Are you eligible for funding?
You must fulfil all of the following:
1. Be a current student registered with the University of Kent, studying in the UK
2. Be undertaking unpaid work experience, assessment activities or training, that is not part of your degree programme
3. Be actively engaged with the Empower Scheme, which means you must have attended an Empower appointment, AND attended at least one Careers & Employability Workshop.
Please read the FAQs and the guidance on the application form below, before applying. If you have any questions, please book an appointment with the Empower team.
What the funding can be used for
The funding (up to £200 per year) can be used towards costs incurred for extra-curricular assessment, training or employment-related activities, for:
- travel
- subsistence (for expenses such as the cost of meals whilst working)
- professional workwear
Proof of assessment, training or employment will need to be provided as part of the application process. The opportunity cannot make up part of your degree programme.
Is there an application deadline?
There is no final deadline. Eligible applications will be awarded funding on a first-come-first-served basis. We are allocated a specific budget on an annual basis, and when it's gone, it's gone.
Can the Careers and Employability Service find me work experience?
We are here to support you, but you are responsible for finding your own placement. Here are some useful links to help you in your search:
- Careers and Employability Service Vacancy Database
- Rate My Placement
- Milkround
- Total Jobs
- Prospects
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply, read the FAQs, complete the application form, and return it to empower@kent.ac.uk with your proof of assessment, training or employment.
If you have any queries, please contact us.
FAQs
No, unfortunately you cannot apply retrospectively for experiences which have already taken place
You may be able to claim for volunteering expenses, however, the voluntary experience must be graduate level work. You may only claim expenses for the first 3 weeks (or 120 hours) of the duration of your voluntary position. You can also record your volunteering hours through the Employability Points Scheme.
Graduate-level work experience counts as tasks and responsibilities that mimic graduate level work. This, for example, does not include making tea and photocopying.
If you are able to fully articulate what benefit you will gain from the work-shadowing experience, then your application will be considered.
Clothing/footwear necessary for the working environment in which you are placed, for example shirt/blouse, smart skirt/trousers. No single item must cost more than £75.00.
It means that you have completed the following this academic year:
- attended an Empower appointment with Hannah or Melissa
- AND attended at least one Careers & Employability Service Workshop.