Secure valuable, paid work.


Start building your career with SouthWRK

Whether you’re looking for work, preparing for interviews, or polishing your job applications, SouthWRK is here to help.

Join us to unlock personalised careers support and digital resources to help guide your career, right here in Southwark.

We’re committed to helping you show your full potential.

  • Aged 18-24
  • Underrepresented background
  • Undergraduate student or recent graduate
  • Home (not term time) address in Southwark
Apply now

CV and application reviews

Need an extra pair of eyes? Our experts will meticulously review your CV and job applications, providing constructive feedback to help present your skills and experiences in the best light. We’re not just building your CV, we’re building your confidence too.

Personalised career coaching

No two journeys are the same. With one-on-one support from our experts, we’ll map out your path to success. Your career coach will help with employability and provide unwavering support as you navigate the highs and lows of job hunting.

Expert resources

Insider tips in a few clicks. Get access to our digital platform and a wealth of online resources written by employability experts. Armed with our insider tips and professional knowledge, you’ll start your career and hit the ground running.

Valuable paid work 

Still looking for the right job? We’ll help you source your own internships or offer you paid work with one of our employers. With at least 6 weeks of paid work, you’ll get financial stability and real-world experience as you embark on your new career.

The best part? It’s free to sign up.

We’ve partnered up with social enterprise Gradcore to provide free, personalised support. If you’re an eligible Southwark student or graduate, we can help you improve your employability and secure a valuable paid opportunity at a top employer. You will also have access to:

  • Career coaching
  • Mock interviews
  • Platform with variety of helpful resources 

The aim of this programme is to help you explore your career options, develop key skills to, widen your professional network, and most importantly – secure an internship/placement.

Apply now

FAQs

Who is eligible to take part in SouthWRK?

We welcome applications from students/graduates who meet all the following criteria:

  • Have a Southwark home address (family home, not term-time accommodation)
    • Qualifying areas within Southwark are; Borough, Bermondsey, Rotherhithe, Walworth, Peckham, Camberwell, Peckham Rye and Nunhead, and Dulwich.
  • Have attended UK state schools only
  • Are aged between 18-24
  • Are currently an undergraduate in full-time study at a UK university (or you graduated no more than 12 months ago)

You should also meet at least one of the following:

  • Neither parent went to university
  • You were eligible for free school meals at any point
  • You’ve been looked after by the local authority
  • You have a disability or special educational needs (SEN)
How do I register for SouthWRK?

Complete the registration survey so we can provide the best support for you. It also gives you access to our dedicated digital hub for the programme.

Your details will be treated in the strictest of confidence and will only be used for the purpose of supporting you. Not quite sure about something? Please email mona.vadher@gradcore.co.uk and we’ll be happy to answer any questions.

What’s the application process?

The SouthWRK application process is as follows:

1. Check eligibility: You can see the full eligibility criteria and application here.

2. A quick chat to get to know you: In order to learn more about your career ambitions, a team member from SouthWRK will contact you for a chat. 

3. Access resources and support: While we match you with an employer, you can start accessing helpful resources on our digital platform, Gradspace, such as career coaching and industry guides.

What support will I receive?

You will receive completely free-of-charge support, including:

  • CV and application reviews
  • Mock interviews and feedback
  • Access to expert online resources and articles
  • 1-2-1, personalised career support
  • Career coaching with experienced recruiters
  • Help with sourcing your own paid internships
  • At least 6 weeks of paid work with a local employer
Who is funding SouthWRK?

SouthWRK is an an extension of Southwark Council and its continued dedication to the local area. It’s entirely funded by the council, making it free to those who will benefit from it most. We’ve also partnered with social enterprise Gradcore to provide free, personalised support. 

SouthWRK supports young learners to secure valuable paid work and connects employers with talent. Not just an internship scheme, the priority is improving the employability and prospects of young people.