Join our team during your university gap year

Former Sir Thomas Rich’s sixth former Abirah chose not to go straight onto university when she finished her science and maths A levels, preferring instead to secure a role in care to help finalise her degree choice.

Looking for a care job with decent pay she applied to National Star and joined the team as a part-time care and support worker. She works as part of the team at our Lake House residence, one of our smaller units for students with learning disabilities and behaviours that can challenge.

‘When I was looking for care jobs I hadn’t given much thought to whether I wanted to work in elderly care or with people with disabilities, but I am so thankful that I took a job at National Star, supporting students with special educational needs,’ said Abirah, who was considering studying nursing or pharmacology at university.

‘I really like my job, the variety of work really keeps me interested in the role. It is extremely rewarding to help teach the students life skills that I have learnt myself,’ said Abirah, who travelled to work on the free staff minibus before she passed her driving test and had access to a car.

‘I have learnt so much during my time at National Star that will be incredibly useful whatever I eventually decide to do in my career. Being patient is key to the job as is keeping a cool head.

‘It’s a responsible role, especially when you go out into the community with a student. I have learnt to always put the needs of a student first, whatever setting you are in. I would recommend other gap year students to join National Star. I’m hoping before I leave I get the chance to shadow a nurse and can maybe work for the charity as a bank member of staff during my university holidays,’ said Abirah.

Know a gap year student who would be a hardworking member of our team like Abirah? Encourage them to look at our latest vacancies and apply today!