.
About The Open University
The Open University (OU) is the UK’s largest university for flexible, part-time higher education. For over 50 years, the OU has provided high-quality distance learning, empowering students from all backgrounds to achieve their educational and professional goals. Its commitment to open access, innovation, and support makes it a trusted choice for learners across the UK and beyond.
The Offer
The Open University is proud to offer the Care-Experienced Scholarship, providing up to 10 fully funded places each year for care-experienced young people beginning their first undergraduate qualification.
This scholarship covers the entire cost of tuition fees, giving students the freedom to study without financial stress. Scholars will benefit from:
Full tuition fee funding for an undergraduate qualification
Access to comprehensive academic and pastoral support
The flexibility to study part-time and online from anywhere in the UK
Membership in a welcoming and inclusive learning community
Who Is Eligible?
- To apply, applicants must:
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK
- Be aged under 25 on 1 September 2025
- Have experience of being in care before the age of 18
- Be studying their first undergraduate qualification
- Be registered to study a minimum of 30 credits per academic year
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025/26 academic year are now open.
- Application deadline: Wednesday 30 July 2025
- Notification of outcome: By 13 August 2025
To apply and view the full eligibility criteria, please visit:
The Open University Care-Experienced Scholarship
Applicants will need to complete an online application form and submit evidence confirming their care experience.
by Kieron McCarthy | Jun 2, 2025
At GXO, we recognise the unique challenges care leavers face as they transition into the workforce, and we’re committed to providing tailored support to help you thrive in your career. We’re offering a one-of-a-kind opportunity designed to support care leavers in their journey towards long-term success in the logistics industry.
Our Unique Approach
Step into the World of GXO:
We understand that starting a new job can be a daunting experience, especially when it comes to adapting to workplace culture and structure. That’s why we’re introducing a unique interview approach: the walk-around interview. You’ll spend time with a member of our team, walking around the site while chatting about your experience and aspirations. This relaxed approach allows us to get to know each other better while showing you what it’s like to be part of the GXO family.
Support Throughout Your Transition:
We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way as you transition into your new role:
- Meal Support: While you wait for your first pay cheque, we will provide assistance to ensure you’re able to stay energised with appropriate food supplies.
- Job Coaching: Our dedicated team members will help you adjust to the structure of work and get comfortable with the ways of working at GXO.
- Personalised Support: Receive guidance on time management, workplace culture, and effective communication to make your transition smoother and ensure you’re ready to succeed.
- Internal Network of Care Leavers: Connecting you with other colleagues who have a similar care-experienced background to help build up your internal network at GXO, whilst also supporting you through this important stage of your career journey.
Why Choose GXO?
- Competitive Pay & Benefits: At GXO, we offer more than just a job. We provide a rewarding career with competitive pay and benefits, giving you the financial support you need to build your future.
- Career Development Opportunities: Whether you’re starting as a warehouse operative, forklift operator, or looking to pursue technology or leadership roles, GXO offers career development programmes to help you achieve your full potential. With initiatives like our “Grow at GXO” programme, you can progress into higher-paying roles with more responsibility.
- Inclusive & Supportive Environment: We pride ourselves on being a diverse, inclusive, and respectful company. We work together to create a culture where everyone belongs and feels supported, regardless of their background.
Our Values: The Core of GXO
- Be Safe: Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our goal is zero job-related injuries, and we prioritise the health and safety of every team member.
- Be Inclusive: We celebrate diversity and ensure everyone’s voice is heard. Inclusion and belonging are integral to our success.
- Make an Impact: We focus on making positive contributions to our people, partners, and the planet through responsible and ethical business practices.
- Change the Game: Innovation drives us. We’re always seeking bold, original solutions to help our customers meet the challenges of tomorrow.
- Deliver Results: We strive for excellence in every task and aim to deliver results that exceed expectations.
Opportunities at GXO for Care Leavers
- Warehouse & Forklift Operators: Help us deliver on our promises by providing essential services that keep our supply chains moving smoothly.
- Lorry Drivers: Whether you’re experienced or just starting, GXO offers local opportunities for lorry drivers to help you grow in the logistics industry.
- Technology Careers: Leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive logistics innovations and make a significant impact on our global operations.
- Corporate Careers: From HR to finance, marketing, and more, explore various corporate career paths with us.
Regardless of the role you join us on, we will be keen to explore with you other growth opportunities like apprenticeships and leadership opportunities – 62% of our vacancies were filled with internal talent in 2024, which is something we’re hugely proud of!
Ready to Get Started?
GXO is proud to partner with Care Leavers Covenant to offer unique support and an empowering career path. Whether you’re just starting or looking to progress, we’re here to invest in your growth. Join us at GXO, where you can unlock logistics at full potential.
Apply Today
For more information on the GXO Care Leaver Support Programme or to explore available roles, please visit our website or contact us directly.
by Joshua Felton | May 28, 2025
RFS Forestry Roots Paid Traineeships Applications Now Open
For over 140 years, the Royal Forestry Society has dedicated itself to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management so that the accumulated wisdom and experience of landowners, foresters, arborists, and others is transferred from one generation to another.
The passion we have for inspiring and supporting the future generations has been fuelled into our Forestry Roots initiative which is kindly supported and funded by ALA Green Charitable Trust.
With this funding we are offering paid traineeships designed to enable a number of young people to pursue their career aspirations within forestry. Take a look at the listing to learn more and find the locations we have available for 2025.
All traineeships receive national living wage, a £300 relocation allowance and up to 20 days CPD to use their £2,000 training allowance.
This year we have paid traineeships available with:
Maydencroft – North Hertfordshire – https://rfs.org.uk/jobs/maydencroft-forestry-roots-trainee/
Bodnant – North Wales – https://rfs.org.uk/jobs/bodnant-estate-forestry-roots-trainee/
City of Trees – Manchester – https://rfs.org.uk/jobs/city-of-trees-forestry-roots-trainee/
by Kieron McCarthy | May 20, 2025
Location: Blackburn with Darwen, UK
We work creatively with people to give ideas legs
At Culturapedia, we are passionate about putting Lancashire on the cultural map. We work creatively with communities, artists, and partners to curate engaging cultural experiences both online and in-person. From rural Lancashire to vibrant market halls, we engage people through workshops, performances, and festivals.
Our Vision
Our vision is to be the go-to company for engaging audiences in fabulous cultural offerings, wherever they are – online, outdoors, or right on their doorstep. Our mission is to bring cultural equality to Lancashire by ensuring everyone has access to high-quality cultural experiences.
What We’re Offering
Through the Creative Alliance Paid Internship Programme, Culturapedia is offering a fantastic paid internship for young people interested in working within the arts and cultural sector. As part of our team, you will support us across a variety of exciting projects, including:
- Spot On Rural and Library Touring across Lancashire
- Year-round family-friendly workshops and performances in Blackburn and Darwen market halls and across Blackburn town centre
- Rekindle arts engagement programme in Blackburn with Darwen’s libraries
- Burnley Words Festival
- Burnley Mechanics Presents – reengaging Burnley’s community with the Burnley Mechanics
This is a one-year, part-time position, working 22.5 hours per week, at £12.60 per hour.
Who Can Apply
We’re looking for young people who are either former students of a Blackburn with Darwen-based education institution or residents in or close to the Blackburn with Darwen Unitary Authority. There are no age restrictions, and no formal education requirements. If you’re passionate about the arts and want to support community engagement, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.
What You’ll Gain
In this internship, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Work with a dynamic team of arts professionals
- Support a wide variety of arts and cultural programmes
- Gain hands-on experience in event management, arts programming, and community outreach
- Make a meaningful impact on local communities
How to Apply
If you are ready to take your first step in a career in the arts, we would love to hear from you. To apply or find out more, please visit the link below for full details:
Link for full details:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LMYdPlQ3NC_Jex0jcFWsOyVGVAnXqSaqfRc9SxPtB-o/edit?usp=sharing
If you have any questions or would like to have a chat about the role before applying, feel free to reach out. We’re more than happy to have pre-application conversations with potential applicants – whether that’s over the phone or a cup of coffee.
Contact Us
Follow Us on Social Media
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/culturapedia.co/
- X: https://twitter.com/culturapedia
Proud to be an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation
by Kieron McCarthy | May 20, 2025
Location: Avonmouth, Bristol – https://lwfarm.org.uk
Available Dates: June 2nd – June 13th, 2025
Target Audience: Young women aged 16-27 who have experienced care or disadvantage
What You’ll Get from Attending
The Care to Career programme is designed to give young women the skills, confidence, and connections to transition from care to the workplace. By the end of the two-week programme, each participant will be offered a job, apprenticeship, or work experience.
Here’s what you’ll gain:
- Life and employability skills delivered by industry experts in fields like HR, martial arts, image, comedy, and more.
- Invaluable insights from employers in top industries like Bristol Port, Suez, Molson Engineering, Nisbets, Mathias & Sons, and Thomas Franks.
- Hands-on experience through site visits, job-shadowing, and networking with CEO’s and leading professionals.
- Practical skills like CV writing, interview preparation, and an understanding of taxes, national insurance, and money management.
- Increased confidence to take the next steps in your career, including professional image, etiquette, and life skills.
Who We Are
I’m Louise Allen, founder of Spark Sisterhood, and I grew up in care. I understand the challenges young women face when trying to access education and the workplace. Spark Sisterhood aims to change that. My personal journey has been one of overcoming obstacles, from running away at 15 to becoming a best-selling author and leading successful organisations. Through Spark Sisterhood, we are opening doors for young women in care to build a better future for themselves.
Our Mission: Empowering young women to step confidently into the workforce, supported by meaningful opportunities and professional guidance.
What to Expect from the Programme
We’ve crafted a programme that equips young women with everything they need to launch their careers. Here’s what’s included:
- Health and Safety
- Self-Defence & Body Language
- Personal Image & Style
- Etiquette & Professionalism
- Money Management, Tax, National Insurance & Credit Cards
- CV Building & Interview Skills
- Networking & Site Visits
- Stand-Up Comedy & Confidence Building
- Nutrition & Cooking with Top Chefs
End of Programme Opportunity
At the end of the two weeks, participants will present their journey and learnings to a panel of local employers. Each young woman will be offered a job, apprenticeship, or work experience opportunity with one of our partner employers.
Session Details
- Dates: June 2nd – June 13th, 2025
- Time: Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: LW Farm, Avonmouth, Bristol – https://lwfarm.org.uk
- Eligibility: Young women aged 16-27 with experience of care or disadvantage
How to Join
If you know any young women who could benefit from this unique opportunity, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us to nominate yourself or young people you support or to find out more about the programme:
Follow Us on Social Media:
- Facebook: @SparkSisterhood
- Instagram: @sparksisterhooduk
- LinkedIn: Spark Sisterhood
We look forward to welcoming young women who are ready to take the next step in their journey towards a career!
Free Bus Travel Available
Free bus travel for Care Leavers from Travel Wests website – Free bus travel for care leavers – WEST
If you’re a care leaver aged 18-21 and live in the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority or North Somerset Council region, you can claim free bus travel until the end of March 2026.
All you need to do is enter your details with a passport style photo, and a unique code.
You can get your code by contacting your pathway plan support worker at your Local Authority (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, or North Somerset Council)
