Apply to be a part of the Aspiring Leaders Programme
Applications are now open and will close on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Excited to embark on this journey with us? We’re thrilled that you’re considering joining our fully virtual leadership and employability programme, designed for 14 to 18 year old students and supported by the National Lottery. With up to 80 places across two streams, ALP is your chance to learn directly from industry coaches, build the skills that open doors, and find out where your ambitions could take you.
You’ll spend the October half term in live group coaching sessions with your cohort, choosing between the Business Professional stream and the Effective Growth stream. Beyond the programme week, you’ll be matched with a professional mentor for three one-to-one sessions, giving you the space to ask real questions about the career you’re curious about.
Before you dive in, take a moment to read through the programme information. It covers everything you need to know so you’re fully prepared. This is your opportunity to develop your skills and stand out, so make the most of it!
Application question guidance
Use the tips below to help you craft strong, thoughtful answers to each application question.
Tips for answering
- Be specific about the field or type of work that interests you, even if you are not certain yet. "Something in healthcare, probably nursing or paramedic work" tells us more than "a good career".
- Explain what draws you to it. A reason, a moment, or a person who sparked the interest is more useful than a job title on its own.
- Show what you have already found out about the path into it, such as qualifications needed, routes in, or how people typically start.
- It is fine to be undecided. Tell us what you are weighing up and what you would like to find out.
Tips for answering
- Pick one thing and go into depth rather than listing several goals briefly.
- Be honest about the obstacle. It might be a skill you have not developed, a lack of contacts, confidence, or circumstances outside your control.
- Say what you have already tried, even if it did not work. Effort matters more than success here.
- Connect it to the programme specifically. Look at what ALP covers and tell us which parts would help you and why.
Tips for answering
- Small examples work well. Stepping in at home, at a part-time job, in a club, or with a friend all count. It does not need to be a formal leadership role.
- Focus on what you personally did, not what the group achieved.
- Answer all three parts. The difficulty and the reflection are as important as the action itself.
- Being self-critical is a strength here. Telling us what you would change shows you learned something.
Tips for answering
- Name something concrete you bring, such as a skill, an experience, a perspective, or a way of working with others.
- Avoid general claims like "I am a team player". Give a short example that shows it.
- Be specific about what you hope to gain. Which kinds of people or perspectives would stretch your thinking?
- Show you see the cohort as something you contribute to, not only something you benefit from.
Need help with your application?
Applicants can reach out to the Doceo team with any concerns or questions throughout the application period. Whether you need clarification on a question, technical support, or general application advice, we are here to help.
