Thank you to everyone that joined us for this year's CareersFest.  With nearly 1,500 attendees across 3 days of online events panels and workshops we certainly learned a lot, and we hope you did too.

If you weren't able to attend, or if you were and would just like a quick recap of the sessions, don't worry, we've got you covered. 

You'll find a summary of the key findings from each employer showcase session below:

Academies Enterprise Trust

  • There are different routes in: In school/University led, Salaried or Tuition fee paying route.
  • They have a Graduate Teaching Apprenticeship salaried route, whereby fees are paid by the apprenticeship levy.
  • A 2:2 degree is required and right to work in the UK. Applicants must have been resident in the UK for a minimum of 2 years.
  • For Secondary teaching, requirements are a 2:2, with GCSE's in Maths and English at Grade C or above (or equivalent. For Primary, a 2:2 with GCSE English and Maths and Science at grade C or above or equivalent

Army (MoD)

  • Neo Non combats are provided by Army e.g in Afganistan for airport extraction
  • Several different roles within the army for eg Engineering and Combat and logistics and Support
  • 70% roles in support roles within army only 30% in combat roles
  • 34% roles in STEM
  • Army has branch for legal services

BAE Systems

  • The opportunties at BAE are vast. Employing 39,000 people acrosss 50 sites in the UK
  • They offer insight experiences, internships, year in industry placements and graduate opportnuties across the business
  • Age is just a number, the company again expressed everyone has equal opportunity to shine and tyey don't expect all graduate applicants to be young
  • There are opportunties for a variety of degeree holders not just STEM. Many graduates join from a wide range of backgrounds.

Change100

  • Since starting around 10 years ago, around 1200 disabled interns have been recruited.
  • Change 100 uses the widest definition of disabled and this means it is how you 'self-define' and you will never be asked for evidence.
  • Internships are generally full-time but part-time and flexible working will be considered.
  • The inclusive employers who you work with will have received expert disability training.
  • You won't know where you'll be working, or what sector or role you may be placed in until the matching stage, but all companies are inclusive employers and receive expert training on working with disabled people.

Charityworks

  • The charity sector, just like the private sector has all the same kinds of development areas, like HR, Finance, etc meaning lots of opportunities available depending on your skill set/area of interest.
  • Whilst opportunities are graduate level, you don't need specific qualifications. The focus is more on the skills you have than the degree you have or are studying for. 
  • Psychometric testing has been removed from the recruitment process and Charityworks use multiple assessors from all sorts of diverse backgrounds.
  • There are opportunites to work hybrid or full remote.
  • You will take part in a national conference and the opportunitiy to build on your research skills and produce something tangible for the organisation you work for.

Clifford Chance

  • Global financial markets is the biggest area of practice, trainees will need to do a set in this so it is important to have an interest.
  • Applications will not be read if the applicant does not pass the Watson Glaser Test, there are practice tests available and it is imperative to take advantage of them.
  • Commercial awareness, resilience and team working are the most important skills they look for.
  • Expectation to spend 50% of your time in the office, though realisitically this will be more for trainees, especially when starting a new seat.

DS Smith

  • 55 sites in the UK including Scotland, England and Wales. Head office is based in Paddington in London, a recycling head office and Business Services Centre in Caerphilly, Wales, made up of finance and HR colleagues.
  • The 2-year grad programme opens for applcations on 8th January 2024, with a view to starting in September 2024. Minimum entry requirement is an ordinary degree - BA or Bsc. There is no age limit on those applying but you need to have graduated within last 2-3 years or must have graduated by September 2024.
  • Grad programmes available in HR, Finance, Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Process), Research & Development, Sales, Marketing & Innovation, Design & Innovation, Sustainability, Strategy & Commercial and IT. Those applying for the Finance programme are required to have a fluent second European language.
  • Grads join with a starting salary of £30,000 plus benefits which include life insurance, income protection, as well as many other benefits such as access to the free counselling. You'll be working for a large global brand and your career could literally take you anywhere in the world.
  • If you are a career changer or career developer with previous experience, DS Smith recruit all year round across engineering, finance, IT, sales, marketing, HR and operational management as well as many other roles.
  • If a role is advertised as full time and you want to work part time around your studies, they are open to having a conservation about this, so do not let this put you off applying.

DWP

  • They support people to get back into work and are focused on veterans, over 50s, single parents and carers who work part time, and people with health conditions.
  • Huge volume of jobs right now - over the last 3 months there has been 905 Live Civil Service Jobs. 482 of these for DWP. The main functions they recruit for include Cabinet Office, Home Office, Border Force, Government Statistical Services and DWP. From admin to executive officer roles and many others. Lots of vacancies for Job coaches.
  • 98% of jobs don't require any qualifications, unless it is a technical role. They look for customer service skills, this is very important as dealing with people. 78% of jobs are hybrid except the job coach, this is done face to face.
  • Focus on learning and development of staff, lots of opportunities for progression, sideways or upwards.
  • They use the STAR model in recruitment: situation, task, action, result.
  • People interested in working with Civil Service should register on civil service website and they will receive an update alert every Friday of new jobs that become available.

EY, Northern Ireland

  • There is a misconception that those with a business or law degree are needed to work for EY. They welcome applictations from all disciplines, eg law, history, classics.
  • What they are really looking for is their "Top 10 Skills" (eg communcation, teamwork etc.
  • EY are very committed to equality and diversity. ""Belonging at EY"" is central to the organisation, as are the many networks they have developed withhin the business to support their employees.
  • There is no upper age limit, while they are looking for recent graduates.

Fidelity International

  • Introduction to the firm and asset management, including the difference between buy and sell side roles/organisations.
  • There are no acdemic requirements for any of their roles beyong a degree of any classification in any subject.
  • Equality and diversity is taken very seriously and lots of support is available, spoke extensively around neurodiversity in particular.
  • Graduate schemes are not right for everyone and there are other entry points available.

Freeths

  • A trainee solicitor shared their career journey, from studying the LLB, before gaining experience as a legal assistant. He performed well which led to a successful interview for a training contract. He is now in his fourth seat and is working towards completing the SQE. He shared how the SQE was rigorous, but the employer and university was very supportive, and he is given 1 day per week to focus on his studies.
  • They encourage mature students to apply, emphasising how their increased professional and life experience would add value to their team.
  • They suggested students contact their trainees for advice on their career hub portal and LinkedIn. https://freeths.connectr.co.uk/earlycareers.

Governors for Schools and Getting OnBoard

  • Volunteering as a Trustee or School Governor will develop your leadership skills working at board level, help you develop new skills and knowledge and enhance your employability.
  • Time commitment is approximaely 1-2 days per month
  • As a charity Trusteess your public liabillity should things go wrong is almost always limited to £10 or under. Risk are more aligned to personal creditability.
  • You don't need to be invited to join a board or become a school governor.

Local Government Association

  • LGA responsible for over 800 different services.
  • Reasonable adjustments provided throughout the application and recruitment process
  • Large nmber of networks on the programme and beyond. e.g. BAME etc. They reflect the community that they serve.
  • Graduation doesn't have to have been recent. Welcome people from all backgrounds and degree disciplines.
  • For NGDP requirements are: Passion about making a difference in communities, Right to work in the UK and Min. 2:2 in any degree discipline. For Pathways to Planning, 2:1 in any degree discipline, Passion, Right to work in the UK.

National Nuclear Laboratory Limited

  • Opportunities for graduates from all STEM backgrounds, in Project Management, IT and Security, with locations in Cumbria, Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire.
  • Comiitment to support flexible working and hybrid work possible in some cases though role and function dependent and no exclusively remote roles
  • Though start dates for graduate scheme are in Sept, if OU applicants don't yet have degree results, if succesful could still start based on predicted result
  • No UG placements offered at this stage but they recognise value of skills from other sectors transferable to this field 5. More info and apply at: https://www.nnl.co.uk/careers/early-careers/

NHS Education for Scotland

  • NHS Scotland only has 1 graduate programme (NHS Scotland Management Training Scheme). Other than this, they recruit graduates all year round. This is ideal for OU students who graduate at different points throughout the year.
  • The Project Manager roles can cover a wide range of roles so it's worth checking each one to see which interests you.
  • The Information Analyst role is accessible through a degree in a numerate discipline or via NHS Scotland's graduate apprenticeship. For this you can already have a degree in a different subject or not have one yet. You would then be able to earn a degree while you earn.
  • A tip for applying for a job: it is encouraged (and may be expected) that you call the hiring manager for an informal chat before applying for a role.
  • The assessment section of the NHS application process is how they shortlist your application. In order to gain an interview, you must provide an example for each question.

Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS)

  • Large organisation with lots of opportunity for internal mobility and pursuit of professional qualifications. Lots of flexible and hybrid working options. Inclusive and welcoming – very active staff diversity networks.
  • Last year they inducted their first cohort of Graduate Management Trainees – 36 graduates over the course of 4 years. Enter as Staff Officers and at the end of the 4 year programme they have an opportunity to apply for a Grade 7 role. Currently have 100 students undertaking a 1 year placement across a wide range of disciplines.
  • Matthew (first year OU placement student) is currently studying Economics and Mathematical Sciences and is undertaking an Economics Placement within the Department for the Economy at the NICS. Matthew shares his story, previously worked in teaching. Matthew advises that everything he has been studying during his degree has been relevant to his day to day job within the placement. Very supportive department who are keen for Matthew to attend courses and training.

Northern Ireland IT panel - EOS IT Solutions, Citi, Health and Social Care Northern Ireland, Giveclarity

  • For many roles, transferrable skills such as readiness to learn and an ability to communicate complex ideas to a non-IT audience are just as important as technical skills - think about the range of opportunities to develop and demonstrate these e.g. seeking experience with your current employer, perhaps in a different area of your organisation.
  • Employers are looking for applicants who can convey their excitement and enthusiasm for the role, and are confident to talk about their skills and how they arrive at solutions to problems - for example, discussing a study project, or a task that formed part of the assessment process.
  • Employers are open to recruiting individuals from diverse backgrounds, and value the different experience, perspective and skills that older candidates and those moving from different sectors bring.
  • You don't have to be a coding expert to get a job in the IT sector - other roles are available eg project management, admin, recruitment.
  • Thorough preparation is key throughout the recruitment process: research the organisation, tailor your CV carefully to the role, ensure you understand what the recruitment process will look like, and practise where you can (e.g. mock video interviews, practise coding solutions). Do ask for reasonable adjustments if you need them because of a disability or health condition (this also applies once in the role). Do ask for feedback afterwards.
  • Use AI with care, and check employers' views if you can: some screen and reject applications for AI use, some are happy for applicants to use it.

Skills for Care

  • Whoever you are, working in the Health & Social Care sector can give you the opportunity to make the changes you want to make.
  • Opportunities within the sector can be paid and unpaid and volunteering can be a great way to really make a difference.
  • Ensure that you explore all the options that are available to you; support worker roles can make a huge difference to a service user's life, not only in assisting with practical elements, like washing etc, but also in terms of enabling the service user to make friends, socialise and try new activities that they would otherwise be unable to do.

Tata Steel

  • Introduction to the firm and asset management, including the difference between buy and sell side roles/organisations.
  • There are no acdemic requirements for any of their roles beyong a degree of any classification in any subject.
  • Equality and diversity is taken very seriously and lots of support is available, spoke extensively around neurodiversity in particular.
  • Graduate schemes are not right for everyone and there are other entry points available.

The Salvation Army

  • It is estimated that 122,000 people in the UK are currently living in slavery. As a broad definition The Salvation use the 3Ts - Tricked, Trapped and Traded.
  • The Salvation Army hold the Moderns Slavery Victim Care Contract which includes safe house support and outreach support.
  • You can be involved as a volunteer as a first-reponder, student advocate or mentor.

Vodafone

  • Vodafone is not just a mobile phone company, they are the largest Technology Communications Company, with 3 purpose pillars: digital society, inclusion for all and planet.
  • For their early careers programmes, they offer a hybrid working model to encourage creativity and innovation.
  • For those who have prior work experience in their chosen field encouraged to apply for full time roles, these may offer more flexibility with remote working options.
  • Advice for entering the recruitment process: ‘be your authentic self, prepare and research the company, highlight particular buzzwords or technical expertise you have gained through study and/or work.’
  • Using AI (ChatGPT) is allowed in the application process for Vodafone, but use it for research as it will not allow you to be your authentic self.

Wiley Edge

  • Wiley Edge train graduates for tech roles then place them with their clients, mostly in banking and financial services.
  • Develping tech skills alongside your studies gives you a competitive edge in the jobs market, increases your employability, provides practical experience and keeps your skills up to date in a fast moving industry.
  • Skills in data anlysis, cyber security and cloud computing are extremely in-demand. Communication skills are just as important as technical ability.
  • Having examples of projects you have worked on is important - online courses, internships, hackathons and personal projects can all provide these.
  • Age is not a barrier to working in tech.