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- New free parking spaces | Half-term fun | Job fair this week | Earn £180 for research
New free parking spaces | Half-term fun | Job fair this week | Earn £180 for research
Ada Powers
May 16, 2025
In partnership with
Good evening, Basildon
Hope you enjoyed the sunshine (most of) this week!
Before we get into this week’s news/opportunities, enjoy this photo of the latest little ones born at Barleylands.
Weather in Basildon next week
This week’s Met Office weather forecast says expect more sunny weather until Tuesday at least.
What's new?
Free parking, selected areas
Basildon Council has approved free parking at Billericay Lake Meadows and a funded free 4-hour parking at weekends at Wickford High Street car park. More info here.
Local recruitment job fair for roles on childcare and education
If you’re interested in childcare/education, don’t miss the job fair holding next Thursday, May 22, from 12pm to 2pm, in the entrance foyer of the Basildon Centre, St. Martin's Square, Basildon, SS14 1DL.
P.S If you want to learn how to be an online assistant and get paid to do freelancing work, check out this program.
In March, we donated £127.50 to St. Luke’s hospice as a thank you for your subscription (full details here). Please vote for what charity you’d like us to donate to in May. Here’s the official thank you to you from the hospice:
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Please vote for your preferred charity to donate to in May
What charity should we donate to in May? |
More 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 Store Manager (Farmfoods, SS13)
If you’re an experienced team leader or supervisor in retail, hospitality or another customer focussed industry looking to progress further into a management role, this is for you.
45 hours/week
Start date: 10th June 2025
Duration: 1 year 7 months
💷£29,897 for the first year (increases to £32, 332 after 6 months)
Training you’ll get: Retail manager Level 4
Dental Nurse Apprentice (Smile Dental, SS14)
Opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to start a promising career as a dental nurse. The role will involve providing chairside support to dental professionals and providing a high level of oral health care to patients.
30 hours/week
Start date: Monday, 9th June
Duration: 1 year 7 months
💷£13,650
Training you’ll get: Dental nurse (level 3)
Learn AI in 5 minutes a day
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Sign up for The Rundown AI newsletter
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You learn how to become 2x more productive by leveraging AI
Food production assistant (James Buckland Ltd, SS14)
Busy food wholesalers needs an apprentice to prepare an array of sandwich fillings everyday for customers orders. Courses will also be provided for the candidate to progress.
6am to 2pm
Start date: Monday, 2nd June
Duration: 1 year
💷£15,704
Training you’ll get: Food and drink process operator (Level 2)
Junior Estate Agent Apprentice (SS14)
Opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to build a career in the exciting world of residential sales! This customer facing role involves providing essential administrative support to ensure successful property sales while gaining hands on experience in a fast-paced environment.
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 6pm
Start date: Tuesday 27th May
Duration: 1 year 1 month
💷£15,704 for the first year (may increase depending on age)
Training you’ll get: Junior estate agent (level 2)
Apprentice Surplus Broker (Burnt Mills)
Join Green Foot Print Services and learn how to communicate with businesses and broker deals on excess stock. Includes base salary + commission.
Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm (35 hrs/week)
£13,741 for the first year (may increase depending on age) + commission
Start Date: Sunday 1 June 2025
Duration: 1 year 1 month
Training: Customer Service Practitioner (Level 2)
DevOps Apprentice (Xpand Logistics, Festival Leisure)
Get hands-on with digital systems and cloud computing as part of a growing logistics company. Support internal and external users of digital platforms.
37.5 hrs/week (shifts TBC)
£17,000 – £19,000 per annum
Start Date: Monday 2 June 2025
Duration: 1 year 7 months
Training: DevOps Engineer (Level 4)
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: 2 June 2025
Level 3 Heavy Vehicle Apprenticeship
3 years Apply: View Details
Apprentice Butcher – Billericay (Gibson Meats)
Roll up your sleeves and learn the art of butchery—from preparing cuts to making sausages. A proper hands-on role.
£15,704/year to start | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | 40 hrs/week
Level 2 Butcher Apprenticeship
Start: 15 May 2025
Duration: 1 yr 6 months Apply: View Details
Local-ish Jobs
Refuse Loaders – Training Provided
Location: Canvey Island
Pay: £12.50/hour
Hours: Monday–Friday, 6am starts
Apply here: Apply via CV-Library
Customer Assistants – Lidl Canvey
Location: Progress Rd, Rayleigh Rd, Southend-on-Sea, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 5PR
Pay: £12.75 – £13.65/hour + 10% in-store discount
Hours: To be discussed
Apply here: Apply on Lidl Careers
Mobile Cleaner (Part-Time)
Location: Various – Must have own transport
Pay: £1,000/month for 20 hours/week + travel expenses
Requirements:
Experience in domestic cleaning
Must be a driver with own transport
Apply by sending CV or brief description to: [email protected]
Apprenticeship Trainee Surveyor / Office Administrator
Location: Horndon-on-the-Hill
Type: Full-time, Apprenticeship
Requirements:
BTEC in Construction
Must be able to drive
Apply by calling: 01268 822 888
Transport Manager
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Hours: Nightshifts
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000
Apply via email: [email protected]
Transport Admin / Driver Support
Location: Brentwood, Essex
Shifts: 4 on, 4 off, night shifts
Salary: £35,000
Apply via email: [email protected]
Department Supervisor – Halfords
Location: Basildon, Heron Retail Park
Pay: £13.01/hour
Hours: 30 hours/week
Apply here: Halfords Careers
Drivers (Basildon)
Location: Basildon
Hours: 6:00am – 2:00pm
Pay: £12.71/hour
Requirements:
Full UK driving licence
Physically fit (heavy lifting involved)
Duties:Driving, loading/unloading, delivery paperwork, manual handling
Apply by calling: 01268 567000 or WhatsApp 07917 890067
Window Fabricators – Immediate Start
Location: Canvey Island
Pay:
Basic: £12.21/hour
Overtime: £16.23/£18.31
Type: Temp to Perm
Apply by calling: 01268 937399 or text WINDOW to 07853 177 904
HGV Class 2 Drivers – Night Work
Location: Dagenham
Pay: £18.50/hour, time + half after 42.5 hours
Requirements:
Minimum 1 year HGV2 experience
Immediate assessments available
Apply by texting: HGV2 to 07983 884931
Van Delivery Drivers
Location: Basildon, Thurrock, Grays
Pay: £12.50/hour (PAYE)
Shifts: Flexible start times between 6–10am
Requirements:
Age 25+ (insurance)
1+ year professional van driving experience
UK licence, max 6 points
Apply by texting: VAN to 07866 944 899 or email CV to [email protected]
Cleaners (Basildon) Immediate Start
Contact: 07595 607 703
Let him know here if you’re interested.
Half-term activities
You have my permission to share.
If you’re looking to get your kids into coding, check out BrightChamp’s remote coding training course.
FREE Essex ActivAte Half Term Clubs – Vange, Basildon
Location: Vange, Basildon
Dates: May Half Term
Ages: School-aged children
Cost: Free
Lunch: Yes – Food education included
Activities: Sports, games, movement, arts and crafts, food education, friendship-building
Booking: No voucher needed – Visit Activity Finder, enter your location, and contact the club directly
Contact: [email protected]
MiniChefs May Workshops
Location: Various – check booking site
Dates: Multiple options in May
Ages: Not specified – suitable for younger children
Cost: £50
Lunch: Not specified
Activities: Hands-on cooking experiences
Booking: Book online
Note: Spaces are going quickly!
Essex Elite Football Camp – Rayleigh
Location: Sweyne Park High School (Sports Hall), Sir Walter Raleigh Drive, Rayleigh SS6 9BZ
Dates: Thursday 29th & Friday 30th May
Ages: 4–10
Cost: £26 for one day | £47 for both days | £4/day for early drop-off (optional)
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm (Early drop-off from 8:30am)
Lunch: Not included – bring a nut-free packed lunch
Activities: Football games, tournaments, medals, trophies
Booking: Click here to book
Contact: [email protected] | 07443 229 040
Billericay Town FC Football Camp
Location: Billericay Town FC, Brand New Facility
Dates: May Half Term
Ages: 4–14 (mixed abilities, boys & girls)
Time: 9:30am – 3:00pm (prize giving on last day)
Cost: Not specified – check booking link
Lunch: Bring a packed lunch
Activities: Football skills, team-building, wellbeing workshops, access to first-team players and stadium
Booking: Register here
Art-K May Half-Term Art Workshops – Romford
Location: 175 Rise Park Parade, Eastern Avenue East, Romford RM1 4NT
Dates: 26th – 30th May
Ages: 6–16
Cost: Varies (half-day or full-day options)
Lunch: Included in full-day sessions
Activities: Clay, acrylics, mixed media, sculpture, painting – take home finished artwork
Booking: Book here
Childcare Vouchers: Accepted
Inflatable Fun – Wat Tyler Country Park
Location: Wat Tyler Country Park
Dates: Wednesday 29 May & Friday 31 May
Time Slots: 10:00–11:30 | 12:00–1:30 | 2:00–3:30
Cost: Not listed
Lunch: Not included
Activities: Inflatable fun, outdoor exploration
More Info: Visit site
Football Camp – Langdon Hills
Location: Langdon Hills Recreation Ground
Dates: May Half Term (excluding 30th/31st May)
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Ages: Not specified
Cost: Not specified – discounts available
Lunch: Bring packed lunch (lunch break included)
Booking/Info:
Text: 07397 965201
Email: [email protected]
Princess Emporium Workshop – Leigh Community Centre
Location: Leigh Community Centre
Date: One-day workshop during May Half Term
Time: 2:00 – 4:00pm
Cost: Not specified
Lunch: Break included, but lunch not specified
Activities: Games, dance routine, Ariel visit (songs, glitter tattoos, photos)
Booking: Text 07894 941523 to reserve
Moo Music – Laindon Community Centre
Location: Laindon Community Centre
Dates: 4-week block from 1st May
Ages: Newborn to preschool
Cost: £15 for 3 weeks (first class free)
Lunch: Not applicable
Activities: Music, movement and sensory play
Booking: Book here
Incentive: Prize draw entry for feedback
ASDA Café Kids Meal Deal – Eastgate Basildon & other Essex locations
Location: ASDA Cafés across Essex (e.g., Eastgate Centre, Basildon)
Dates: Ongoing until end of May 2025
Cost: 60p per meal (previously £1)
Includes: Hot meal, fruit, and drink (cold lunchbox option available)
Baby Food: Free pouch with any purchase
Conditions: No minimum spend required
Camp Epic - Langdon Hills, £25/day, Lunch included
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
Weekly youth groups for Yr 5+
Xplore, Youth Group at Manor Mission Church. Thursdays 8 - 9pm
Indoor Cricket for Age 8 - 16
Indoor cricket activities and games (Ages 8 - 16). Fridays, 5 - 6pm. (Starting January 24th 2025). JAMES HORNSBY SCHOOL SPORTS HALL LEINSTER ROAD, SS15 5NX.
Other events
Backside to Trackside - Sporting Village
If you've been thinking about lacing up your trainers to start your physical activity journey, Backside to Trackside is the perfect way to start. Please note that spaces must be booked directly with Backside to Trackside using the link below. Book here.
Community Garden Morning, Beechwood community garden
Date & Time: Thursday, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Beechwood Community Garden (SS14 3TR)
Emma and Frazer will be mowing, planting a beautiful sunflower wall, and filling up the raised beds. It's a perfect opportunity to get involved, meet new people, and enjoy the outdoors.
Yoga for Mental Health (Free)
Every Friday, 11:15am (you’ve probably missed it today but you can book for next Friday)
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.
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
Private counselling service with Basildon Mind. Call 01268 284130 to make an appointment.
Earn with Research
Volunteer work: Research Opinions are looking for people to talk about their job role or volunteering work in an online interview.
27th, 28th, 29th May
1 hour interview via Zoom
£50 for your time
Sign up here: https://www.researchopinions.co.uk/projects/employment
Business financial decision makers needed to take part in an online interview and complete a short pre-task, discussing the financial needs of their business.
9th - 27th June
1 hour online interview
£180 for your time
Win a £100 Five Guys Gift Card
Sign up to our newsletter and you’ll be entered into a draw to win a £100 voucher to spend at Five Guys, Festival Leisure Park! Enter by: Saturday 31st May
Winner announced Monday 2nd June. To enter, sign up here
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering for local charities is a great way to make new friends and get a ‘feel’ of the community whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life. Here are available opportunities coming up.
Essex Police needs special constables
Essex Police is looking for volunteer police officers to help reassure and keep residents safe. Find out more and Sign up here: Special Constable for Essex Police - BBW Volunteer Network
Till next time, Basildon 💕
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