- Why work at Oxfam?
- How to apply
- Questions about working at Oxfam
- Career stories
- Oxfam Trainee Scheme
- Current vacancies
The trainee scheme was my big break, an opportunity to use the passion I have to make change happen.”
Foyez Syed, former trainee
Oxfam Trainee Scheme
This paid trainee scheme is designed to find people from a wide range of backgrounds to join our team for an exciting 15-month programme.
Trainees support our work to end poverty and suffering in the UK and around the world.
I love seeing the value that each new trainee brings to our team and Oxfam's work. We recruit trainees from all walks of life, which makes for a diverse and inspiring team.”
Alex Foxbatt, Trainee Scheme Manager
The trainee scheme is fantastic for people like myself who had little experience in campaigning or the development sector in general. During my time on the trainee scheme I worked on huge issues such as climate change and inequality with highly passionate people. One thing I love about working here in Oxfam as a trainee is the opportunity to always learn more with the number of training/events available for staff. I am constantly learning lots of new things and growing, in the career sense and on a more personal level, and it's thanks to the wonderful and inspirational people you meet here.”
Aishah Siddiqa, former trainee
The trainee scheme was my big break, an opportunity to use the passion I have to make change happen. Unpaid work is not possible for me, like so many people. I'm so grateful that this paid trainee scheme exists to help change makers get experience in the charity sector. The people at Oxfam really believe in the trainees and that is shown by the responsibility the trainees are given. This is an opportunity like no other.”
Foyez Syed, former trainee
This is not a graduate scheme, so trainees do not need to have a degree (or other qualifications), nor do they need to have worked for a charity before. Our scheme is unique in what we offer and look for in a trainee, with passion and enthusiasm for fighting against inequality being more important to us than qualifications and work experience.
We have trainee positions in our Engagement, Equalities, Finance and Impact teams. The trainees work on different projects, supporting a range of activities (e.g. research, digital communications, data analysis, financial processing, event planning, public engagement etc). During their time on the scheme, trainees can expect to get a good understanding of how a large aid and development organisation works, and have the opportunity to develop general skills, such as project management, writing, communication and research, as well as learn specifically about what Oxfam works on. In return, trainees are expected to share their ideas, insight and skills with our teams.
Our trainees are paid above the living wage and the recruitment is conducted in a way, we hope, makes the opportunity accessible to all, regardless of their background. We currently take 7 trainees per year (based in Oxford, London, Manchester or Newcastle).
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit?
No, there is absolutely no age restriction and in fact we are looking for people from different backgrounds with different life experiences. Anyone who meets the criteria for the post is welcome to apply.
Is it a problem if English is not my first language?
No, as long as you understand and speak English well. There are a lot of people who work here from all over the world, and we work in lots of different countries, so language isn't a barrier.
Can I apply if I'm not a British citizen?
Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK as, due to UK immigration rules, we are not able to sponsor people for the trainee posts. If you have the right to work in the UK then you may apply. If you are unsure as to whether you have the right to work in the UK, you will need to get in touch with the UK Home Office. There is a self-checker for your right to work in the UK here: https://www.gov.uk/legal-right-work-uk
How do you ensure candidates selected are diverse?
For our trainee recruitments we focus on enthusiasm and passion, rather than qualifications and experience and we try to ensure the application process is as accessible to all as possible.
What types of jobs have trainees gone onto after the trainee scheme?
Unfortunately we cannot guarantee trainees jobs at the end of the scheme, however so far approximately 50% of trainees have gone on to other Oxfam jobs (and four are currently still working for Oxfam). Others have gone on to good jobs at other NGOs or to University to do undergraduate or masters degrees.