Careers bulletin – November 2025
What is a career?
A career is a life-long journey of learning, skills acquisition, knowledge, experiences and opportunities. At Kimbolton School, we are very proud to be an integral part of your child’s career journey, supporting and encouraging them as they grow and develop throughout the Senior School and beyond.
Career related events in November
Thursday 6th November Degree Apprenticeship Webinar 19.00-20.00h. This webinar is for any Senior School parent and pupil to join. Find out more about the degree apprenticeship pathway and how we support applications at Kimbolton School through our Degree Apprenticeship Academy. We will also hear from some 2025 leavers who have started their apprenticeships this September, sharing their experience of the recruitment process and what it is like day to day in their roles. Are curious about what higher and degree apprenticeships are out there? The latest comprehensive list is here to give you an idea of how many amazing opportunities available that our current U6th will be applying for!
Saturday 8th, 15th November UCAS drop in session – 09.30-12.00h in the Library – To support all U6th pupils with their UCAS applications
Tuesday 11th November Lunchtime Insight Workshop – 13.00-13.30h Careers Hub – This will focus on bitcoin, stocks and shares. This will be information (not advice!) about what these are and how they are used by individuals and companies and one of our talented current Fifth Form pupils will share how he is setting up and investment fund business and help us to understand how he will run that. Sign up HERE
Thursday 13th November Sixth Form Open Evening – 18.30-21.00h. Meet subject leads, hear from our Head of Sixth Form, meet our current Sixth Form pupils and explore the range of subjects we offer, to find out all about our unique sixth form experience. You can sign up HERE
Friday 14th November Future Friday Breakfasts – 08.00-08.40h Green Room – This will focus on Careers in SPORT. We will welcome back two OK’s – one who is a physiotherapist and has worked with elite sports people and one who is a football coach. Both speakers have had numerous roles within their own industry and have really interesting insights into the world of sports careers. Please sign up HERE. (please be aware there isn’t breakfast provided due to time constraints – so please fuel up before you arrive and sign in is at the saloon steps not bursary!)
Tuesday 15th November What University? & What Career? This is a FREE live event for pupils from Fourth Form to Upper 6th to find out post 18 information about access to universities, apprenticeships, employment, advice and much more. A video of what to expect is here What University? & What Career? Live March 2025 . On Saturday 15 November, 2025 Mrs Southern will be attending this event and welcomes any Kimbolton pupils and their families to meet her there. Get your free tickets HERE. Please fill in this form if you want to let her know you are going to be there HERE
Tuesday 18th November Post 18 options and what you can do now to prepare – 19.00-20.00h. This informative session is a great opportunity for parents and pupils to learn about the options available beyond Kimbolton after Upper 6th, including university (with a guest speaker on international study), degree apprenticeships, gap years, employment, and starting a business. The webinar will offer practical advice on how pupils can prepare now to make well-informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities early. With guest speakers sharing their experiences, it promises to be an inspiring and valuable event for all. Please Sign up HERE
Tuesday 25th November Oxbridge and competitive applications webinar – 19.00-20.00h. Join us for an engaging and informative webinar featuring four of our OK’s who have successfully gained places at competitive universities, including Oxbridge. They will share their experiences and insights on topics such as: preparing a strong and competitive application, what to expect at interviews, choosing the right course and life at university. This will be an inspiring evening designed to motivate and support our current 3rd to U6th pupils as they begin preparing for future applications. Attendees will gain valuable advice on how to make the most of their time at school, strengthen their applications, and feel encouraged to aim high. Please Sign up HERE
Every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtimes in November University application support in the UCAS workroom in the castle. from 13.00-14.00h
GREEN and STEM week in November
GREEN week 10th-14th November
A green career can be any job, role or occupation that contributes to preserving or restoring the environment and our planet. It can be any industry, not just those seen as ‘green’ but are supporting climate change – from protecting wildlife to creating cleaner energy and designing eco-friendly products. As the world focuses more on sustainability, there’s a huge rise in careers that make a real difference.
You don’t have to wait to start your green journey you can start now!
- Join curiosity club
- Volunteer for local clean-ups or tree planting.
- Study science, geography, or technology — they’re great foundations for green careers.
- Explore how every job, from business to design, can help the environment.
The future needs creative problem-solvers who care about our planet — and that could be you!
Green Careers to explore:
Some examples of green careers and how to access them can be found at these websites:
Explore green careers – National Careers Service (All year groups)
Sustainability quiz – Amazing apprenticeships (All year groups)
Green Careers – Destination STEM (5th Form upwards)
Going green getting hired: a guide to sustainable careers – Prospects (5th Form upwards)
Virtual work experience in lots of Green careers
There is also some great information in this booklet for parents supporting their children in researching Green Careers here
Green apprenticeships
Over 200 apprenticeships are now supporting England’s drive to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with hundreds more set to become greener. Top tips to find a green apprenticeship here And a great video to watch about what it is like to do a green apprenticeship here
During Green Careers Week all geography classes from 1st to Upper 6th will be devoting some time to discussing potential careers linked with the topics currently being taught ie Hazards, Future of Food, International Development, Rivers and Tourism, how to access them and labour market information. And there is also a new careers section in the geography department to look out for!
Geography is great for any kind of career that involves the environment, planning, or collecting and interpreting data. Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include: town or transport planning, surveying, conservation, sustainability, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting. If you look in last weeks careers bulletin you will find a spotlight on Geography LINK
Employers love the mix of technical and social skills people get from studying geography, which they see as very transferable, i.e. useful for a whole range of jobs. Why are geographers so employable? Find out here
Where can you find out more?
Royal Geographical Society (All year groups)
Geographical Association (All year groups)
Which? Geography at University – (5th From to Upper Sixth)
RGS Geography Apprenticeships – (5th From to Upper Sixth)
What can I do with a geography degree? – (5th From to Upper Sixth)
STEM Week – 7-16th November
British Science Week is a nationwide celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), organised annually by the British Science Association. In 2025, it will take place from 7–16 March. This ten-day event aims to engage people of all ages in STEM activities, fostering curiosity and highlighting the importance of science in our everyday lives.
Each year, British Science Week features a central theme to guide discussions and activities. For 2025, the theme is “Change and Adapt”, encouraging exploration of how living organisms, technologies, and societies evolve to meet challenges such as climate change and health crises.
The week also includes the ‘Smashing Stereotypes’ campaign, which celebrates diverse role models in STEM fields. This initiative aims to inspire all young people by showcasing the varied and inclusive nature of STEM careers.
At Kimbolton we will use this week as an opportunity to spark interest in STEM subjects and inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators with lots of activities such as:
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For more information about British Science Week visit the British Science Week website
For any questions about the Careers Education Programme, please contact Mrs Southern.
Spotlight on Science
Science is far more than just a subject in school. From exploring how our bodies work to discovering new technologies and protecting our planet, science shapes almost every part of our lives. Science encourages curiosity. It helps pupils ask why and how, and gives them the tools to find answers through observation, investigation, and reasoning. In a world that’s changing faster than ever, scientific understanding helps young people make sense of new developments and make informed choices about their health, environment, and technology.
Beyond knowledge, science teaches important life skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication connecting strongly with our Learning DNA. These are the same skills that employers value highly in any career—whether in medicine, law, engineering, business, or the arts.
Skills That Shape the Future
Studying science helps pupils to:
- Think critically: analyse information, identify patterns, and evaluate evidence.
- Solve problems: approach challenges logically and creatively.
- Communicate clearly: explain complex ideas in a simple, confident way.
- Work collaboratively: share ideas and test solutions as part of a team.
- Use technology effectively: collect and interpret data using modern tools.
These are essential abilities for success in the 21st-century workplace, no matter which career path pupils choose.
Science and Other Subjects: A Powerful Partnership
Science does not stand alone—it connects beautifully with many other subjects, creating exciting and varied career opportunities.
- Science and Languages: Communication is key in global research and healthcare. Scientists who can speak other languages can collaborate internationally, work in global organisations, or travel as part of their careers.
- Science and Creative Subjects: Creativity drives innovation. Combining science with art, design, or media can lead to careers in science communication, product design, environmental art, or even film and gaming technologies.
- Science and Technology: Together, these fields are shaping the future—through robotics, renewable energy, biotechnology, and computer modelling. Pupils who enjoy coding, building, or experimenting can find endless possibilities here.
- Science and Maths: Mathematics is the language of science. From engineering and physics to data science and economics, the combination of these subjects is at the heart of invention and discovery.
- Science and Business: Science-based industries rely on leaders who understand both innovation and enterprise. This combination can lead to careers in management, marketing for science companies, entrepreneurship, or sustainability consulting.
Science, in short, gives pupils a flexible foundation that supports a wide range of future studies and careers.
Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI): The future of work
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world of science—and the careers connected to it. AI helps scientists analyse data faster, make accurate predictions, and discover new medicines, materials, and technologies.
However, while AI can process information, it still needs human creativity, ethical judgment, and emotional understanding. Pupils who study science will be well prepared to work with AI—designing systems, interpreting data, and ensuring technology benefits society responsibly. The future of science will be about collaboration between humans and machines, making scientific thinking more important than ever.
Science is one of the most versatile and valuable subjects a pupil can study. It builds a strong foundation of knowledge, teaches essential life and career skills, and connects with every other subject in meaningful ways. Whether pupils dream of becoming doctors, designers, engineers, business leaders, or teachers, science will give them the curiosity, confidence, and creativity to shape their own future.
Focus on Energy and Renewable Energy Industry
The energy sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation — and that means a wave of new, exciting opportunities for young people with drive, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
What is changing now? (Reference)
- In 2025, we’re seeing five key trends shaping the energy landscape:
- rising investment in clean technologies,
- stronger decarbonisation efforts,
- more focus on energy security and affordability,
- dominance in manufacturing and deployment from countries like China,
- growing integration of AI and data analytics in energy systems.
- Energy systems are becoming smarter and more integrated. Think smart grids, connected sensors, automated operations, and systems that can respond flexibly to demand.
- The shift to renewables is real — globally, energy investment is ramping up in areas like storage, hydrogen, nuclear, and electrification.
Jobs on the rise in clean energy (Reference)
As the energy transition accelerates, renewable energy jobs are growing rapidly (they’ve nearly doubled in the last decade). Here are a few emerging roles:
- Hydrogen Project & Design Engineer / Hydrogen Energy Manager — developing and managing green hydrogen systems.
- Carbon Capture & Storage Engineer / Carbon Finance Consultant — designing systems and financial models to capture and manage CO₂.
- Solar / Wind Project Manager / Technician — overseeing installations, maintenance, and performance of renewable power assets.
- Smart Grid Engineer / IoT Systems Integrator — building the networks and systems that allow energy to flow efficiently, intelligently and safely.
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Planner — mapping out the networks of charging stations to support the electric-vehicle revolution.
What pupils can do now to prepare for this evolving field?
- Focus on STEM subjects (especially maths, physics, computing, engineering)
- Develop skills with data, coding, systems thinking
- Stay curious about climate, energy, and sustainability solutions
- Get involved in projects, clubs or challenges related to renewables, robotics, or design
- Monitor emerging technologies like hydrogen, battery storage, smart grid systems
There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the energy transition. If pupils can combine technical know-how, creativity, and passion for sustainability, there’s a bright future ahead in this sector.
Labour market information (Reference)
Projected Jobs in UK Renewable Energy Sectors by 2030
| Sector / Technology | Projected Total Jobs (Direct + Indirect) by 2030* | Key Notes |
| Solar PV (photovoltaics) | ~ 35,000 jobs | Includes ~20,000 direct + ~15,000 indirect jobs in Great Britain. Based on having ~45-47 GW installed capacity. |
| Onshore Wind | ~ 45,000 jobs | Direct + indirect roles. Assuming ~27-29 GW of onshore wind capacity. |
| Offshore Wind | ~ 100,000 jobs | To meet targets, including reaching ~50 GW of offshore capacity. |
| Combined Wind (Onshore + Offshore Wind) | ~ 145,000 jobs | Sum of onshore + offshore estimates. |
| Hydrogen Sector | ~ 28,500 direct + ~ 64,500 indirect = ~ 93,000 jobs across all hydrogen areas by 2030 | This includes roles in production, storage, distribution, usage etc. |
*Direct + Indirect means jobs directly in those sectors (e.g., installing, operating) plus supporting roles (manufacturing, supply chain, maintenance etc.)
Additional Insights & Implications
- Skill sets in demand: Many roles will require strong STEM skills. Electrical technicians, project managers, engineers, grid-connection specialists, construction & commissioning technicians are among the most sought after.
- Regional variation: Coastal regions, Scotland, Eastern England, Yorkshire & Humber are likely to have especially high demand, particularly for wind-sector roles.
- Phases matter: A lot of the job growth will happen during construction and installation, and then also require ongoing operation & maintenance roles. Some jobs are temporary (for build phases), others more permanent.
Volunteering, virtual work and career experiences
Getting involved in volunteering or work experience is one of the best ways to prepare for life beyond school. Not only does it give you practical, hands-on skills (like teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving), it also helps you build confidence, communication, and resilience—qualities that employers and universities are always looking for. In this workshop, pupils will learn why these experiences matter, how they can shape your future career options, and discover practical ways to find opportunities both in school and in the wider community.
“What actually is virtual work experience?”
In case you have the same question here is a brief explanation.
Virtual work experience lets pupils explore different careers online. They take part in interactive activities, hear from professionals, and complete tasks to build skills and confidence. It’s a safe and flexible way for pupils to learn about the world of work from home. These experiences are designed in collaboration with leading employers and include video content, interactive activities, and the chance to receive a certificate upon completion. They vary in length from 30 minutes to 10h on average. Sometimes they are live, but mostly On Demand.
These are a brilliant use of time for any pupils over the summer holidays! We recommend Springpod for a great range of opportunities with a wide range of companies. Older students may also be interested in The Forage, which is online work experience with large corporate companies and includes tasks and feedback within the experience.
Green Careers virtual work experiences
ON DEMAND – from 15 minutes to 7 hours of content
NHS Allied Healthcare Work Experience
Starts 2nd November
The NHS Allied Healthcare Work Experience is the largest programme for aspiring healthcare professionals, having successfully invited over 12,000 students to participate in its programme last academic year – many of which have gone on to study:
Nursing
Midwifery
Paramedicine
Physiotherapy
Occupational Therapy
Dietetics
Radiography
Prosthetics and Orthotics
Speech and Language Therapy
Pharmacy
Upon registration, students will gain access to their dedicated virtual work experience portals. Each completed session earns a Work Experience Certificate, and those who finish the full six-month program receive a Highly Commended Reference. Both serve as
invaluable credentials for apprenticeship and UCAS applications.
Registration will start at 8:30am, with guest speaker from 9-10am, then the live work experience session starts at 10am, with an end at 5pm. Plenty of breaks are scheduled throughout.
Students can register at any time throughout the 6-month programme using the link below. We recommend booking early to gain as much out of this programme as possible.
Places are £10 a session to cover administrative and technological costs, or £50 for the full 6 months
Women in STEM – British Petroleum
LIVE webinar – Tuesday 4th November 18.30-19.30h
Are you into solving real world problems or working with cutting-edge technology? A STEM apprenticeship could be for you!
In this webinar, you are invited to come meet the women who are changing the future of energy. From Engineering, and Digital, to Supply, Trading and Shipping, they are here to share how they got started, and where they are going next.
- Explore the full range of bp’s STEM apprenticeship pathways including
→ Engineering, Science, Data, Software, Supply, Trading, Shipping & more - Hear real stories from current female apprentices
- Get honest advice on how to stand out in your application
- Ask anything in our live Q&A
Varied career days
LIVE webinars – through November 11.00-16.00h
• Sat 1 Nov – Psychology
• Sat 8 Nov – Architecture
• Sat 15 Nov – Vet
• Sat 29 Nov – Engineering
Each career day will offer a morning session covering the career in question, job prospects, financial remuneration, subjects to take at school and how to secure a place in university to study it. These sessions are led by industry experts in their fields and are vital to helping a student decide whether to pursue it as their career or not. The afternoon session is a practical, hands on session where students can gain work experience of the chosen career so that they gain more understanding of it and also have some excellent material to use in their applications for university should they decide it’s the future career for them.
All courses also include a live Q&A giving students the chance to ask the experts any questions they have about the application process or career of their choice.
There is a small cost to enrol in these courses.
Creative careers month with ERIC
LIVE webinars – through November various times (they are also recorded)
150+ speakers inspiring young people to discover and explore creative careers. Check out the agenda and sign up to as many talks for free! RIC is changing the perception of what a “creative career” can be.
Creativity isn’t limited to one sector, it’s a key future skill that every organisation needs.
Throughout November, you’ll hear from an incredibly diverse line-up of speakers sharing practical advice, real career journeys, and actionable steps to help students build their futures with confidence.
How long are the talks?
Each talk is just 20 minutes long, and you can dip in and out of as many sessions as you like. Many teachers will be live-streaming talks in their classrooms, and everything will be recorded so you can watch on demand.
We’ll also be shining a light on four major themes:
🤝 Class Equality – Representing working-class voices in the creative world
📍 Outside London – Showcasing creative industries across the UK
🔬 Non-Creative Companies – Every company needs creative talent
🔮 The Future – Exploring CreaTech, AI and the future of work
The zoom link is open for pupils to join and leave at any time they would like (it’s the same link for the whole week), so you can dip in and out of the event to accommodate your own schedules. You do not need to be accepted into the event and you do not need to watch the whole event from beginning to end. And if you miss any you can find the recordings here
Future doctors month virtual programme
Online Programme – throughout the month
Throughout November, students can take part in Future Doctors Month, a completely free, month-long virtual programme.
- 6 live sessions with NHS doctors (case studies, clinical skills, medical ethics).
- Recordings available for 60 days, so students can watch on-demand.
- End-of-programme knowledge test with an official Certificate of Completion (ideal for UCAS applications).
- Open to students aged 14+ who might be considering careers in medicine.
- 2,000 students are expected to take part, making this one of the largest pre-medical events of its kind.
Get into teaching events
IN PERSON – Saturday 8th November LONDON
Whether you’re curious about becoming a teacher, or ready to start applying for teacher training, we can answer your questions and give you plenty of advice at one of our events.
Our events are relaxed and friendly and are a great opportunity to find out more and get your questions answered.
Get into dentistry
LIVE webinar – Sunday 9th November 09:30- 13:30h
This conference is suitable for any student aged 14 or above, from any school or background, who is interested in becoming a dentist. The conference will be held virtually on Zoom.
Here’s how the day will run:
9:30am – Why Medicine/Dentistry? Overview of GMC Standards, skills and training pathways. Academic requirements and Widening Access
10:10am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes
10:20am – Competition Ratios, Entry Requirements, Work Experience, Volunteering, Guided Pathways
10:55am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes
11:05am – Personal Statements, Extra and Supra-curricular activities
11:30am – Top Tips from a Successful Applicant (Current Student)
11:45am – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes
11:55am – UCAT entrance exam
12:25pm – Break (Q&A optional) 10 minutes
12:35pm – Medical/Dental school interviews & Comprehensive Application Support
1:00pm – Successful Medical/Dental Applicant (Current Student)
1:15pm – Final Q&A and attendance link for certificates
EDF apprenticeships
LIVE webinar – Monday 17th November 16.00-17.00h
Join us to hear from the Early Careers team at EDF to learn more about their amazing apprenticeship opportunities and the exciting range of vacancies available, which open for applications on Monday 26th January 2026. Offering apprenticeships across the organisation, ranging from Nuclear Engineer to Project Management, Health Physics to Business Administration, Chemistry to Data/DevOps and more.
BLMK Health and Care Academy Virtual Programme
The Health and Care Academy provides students aged 14 plus with a dynamic and flexible programme of learning, to champion the needs of each and every individual that demonstrates an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare.
The academy platform consists of live and pre-recorded events, to deliver a diverse and action packed programme that is comprised of role-play, simulation, demonstrations, behind the scenes tours and so much more.
After being provided with the opportunity to see and experience our carefully constructed programme of learning, the Health and Care Academy has seen over a thousand students graduate and go on to pursue the next steps in their journey to become the future workforce within the health and social care sector.
Volunteering opportunities for all
Volunteering is brilliant to boost your soft skills and to benefit your community. Here are some good websites for you to explore to find the right volunteering for you.
3. Cambridgeshire County Council Volunteering
4. Get Volunteering Cambridgeshire
7. Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS)
9. National Trust – Cambridgeshire
10. Caring Together
Check these websites for free webinars every month
General work experience websites:
Springpod – work experience opportunities both on demand and also live
The Forage – online work experience with large corporate companies – tasks and interaction
OpenLearn Courses – a really good site for courses and particularly ones that relate to specific jobs or further learning courses.
Alison Courses– lots of free short courses.
Where can I get more careers advice and information?
Careers Resources Page – General information for current families at Kimbolton School
Any student from First Form to Upper 6th who has questions about their career journey can arrange a careers appointment with Mrs Southern by filling in this form or speaking to their tutor.
Parents are also encouraged to contact Mrs Southern if you have questions related to your child’s careers education or planning. Contact Mrs Taylor for university-related queries.
- Careers by subject and industry areas please use XELLO. Use the Explore tab at the top and click on Careers. This will bring up an excellent search engine.
- Degree apprenticeship listing A-Z
- Latest Degree Apprenticeship Listing – Higher-and-Degree-October-2025.pdf
- What you can do with your university subject degree?
- University open days University subject tasters and events
- Aspire guide to careers, further education and university
- Degree Apprenticeship information
- Up-to-date information on degree apprenticeship vacancies around the UK
- Degree Apprenticeship Academy – Contact Mrs Southern for more information
OKs and local business partnerships with Kimbolton School
At Kimbolton, we greatly value the opportunities our pupils have to engage with professionals from a wide range of industries and careers. These interactions help pupils broaden their horizons, develop aspirations, and gain valuable insights to inform their future goals beyond Kimbolton.
We are continually working to strengthen our connections with both our Old Kimboltonians (OKs) and local employers who generously give their time to support our careers events. In 2026, for example, we will be hosting a variety of activities including speed networking, mock interviews, and enterprise days for different year groups.
Mrs Southern, our Careers Adviser, is actively involved with two local networking groups, fostering mutually supportive relationships that benefit both our pupils and the local business community.
If you are a parent who owns a local business or would like to learn more about these networking groups—and then in turn perhaps get involved in supporting our pupils—please see the information below and get in touch directly with the organisers.
THREE SHIRES Networking Group – First Wednesday of the month 10.30-13.30h
Three Shires is a lively and welcoming business network run by an OK. It brings together everyone from sole traders to thriving companies across Kimbolton and the surrounding villages. Now celebrating its tenth year, the group is a vibrant mix of talents — from a micro-baker and cathedral organist to lawyers, artists, website designers, and virtual assistants. Members range from seasoned managing directors to ambitious apprentices and undergraduates, all sharing ideas, experiences, and a passion for what they do.
Everyone welcome, small charge to include tea, coffee and occasionally champagne!
For more information please contact johnhitchin@btinternet.com/07702 597 670
KIMBOLTON CONNECTS Networking Group – Third Wednesday of the month 19.00-21.00h
Kimbolton Connects is a friendly local networking group for business owners, professionals, and community leaders in and around Kimbolton. Meeting monthly at local venues in the evening where members share ideas, build connections, and support one another in a relaxed setting. It’s a supportive community whose members actively network both within and beyond the group, always eager to help and champion one another’s businesses.
As a lockout group (one member per profession), we always welcome visitors who would like to see how the group works and connect with others locally.
One of the organisers, a Kimbolton parent who runs the Kimbolton Online website, has created a page featuring parent-owned businesses — also a great place to join or show your support.
For more information please email hello@kimbolton.online