£200 Basildon education bursary open | Looking for locals to rehome hens this winter (£2.75/hen) | Latest local jobs and apprenticeships

Happy Sunny Monday, Basildon!

Hope you managed to make the best of your extra hour over the weekend :-)

Before delving into today’s edition, enjoy this beautiful autumn photo of Langdon Nature Discovery Park and you can check out their half-term activities (along with others!) here.

P.S: If you have any recommendations for this newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. Every single email is read by a real person :-)

Weather in Basildon next week

According to the Met Office weather forecast, we can be grateful for only 2/7 dull days this week :-)

P.S Did you know you can sail from London Tilbury to several beautiful destinations around the world?

What's new?

Memorial Bench and tree for kids killed in a Pitsea crash earlier this year
Plans are underway for a bench and a tree to be installed in memory of two kids tragically killed earlier this year, to be placed on the field where they once played.

🏊 Basildon sporting village pool changing rooms are temporarily closing
Due to remedial works. Please use the temporary changing rooms opposite the Sports Hall. There’s also a reduced pool timetable in place this week; reopening expected early next week. Access to the teaching pool is unaffected.

Basildon Christmas Gift Drive
Help make Christmas brighter for everyone in our community! Please donate new, unwrapped gifts for children and adults (toys, crafts, outdoor games, gift vouchers, warm accessories, toiletry sets etc) until Friday 5 December. All donations will be wrapped and delivered to local families, schools, and care homes.

📍 Drop-off points:
Gateway 97.8, The Galleries, Eastgate Centre. Mon–Fri: 10am–5pm | Sat: 10am–2pm
The Basildon Centre, St Martin’s Square. Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm

🐔 Hen Rehoming – Fresh Start for Hens
Around 8,000 hens need loving new homes this winter. Next Basildon collection: Saturday 15 November (SS17). Reserve your hens at 👉 freshstartforhens.co.uk for £2.75.

Festival Leisure Nando’s closes for a revamp
Closes today for a makeover and is scheduled to reopen Thurs 28 Nov. Watch this space for updates

Jobs

P.S: If you know someone who’s looking for an apprenticeship or a job, feel free to forward this newsletter to help them in their job search

Training/Apprenticeships

Apprentice Customer Service Advisor (Toomey Motors)

The Renault UK Apprenticeship Programme guarantees a comprehensive development of skills for Apprentices in customer services specifically tailored to the Renault brand.

• 40 hours/week

• £15,704

• Start date: 23rd December2025

• Duration: 1 year

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice Business Administrator(SS15 4BG)

The apprentice will be responsible for finance, scheduling, document control , project work, telephone/email communication with clients and the wider team.

• 35 hours/week

• £15,470

• Start date: 1st December2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Chartered Accountant (SS12)

You will be working with other fellow student accountants also studying AAT/ACCA/ICAEW which makes it easy to help each other through the examination process.

• 35 hours/week

• £13,750

• Start date: 1st December2025

• Duration: 3 years

• Training: Accountancy or taxation professional (level 7)

Apply here

Apprentice Paralegal (Basildon)

Duties include, but are not limited to, ordering documents from HMLR, reviewing client AML & ID documents, ordering searches, exchanging and completing letters, Land registry & bankruptcy searches, and stamp duty returns.

• 37 hours/week

• £14,526.20

• Start date: 1st November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 9 months

• Training: Paralegal (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Business Administrator (Wickford)

Kew Law LLP are looking to take on a Business and Administration Apprentice to assist in the day-to-day running of reception and to undertake general administration duties.

• 37.5 hours/week

• £14,722.50

• Start date: 12th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Business administrator (level 3)

Apply here

Apprentice Chef (SS14 3WB)

Toby Carvery, Festival Leisure

• 30 hours/week

• £15,600

• Start date: 14th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Production chef (level 2)

Apply here

Nursery Apprentice (SS13 3EA)

Needed to support with all aspects of caring for children including washing, changing, feeding and assist with meeting the personal and emotional needs of individual children

• 30 hours/week

• From £11,778

• Start date: 10th November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 6 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Early years apprentice (Laindon)

Elm Park Nursery have a great opportunity to train as an Early Years Educator Apprentice and gain your level 3

• 40 hours/week

• £15,704

• Start date: 10 November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 2 months

• Training: Early years educator (level 3)

Apply here

Account Manager Apprentice (Wickford)

Working for the UK’s leading luxury watch magazine you will sell advertising to international luxury brands with the opportunity to earn commission too

• 37.5 hours/week

• £13,741

• Start date: 3rd November 2025

• Duration: 1 year 3 months

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Apprentice surplus broker (SS13 1EG)

Communicating with businesses and negotiating purchases and sales of excess stock.

• 35 hours (9am - 5pm)

• £13,741

• Start date: 16th Oct 2025

• Duration: 1 year 1 month

• Training: Customer service practitioner (level 2)

Apply here

Heavy Vehicle Maintenance Apprentice – Basildon
Work alongside experienced pros to keep heavy vehicles running safely and smoothly. Hands-on, early start, and a chance to learn it all.

• £18,000/year | Mon–Fri 7am–4pm

• Start: 3rd November 2025

• Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship

• 3 years

• Apply: View Details

More Local-ish Jobs

Construction Operative – Wickford/Ilford
Hardworking Construction Operative required to join a landscaping team. Report to Wickford each morning, then travel to Ilford. Monday–Friday, 7:00–16:30. £13.69/hour + overtime. Must have valid CSCS card; driving licence preferred. Email [email protected] or call 01277 637065.

Trade Counter Administrator – Basildon
£28,400 per annum + bonus, Mon–Fri 7:00–16:00. Mix of admin and customer service duties including sales, order processing, and cash handling. Trade counter or builders’ merchant experience ideal. Contact Claire Murrell: 01268 971950 | 07930 381354 | [email protected].

Curriculum Leader of Science – Southend City College
Seeking a strong role model to lead science teaching and manage student progress. More details and application link available at: South Essex College Job Listing.

Trainee Steelfixers – Basildon
Graysteel Reinforcements Ltd is looking for steelfixing trainees. On-the-job training provided, with NVQ support. Monday–Friday (and optional Saturdays), 6–7am start, finish at 4pm. £75/day to start, reviewed after one month. Must be 17+, hold a CSCS card, and be physically fit. Email [email protected].

Junior Administrator / School Leaver – Grays
Freight forwarding company seeks a junior admin assistant. Training provided, up to £23,000. Ideal for school leavers. Email [email protected] for details.

Class 2 HGV Driver – Basildon
Full-time day work Monday–Friday covering the South East. ADR training provided if needed. Excellent pay for the right applicant. Call Stef on 07977 073041.

Roofer / Roofing Labourer
Full-time position available. Must be reliable, eager to learn, and able to drive. CSCS card required (or complete online before start). Call or text 07534 833146.

Multi-Skilled Tradesman – Essex
Powerpros Group Ltd is hiring an experienced tradesperson for social housing work. Must have skills in carpentry, maintenance, and general building. Full UK licence and own tools required. Company van, fuel allowance, and progression offered. Contact Harry: [email protected] | 01277 572509.

Care Professionals – Beaumont Home Care
Seeking kind, reliable carers for morning and lunchtime visits (7am–2pm, Mon–Fri, alternate weekends). Must drive. Full-time and part-time roles available. Email [email protected].

Football Coaches – Havering, Basildon & Brentwood
Football Fun Factory is hiring Lead and Assistant Coaches due to growing demand. Must be passionate, enthusiastic, and great with children. Email [email protected].

Tutors – Across Essex
Hiring tutors to support primary, secondary, and SEN students (ages 7–16). 2–6 hours per day, Mon–Fri, term time only. Full training and pre-planned lessons provided. Must have experience teaching or mentoring. Email CV to [email protected].

KS2 Teacher (11+ Club, Rayleigh)
Teaching Buzz Tutoring is hiring a KS2 teacher to run their 11+ Club for Year 4 pupils on Saturday afternoons until August 2026. The role involves small groups (4–6 children) focusing on Maths, Reading Comprehension, and Writing. Great hourly rate, lovely classroom, WiFi, resources, and 11+ training provided. Must have QTS, KS2 experience, and a current DBS.

Email: [email protected]

Learning Support Assistant (Basildon)
Lift Pioneer School seeks a Learning Support Assistant to join their team supporting children aged 3–19 with severe and complex learning difficulties. Salary £15,207–£15,939, 26.5 hours per week, term time only. SEN experience helpful but not essential.

Contact Cathy Duff on 01268 243300. Apply by 2 November 2025.

Preschool Manager (Job Share, Billericay)
A family-run preschool seeks a creative, enthusiastic Preschool Manager for a job share (Mon & Fri, 7:30am–6:00pm, term-time). Level 3+ in Early Years, leadership experience, and passion for childcare essential.

Email [email protected].

Part-Time IT Specialist (Basildon)
Impact Academies seeks a part-time IT Specialist to teach coding and digital skills to children. Must know Scratch, Blender, Unity, Minecraft, and Roblox. Ideal for graduates or students.

Email CV and short motivation to [email protected].

Warehouse, Delivery & Service Operative (Basildon)
Full-time Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30. Supporting warehouse operations, deliveries, and servicing vending machines. Pay £12.71 rising to £13 after probation. Must be over 25 with a clean licence.

Email [email protected].

Warehouse Staff (Purfleet)
Roles available for picking, packing, returns, and relabelling. Monday–Friday, 8:00–16:00, £12.21/hour. Safety shoes and hi-vis required.

Text “Purfleet” to 07967104188.

Order Packer (Wickford)
£12.21/hour, Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00. Experience in packing and fast-paced warehouse environments preferred.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Inspector/Packer (Rawreth Industrial Estate)
£12.21/hour, Mon–Fri 8:00–16:00. Inspecting and packing finished products. Some lifting involved.

Apply by calling 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Drivers Mates (Basildon)
£12.21/hour, Monday–Friday, 12pm–8pm. Assist with deliveries, loading, unloading, and customer service.

Apply via 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

3.5T Van Drivers (Basildon)
Monday–Friday, choose 6am–2pm or 12–8pm. £12.21/hour, temp-to-perm. Must have valid UK licence.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Van Drivers (Basildon)
£30,000/year, Mon–Fri 12:30–9:30pm. Delivering furniture with a driver’s mate. Must be 21+, clean UK licence.

Call 01626 798010.

Premier Recruit – Multiple Logistics Roles (Tilbury, West Thurrock, Stanford-le-Hope)
Hiring for Warehouse Operatives, Forklift Drivers, Supervisors, and Van Drivers. Pay £13–£14.50/hour, Mon–Fri.

Text your name and role to 07719 032601 to apply.

Festive Warehouse & Logistics Roles (Basildon area)
Hiring warehouse operatives, pickers, packers, drivers, and recycling operatives for Christmas season. £12.21+/hour, flexible shifts.

Call 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067.

Sandwich Van Sales Assistant (South Woodham Ferrers)
The Bread Boxx seeks a friendly, confident driver for a full-time food truck role. Mon–Fri, 6:45–16:00, £26,000 + bonuses, no weekends. Must be 30+ and hold a full UK licence.

Email [email protected].

Van Driver (Canvey Island)
Ongoing role for a manufacturing company. Must be over 25 with a clean licence. Early starts.

Call or text “Drive” to 07377792109.

Bar Staff (Basildon)
Experienced weekend bar staff needed at The Jolly Friar. Email [email protected].

Kitchen Staff (Basildon Town Centre)
Part-time roles at OMG Desserts, Tues/Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, 6–10pm. Must be 18+ and experienced in cafés. Email [email protected].

IFA Administrator (Hybrid)
£30,000 + benefits. 12+ months experience supporting an Independent Financial Adviser required.

Email [email protected].

Trainee Engineer (Basildon)
No experience needed. Learn installation and repair of catering equipment. Full training, PPE provided. Mon–Fri with occasional weekends.

Email CV to [email protected].

Care Assistants (Across Essex)
Hales Group seeks Care Assistants for Basildon, Brentwood, Castle Point, Canvey Island, Hockley, Hawkwell, Canewdon, and Rochford. Competitive pay, guaranteed hours, must drive.

Contact James on 07436 222187 or email [email protected].

Warehouse Operatives – Basildon
£12.21ph | Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 | Interviews next Tuesday
No safety shoes required. CV needed.
📩 Email CV: [email protected] or text “BAS” to 07967 104188

Warehouse, Delivery & Service Operative – Essex
£12.71ph rising to £13.00ph after 3 months | Mon–Fri, 08:30–16:30
Support warehouse ops, deliveries & vending machine servicing. Must hold clean licence & be 25+.
📩 Send CV to [email protected]

Cleaner – Basildon
£12ph | Mon–Fri, 07:30–09:30 | Part-time
Morning cleaning shift at a shop/warehouse with Canvey Cleaners Ltd.
📞 Call 01268 422158 or 📩 email [email protected]

Money Saving Expert is still hiring for multiple roles (Hybrid)

Business Opportunities

Become a Market Trader in Wickford
Thinking of starting a small business?
Contact Love Markets on 📞 07790 134606 – fantastic local opportunities available!

Launch-It Creative Tech Accelerator – Year 3
Got a big idea? Turn it into a business with expert support, mentoring & funding opportunities.
💡 Since launch: 8 jobs created, £350k+ funding raised, thriving Basildon innovation hub.
🕘 Apply by Sun 9 Nov | First session Thurs 20 Nov
👉 Find out more & apply: launch-it.tech

Where to find new friends (Young people)

FREE Kids Chess Trial Classes at George Hurd Centre 🎉
Join free trial sessions every Wednesday at 4:30pm at The George Hurd Activity Centre, Audley Way, Basildon, SS14 2FL.

FREE Fun & Teatime at Briscoe every Wednesday, 4:30 to 5:30pm
✔️ Football, board games, crafts & more
✔️ Warm snack included
✔️ Fun for the whole family – parents welcome too!
📍 Briscoe primary school, Felmores End, Basildon SS13 1PN | 📞 Kelly: 07701 365822

Sports & Activities at James Hornsby
Every Thursday, 5–7pm for ages 12–24. Try football, basketball, archery, cricket, dance & fitness with snacks and a friendly vibe. Contact Jay: 07794 329833.

Messy Madness at Monkey Madness
Let your little one explore messy play & crafts without the clean-up! £7 per session (includes soft play) or £40 for term. Call 01268 288 211 to book.

Leapsprogs for Toddlers
Fun sessions for ages 18 months–5 years every Thursday, 10:30–11:30am at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX.

Forest School Fun in Basildon
FREE drop-in nature sessions for ages 0–11 at Beechwood Community Garden, Brontë Drive. Every 3rd Thursday of the month..den building, crafts & outdoor fun! Apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=ragoxdffo0qfrOJBRwzPn0x0MmtcRCJFqB2L9fZjQDJUQU5LSTY0VzM0QzQzSzBFRTJVMVZRTFNLSC4u&origin=QRCode

Friday Games, sports, music for 12 - 15 yo’s at Sporting Village
Aged 12–15 and stuck for something to do after school? Head to the Youth Club at Basildon Sporting Village for games, sports, music, and good vibes… all for just £2.50 a session!
🕓 Every Friday | 3:45 PM – 6:00 PM
⚽ Football, fitness, chill zones & more
💬 Meet new mates, stay active, have fun
🔗 Find out more

Free Yoga for children

Thursdays (free), Northlands Park Family Centre, Basildon. Ages 4 - 4:45pm 6-12 year olds. Reserve a place here https://www.yoga4all.co

Multisports + food for teens

King Edward Teenage Teatime Community Hub. Every Friday 5 - 7pm. Multisports, Dance, Football, Karaoke, Crafts. Snacks and refreshments provided. Free. Every Friday at King Edward Community Centre, Laindon. SS15 6GY. Contact 07701365822 or [email protected] for more info

Support for young people

Expresso Yourself Drop-In – Every Friday
For ages 11–17 needing a safe space to talk, chill & get support. Friendly Youth Workers + NHS Mental Health Practitioners.
📍 Southernhay Youth Centre, SS14 1FN | 🕒 3–4:45pm (term time)
No booking – just turn up!
📞 Ashley Gillam: 07824 867553 | ✉️ [email protected]

BoxSmart Youth Programme
Ages 11–17 | 12 weeks of boxing, martial arts & life skills.
📍 5-Elements Academy, Basildon | 🕒 Thursdays, 4–5:30pm
Includes training, teamwork & support with real-life challenges.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 07713 161164

Free Skills Bootcamps – ACL Essex
12-week flexible courses for ages 19+ to boost your skills & land a job interview. Perfect for upskilling or a career change!
🔗 Book online

Where to make new friends (adults)

Adults Only Tabletop Games @ Basildon Library
Looking for a fun, relaxed afternoon? Join us for board games, strategy, and good company — no kids, no pressure, just play!

🗓 1st Saturday of every month
🕐 1–4pm
📍 Basildon Library
💸 Free event & free booking

Book your spot:
➡️ November Session
➡️ December Session
➡️ January Session

FREE Fitness Class at Bounce Billericay

Want to kickstart your fitness journey while boosting your mental wellbeing? Come join us for a fun, inclusive PT session — tailored for all abilities!

🗓 Thursdays, 10:30am
📍 HK Dance Studio, Hardings Elm Road, CM11 2UJ

Cuckoo’s Disability Disco

Every Tuesday from 6–8pm at The White Swan, The Broadway, Wickford SS11 7AD.

• £3 entry

• Carers go free

• Wheelchair accessible toilets

A fun, inclusive night for everyone – see you on the dancefloor!

Ladies Netball – Join the Fun!
Looking for a laugh, fitness, and friendly competition? Join our social netball league at St Clere's School, every Wednesday night (7–10pm). All abilities welcome!
👉 Register here: play-netball.co.uk

Family Passel Women’s Wellbeing Group
Every Tuesday till Feb 2026, excl. school holidays)
📍 Swan Mead Community Hall, SS16 4AH | 🕙 10am–12pm
A welcoming space for women to boost mental wellbeing through conversation & physical activity.
📞 0800 020 9819 / 07727 337298 | ✉️ [email protected]

✂️ Men’d Model Making – Every Fri
Join the Happy Hub Basildon at 12pm for friendly, creative fun. Unit 11, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon SS14 1AE

🚴 Group Cycling – Every Wed 12:35pm
Beginner or pro – all welcome! Led by Sarah.
📍 Basildon Sporting Village, Cranes Farm Rd, Basildon SS14 3GR
🔗 Book via the Everyone Active app or via https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/basildon-sporting-village/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMLvBhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB3WDVhVlZzckFVaHVCVGtFAR5gmK2LL7TyBgN0mkV4WJzJLJI4f7wrWbKOcV9cf0mSNBoaiFuctKH9fXDdTg_aem_lU626z6jQts5F_MY8TmSKw

Free Seated Exercise Classes at Fryerns Library

Boost your strength, flexibility and mobility without leaving your chair (yes, really). Perfect for the senior community or anyone wanting a gentler workout with maximum social vibes. Tuesdays, 14:15 – 15:00. Free @ Fryerns Library, Whitmore Way, Basildon SS14 2NN

Book your spot: Essex Libraries Website
📧 [email protected]
Or just pop into the library and sign up in person.

Quiz night every Thursday at Beehive, Southernhay, Basildon.

Gather your quiz team and put your knowledge to the test for a chance to win this fantastic prize. Whether you’re a trivia master or just in it for the laughs, there’s no better reason to join us! Every Thursday at 8 PM

Zumba Love Essex – First Class Free!

This fun, welcoming dance fitness group has raised £35,000+ for local causes and performed everywhere from Basildon’s 70th birthday to surprise flashmobs!

Classes:
• Mon & Thurs – 9:30am, Ballards Walk
• Sat – 10am, Steeple View
• Tues – 7pm, James Hornsby
• Wed – 7pm, Ballards Walk

First class free | Kids go free | Discounts for seniors, carers & more
£4.50 per class (£3.50 with pass) | Seniors: £3.50 (£3 with pass)
More info: Zumba Love Essex on Facebook

Zumba @ The Paddock
📅 Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 7–8 PM | Saturdays: 10–11 AM
📍 Kentview Road & The Paddocks Community Halls
💷 Just £5 per class. Message to book

Knit, Natter & New Friends at Happy Chatters!
Whether you’re a pro with the needles or curious to learn, the Happy Chatters group is the perfect Friday morning meet-up.
📍 The Happy Hub, Eastgate Centre (by Asda)
🕥 Fridays | 10:30–11:30 AM
Bring your yarn and enjoy a good chinwag with lovely people.

Yoga for Mental Health (Free)

• Every Friday, 11:15am

• King Edward Community Center, King Edward road, Laindon. SS15 6GY

• Book via [email protected] or via this link

Free coffee morning

Just drop in. Every Friday 10am - 2pm. Noak Bridge Christian Center, Wash road, SS15 4BE.

Social Community Football Games

Join a group of young men from Basildon for evening football on Mondays at Basildon Sporting Village & Woodlands School. Great way to keep fit and be part of the community.

• Times: Monday 7:30 PM (9-a-side), Wednesday 7 PM (6-a-side)

• Fee: £7 per person per game

• Contact: WhatsApp 07723 615546

Sewing group

Learn to knit, crochet or sew on Thursday mornings (10am - 12noon). Venue: The pavilion, Great Berry. £4 per class. Further information, call Ann 07802161021

Coffee morning

Mondays, 10am - 12pm. Manor Mission Church, Manor Road Laindon Essex SS15 6PA

Make new friends by volunteering

Essex Police is looking for volunteers

Join the Essex Police Recruitment Team to learn about becoming a Special Constable – volunteer police officers with full powers and responsibilities.

Meet the team, ask questions, and find out how you can make a real difference while wearing the same uniform and carrying the same kit as regular officers.

Enquiries: [email protected] 🔗 Book your spot online 

Support for Adults

SEND Parents Drop in Support - 11th Nov, 9th Dec.

9.30 - 11:30am, The Hive, Honeypot lane, SS14 2JZ. This is for you especially if your child/teen is struggling with school, anxiety or more? Email [email protected] to book.

🏃 Active Essex Foundation Training
Free & subsidised workshops in sport, safeguarding, mental health first aid, CBT, bystander intervention & more. Open to professionals & volunteers. Info: activeessexfoundation.org

🤰 Free Antenatal Sessions – Oct/Nov 2025
Friendly workshops led by peer supporters covering wellbeing, birth prep, and baby care.
📍 Basildon: 20 Nov (12–2pm) – Trenham Community Centre, SS13 1HW

Community Wellness Café
Thursdays, 9:30am–2pm at Langdon Hills Methodist Church, SS16 6EX. Enjoy tea, friendship, wellness support & community activities. Contact: [email protected].

Happy Feet Toenail Clinic
Get your toenails trimmed safely at King Edward Community Centre every last Tuesday of the month, 12:30–2:30pm. £12 per session, card payments accepted. No appointment needed…call 01268 294334 if on blood-thinning medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?
Basildon Mind offers a private counselling service with trained professionals. Call 01268 284130 to book an appointment.

That’s it for this week, Basildon!