At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily activities and assist with personal care in a varied role.
- Company: Join Ruth, an innovative employer in Cambridge, dedicated to empowering young talent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working patterns, food and accommodation provided, plus 14 days off each month!
- Other info: Residential work pattern allows for travel and personal projects during time off.
- Why this job: Gain unique skills, confidence, and experience that will boost your future career prospects.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just be friendly, organised, and eager to learn.
Graduate / Gap Year – Practical Assistant / Personal Aide Job Types: Fixed-Term Contract; Graduate; Internship Contract Length: 4 – 12 months Pay: £25,000 – £34,000 per year On clicking apply, you will be redirected to my recruitment website where you can find out more information and submit your application. This is a fantastic opportunity for: A new graduate seeking time to plan your next career steps Someone here in the UK on a working holiday visa A student taking a gap year before or after university About You You are bright, talented and capable and you could become one of the people who make up a team of PAs who makes my busy life practical. You don't necessarily need to have any specific previous experience. You enjoy being active, outgoing and friendly, and helpful. You are organised, practical and self-motivated, with observation skills and the ability to think ahead. Your friends can always rely on you. You may not yet have as much confidence as you feel you need, but you are thoughtful and good with people, and you ask questions and enjoy learning. You are looking for the opportunity that will make you competitive in your future career. Right now, you need to earn money but at the same time you want to take a positive next step. You might also want time for travel, volunteering, or a personal project. Why This Job Is For You This role will give you a unique opportunity to gain skills that don’t come from a classroom. In this job, you get at least 14 days off per month (yes, you read that right – per month!) and you can be based or living anywhere within a few hours travel of Cambridge because you will only travel to work once every two weeks, staying for several days at a time before going home again. You need to be able to commit for at least four months, and the longest anyone stays is one year. NOTE: This role has an unusual flexible and residential work pattern, and due to its nature, there are eligibility criteria which are Genuine Occupational Requirements under the Equality Act 2010. Please read the further information on my recruitment website to ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying. You can only apply directly from the website. About Me I am an Independent Employer in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. I am supportive, innovative and bold. My goal is to develop the careers of certain young people who each spend up to one year supporting me. While I lead a full and happy personal and professional life without letting my physical disability stand in the way, you gain skills, knowledge and confidence that will set you up for a brilliant onward career, in whatever you want it to be! The work environment includes: Food and accommodation provided while on duty Loads of time off (two weeks per month!) Growth and career development opportunities A stepping stone to many different careers Positive about Youth Employment I am an educated professional in my forties. I am a Civil and Commercial Mediator, resolving people's disputes before they get to court, and I also runs a small engineering social enterprise which provides technology for disabled people. I have a sense of humour and a can-do approach, which is necessary for me to achieve as much as I do. I live with my husband and our energetic dog, and when we are not working, we lead a busy, happy and active home life too. I do everything that anyone else in my position does, but the difference is that I live my life with a physical disability that means I am extremely weak. I use a powerchair and I need to have someone alongside me (you!) at all times to help me with the simple things that my condition prevents me from doing for myself. Basically, this job is to lend me your arms and legs and use your brain to make it all look easy! It's a role which is very varied, and you can make as much of it as you wish. There are personal care and support for my health and fitness, it involves helping me as I do my job, there's cooking and stuff in my home, and I will rely upon you to organise things, so it is physically and practically possible to do everything I want. The residential working pattern of this job means that you live-in day and night for up to five nights at a time, and then you have twice as much time away from work. You can be paid a regular salary for committing to this, or you can work on a zero-hours basis and choose when you work. During each shift you stay with me in my home, or accompany me wherever I go, to be available as and when I need help. Currently recruiting for graduates to start in Spring / Summer 2027. Application deadline: Friday, 30th October 2026
Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton employer: Ruth Meredith Assistants
As an Independent Employer in Cambridge, Ruth offers a unique and supportive work environment that prioritises personal growth and career development for young individuals. With generous time off, inclusive accommodation, and the opportunity to gain practical skills while making a meaningful impact, this role is perfect for those looking to enhance their future career prospects while enjoying a flexible lifestyle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton
✨Tip Number 1
Show your personality! In this role, being outgoing and friendly is key. When you get the chance to speak with Ruth or during any interviews, let your genuine enthusiasm shine through.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your organisational skills. Think of examples from your life where you've had to plan or manage tasks effectively. This will show that you're self-motivated and capable of thinking ahead.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your adaptability. Since the job involves a unique working pattern, share experiences where you've successfully adjusted to new situations or environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your eagerness to learn. Ruth values individuals who are thoughtful and enjoy learning, so be ready to talk about what skills you hope to gain from this experience and how it fits into your future career plans.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate / Gap Year - Practical Assistant / Personal Aide in Milton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Practical Assistant/Personal Aide position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Craft a Personal Statement:Write a personal statement that reflects your personality and enthusiasm for the role. Mention your ability to be organised, practical, and self-motivated, as well as your eagerness to learn and support someone in their daily life.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasise transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Use examples from your studies, volunteering, or other experiences to demonstrate these skills.
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to apply directly through the recruitment website as specified. Double-check that you have included all required documents and that your application is complete before submitting it.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ruth Meredith Assistants
✨Show Your Personality
This role is all about being outgoing and friendly, so let your personality shine during the interview. Share anecdotes that highlight your ability to connect with people and demonstrate your helpful nature.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Since the job requires a lot of practical support and organisation, be prepared to discuss how you manage tasks and stay organised. You could mention any relevant experiences from your studies or personal life that showcase your ability to think ahead and plan effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Ruth values curiosity and a willingness to learn. Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the working environment. This shows that you're genuinely interested and eager to understand how you can contribute.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
The unique working pattern of this role means adaptability is key. Highlight any experiences where you've had to adjust to new situations or take on varied responsibilities, as this will demonstrate your readiness for the dynamic nature of the job.
