I wanted to share something that could genuinely open doors for those involved in community work, local organisations, or anyone working to support sustainable development across Wales. The Cymru Wledig LPIP Rural Wales is offering four paid placement opportunities with leading universities — based in Aberystwyth University, Bangor University, and Cardiff University.
These placements give you the chance to:
• Work on a real research or analysis project linked to your own professional or community work
• Develop new skills and confidence within a university setting
• Help shape thinking around key issues affecting Rural Wales
• Bring valuable insights back to your organisation or community Flexible options available
• Full-time (3 months) or part-time (6 months)
• Starting from June and running through to November Paid at research assistant level (approx. £32k pro rata) Who is this for? This isn’t just for academics — far from it.
It’s open to
• People working in public services, third sector, business or community roles
• Volunteers making a difference locally
• Self-employed individuals supporting communities and importantly, there’s a real emphasis on inclusion, with encouragement and support for those who may not traditionally see themselves in research or policy roles.
What could you work on?
Projects can be shaped around what matters to you and your community, including themes like:
• Building a stronger, more regenerative local economy
• Supporting community wellbeing and cohesion
• Exploring what works in tackling local challenges
• Contributing to Net Zero and sustainability goals.
This is about turning real-life experience into meaningful insight that can help shape future policy and practice.
Why I’m sharing this? We’ve got so many people across our communities doing incredible work — often quietly, often without recognition.
Opportunities like this give you the chance to: Take that experience further Have your voice heard at a wider level Bring real value back into your community If this sounds like something that could suit you — or someone you know — it’s well worth a look.
https://www.lpip.cymru/placement-fellow-opportunities.../And as always, if you’re unsure or want a bit of guidance, feel free to reach out Let’s keep supporting each other, sharing opportunities, and building stronger communities together.
Stay connected — all my links, updates, and projects are here:https://www.michaelthomas.wales/
