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Work experience ideas

If you're in Year 10 at school and you're reading this post, then you're probably about to start looking for work experience  ideas.

Doing a work experience placement is a great way to find out whether a certain type of career is for you. It gives you the opportunity to learn new skills , build contacts and experience what it’s like working in a real 9-5 job.

Struggling for ideas? Here are a few ways to get started:

Check out our work experience listings  too. You can also read our Career Zones for more info on the different work sectors out there.

1. Follow your passions

Knowing what you want to do with the rest of your life when you’re 16 is no mean feat and unless you have a particular career in mind, finding good work experience places can be tough.

We all have those friends who know whole-heartedly that they want to be doctors , lawyers and teachers , but what about the rest of us? What about those of us who just don’t know?

Well, as a starting point, we recommend that you follow your passions. What are you interested in? If you’re a music fan, maybe your perfect work experience placement would be in a music shop? If you’re an animal lover , then why not contact your local farm, zoo or stables for opportunities?

'If you’re stuck for work experience ideas, start by focusing on your passions' Tweet this to your followers

Whatever it is that gets you out of bed on Saturday mornings, this could be the very thing that you’d love to do for work experience.

Once you have a general idea of where you’d like to work for your week’s placement, the next step is to go out and find opportunities .

Finding the best work experience places is all about reaching out to employers early.

2. Know where to find out about work experience opportunities

In the first instance, your best resource for finding work experience ideas is online.

Start your search by looking for companies in your local area that do the kind of work that you’d like to try.

A general Google search should give you enough information to get you started.

The next step we’d recommend is speaking with your school careers advisor . Some careers advisors will have a list of contacts that they can give you, or they’ll be able to point you in the direction of the best places to look.

You should also speak to your friends and family. Tell them that you’re looking for work experience in a particular role and ask them if they know anyone who may be able to help.

We’ve all heard the six degrees of separation theory right?

The theory goes, that everyone is only six contacts away from another person, by way of introduction. This means that if you speak to six people about your work experience idea, at least one of them will be able to hook you up with an opportunity.

Before you do start making enquiries though, make sure that you have a really good CV and cover letter ready to send. For more advice about how to apply for work experience, we suggest you read our post How to Find Work Experience .

3. Apply to work experience programmes

If you're struggling to come up with work experience ideas on your own, then you might want to start looking for structured work experience programmes.

A lot of the larger companies in the UK offer structured work experience placements to school students, however, competition can be tough.

Most large companies will ask you to complete an application form rather than just sending your CV, so you need to make sure that you take the time to write a really good job application . Read our list of things to boost your CV .

Most of these placements require you to complete an application form, so make sure you put your best foot forward and double check your application for spelling or grammar issues.

4. Focus on popular industries for work experience

Another way to come up with work experience ideas is to look at some of the most common industries that school students have worked in previously.

Because these industries are popular with school students, companies are used to receiving work experience requests and therefore should have processes in place for arranging placements.

Here are some of the most popular industries:

Professional and financial services

Companies in the professional services industry give advice and support to other businesses, often in the areas of auditing, tax, accounting and management. In layman's terms, this means they help businesses run smoothly and efficiently. Many of these firms are very large and offer work experience opportunities every year.

The "big four" auditors run work experience schemes for school students as well as for university students and graduates. As a school student, you will spend a week in one of their offices, getting a taste of life in the business and making valuable contacts at the same time.

With a little bit of Googling, you may find smaller professional services companies local to you which also offer work experience placements.

Career Zone:   Banking & Finance

Primary and secondary schools often allow students to do work experience placements in their classrooms. Start by contacting some of the schools in your local area by sending them your CV and tailored cover letter. You may even be able to do your placement in your own school, working in classes with younger students. For more information about teaching work experience, check out the Department for Education’s Get Into Teaching website.

Career Zone:   Education & Teaching

Marketing/Public relations

One of the most popular industries for work experience is marketing and public relations (PR). It's a really varied field that involves using creativity to sell products or services. Start by contacting some local marketing and PR companies, then move on to contacting digital agencies or newspapers.

Career Zone: Advertising, Marketing & Public Relations  

Places like television studios, radio stations, production companies and newspapers often take on work experience students. There are many different roles within the media but bear in mind that competition is high. If you live near to a major media outlet, then you could consider making enquiries about placements with them. Alternatively, you should think local and try contacting radio stations and newspapers for opportunities. If you live in London, then you might want to check out the Work for Sky website.

Career Zone:  Publishing and media

How do you fancy being the next Tom Ford or Victoria Beckham? If you’re looking for work experience in fashion, then why not consider looking for opportunities in retail , merchandising, hair and beauty or photography studios? For more fashion work experience opportunities, check out the Fashion Workie website.

Career Zone:   Fashion & Beauty

Art and design

If you’re creative and enjoy working with different artistic mediums, then you could look into doing work experience in an artist’s studio, design agency or art gallery. Art & Design is a wide-ranging field and includes a lot of different job roles that you may not have thought of before. Read our post on arts jobs . 

Career Zone:   Art & Design

The finance sector is huge and there are various different jobs within the industry. Places like banks, building societies and accountancy firms regularly take work experience students. 

Career Zones:   Banking & Finance , Accountancy , Insurance & Pensions

Check out this video for tips on how to find work experience:

For some more work experience ideas and for a first-hand account of the benefits of work experience, check out this useful video by a group of Year 10's from Tiverton High School in Devon:

Work experience ideas for Year 11s

If you're in Year 11, you could think about doing an apprenticeship as a way to gain valuable work experience. Apprenticeships let you study towards a qualification while learning on the job and earning a salary at the same time. They are a good alternative to university . You can do an apprenticeship in everything from digital media and sports to accountancy and beauty . 

If you're planning on going to university, you could consider doing a working gap year placement. Learn more about gap year jobs .

Gaining work experience through an apprenticeship or a gap year placement will help you develop skills that employers love - such as teamwork , communication , commercial awareness and taking initiative .

Hopefully after reading this post, you’ll have an idea of the best places to look for work experience ideas. Our parting advice is to cast your net far and wide, particularly if you’re applying for placements in competitive industries.

Related posts

How to prepare for a work experience placement

What to wear for work experience

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CD store from Flickr , careers event from Flickr , boom mic from Flickr

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140+ Work Experience Ideas (Ideal for Year 10 and Year 12)

In A-Level , Career , GCSE , General by Think Student Editor January 17, 2024 2 Comments

When it comes to applying for jobs and university, you need to find a way to make your application stand out. When you’re fresh out of school or university, this can be difficult as you will often not have much to put onto your university application or CV. Something that can help to make you stand out from the crowd is having experience, particularly in the area that you want to go into. While work experience can be an important part of your application, it can be difficult to know how to get it.

Continue reading to get some ideas on how to get work experience to give your applications a boost. This article will list ideas for particular sectors and give you more of an idea of how you can actually do this work experience yourself.

Table of Contents

General work experience ideas

Getting work experience can incredibly important and useful regardless of what you want to do in the future. Even if you’re not sure what you want to study or don’t have any particular career that you’re interested in, getting work experience is still worth your time.

If this is the case for you, you’ll probably look for more general and less specific work experience that can be applied to many different study or career paths.

1. Volunteer at a charity shop

Volunteering at a charity shop can be one of the best ways to get work experience. It can also be one of the easiest ways.

While other forms of work experience may require you to meet specific requirements in order to be able to do it, getting work experience at a charity shop will not normally need this. Getting work experience in a charity shop can be done either by applying on their website or applying in-store.

For more on this, you can look at this page from the British Heart Foundation and this page by Oxfam.

2. Work at a café or restaurant

Working at a café or restaurant can be a great way to get work experience in hospitality. This type of work experience can be done through voluntary or paid work.

To get paid work experience at a café or restaurant, simply apply on either their website or a job search site, such as Indeed or Reed. If you need the work experience for a specific time slot, such as for your work experience week, it may be best to go to a small restaurant or café and contact them directly to ask if this would be possible. You may also want to try a community café, which may already have voluntary positions.

3. Volunteer at a food bank

The requirements that you need to volunteer at a food bank may differ slightly depending on the organisation that the food bank is a part of. If your local food bank is smaller, you may be able to contact them directly through email or phone and ask about volunteering positions .

However, if part of a large network of food banks, getting this work experience can normally be done by applying on their website. Although for both options you may need parental permission if you’re under 18. To learn more about this, check out this page by The Trussel Trust.

4. Get work experience at a hotel

Getting work experience in a hotel can be great as it gives you a taste of several different job areas, such as hospitality, business and customer service. Some hotel chains will have work experience programmes of their own and to get these you will just need to apply.

For example, the IHG Academy Work Experience allows students to work shadow at IHG hotels for up to 2 weeks. To learn more about this programme, check out this page on the IHG website. The Grand Brighton hotel also has a work experience placement for students in the area, which you can learn more about here on their website.

Other hotels may not advertise work experience. However, it can’t hurt to contact them and ask if you could do work experience with them.

5. Volunteer with a charity

As already mentioned, volunteering at a charity shop is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get work experience. However, there are many other ways to get work experience by getting involved in a charity.

The exact roles included in this will depend on the nature of the charity itself. For Age UK, roles may be related to helping older people at social clubs or day centres run by the charity. To learn more about this, check out the Age UK website .

For other charities, volunteer roles may include gardening, admin work or befriending. To learn more about this and how to get involved, check out this page on the Sue Ryder website.

6. Volunteer at your local library

Work experience at a library can vary based on what your local council’s policies are and what your local library offers. Due to this, how you can get work experience at a library can also.

You can often apply for either a work experience placement or a volunteering position by directly contacting the library . However, you may instead need to apply through your school. For more on this, check out this page by Aberdeen City Council.

Some council’s will require you to be 18 before being able to volunteer with their libraries. If this is the case, you may still be able to get a library work experience placement with the British library.

This can be in-person or virtually and will last 1 or 2 weeks. To learn more about getting this work experience, check out this page by the British Library.

7. Get involved in local events or festivals

Getting involved in local events and festivals can be an excellent way to get work experience and develop your organisation and problem-solving skills. There are so many different, independent events and festivals that take place in the UK and so there’s no set way of getting this work experience.

However, if the event has its own website or social media page, you may be able to use it to contact the organisers and ask if they have volunteering or work experience available for you. It is important to note that some event and festival volunteering opportunities will only be open to people above 18.

To get you started, click here to find a list of festivals and events in the UK on the Visit England website.

Medical and healthcare-related work experience ideas

If you’re planning to go to university and study either a medicine degree or some kind of NHS-funded healthcare degree, then universities will typically want you to have work experience. The work experience that you need will often be in order to show off your personal qualities, such as resilience, motivation and communication, as well as to make sure that you understand what the role you are aiming for involves. For degrees related to these, such as Pharmacy, Pharmacology or Biomedical Sciences, work experience could also still be useful.

Please note that the following work experience ideas are partially based off this page by the NHS.

8. Get work experience at your local hospital

While you won’t be directly involved in treating patients, getting work experience for medicine or a healthcare profession at your local hospital or clinic could be a great way for you to get a better understanding of what’s involved in this profession.

How you get this work experience may depend on where you live and the policies these hospitals have. However, many hospitals already have volunteering positions, which you can often find on their websites in the careers section.

Otherwise, you may want to email them more directly to ask if you would be able to volunteer with them . To find your local hospital, check out this page on the NHS website.

9. Get work experience at your local GP surgery

Once again, how you get work experience with your local GP may depend on where you live and the policies the GP has. GP surgery websites that I’ve come across don’t particularly have a clear section to tell you about volunteering positions available.

However, they will often have a section on their website where you can message them and ask if there are work experience or volunteering positions available. To find your local GP’s website, check out this page by the NHS.

10. Get work experience at a dentist surgery

For a Dentistry degree, work experience is once again vital. Similarly to a GP, there is generally little in the way of volunteering positions or obvious work experience placements.

However, there are often ways, such as through email or through their website, that you can contact the dentist surgery and ask about any work experience or volunteering positions that may be available. To find your local dentist surgery, check out this page by the NHS.

11. Get work experience at a pharmacy company

There are 2 main ways that you can get work experience in pharmacy. This can be either through voluntary work experience or paid work.

If you’re over 16, you may be able to get work experience with a pharmaceutical company on a placement in summer. To learn more about this and find which companies may offer these programmes, check out this guide by ABPI.

You may also be able to work in your local pharmacy as a counter assistant or similar job. To find jobs, such as these, check out this page by Indeed.

12. Get work experience at a mental health clinic or hospital

To do this work experience, you can look on a mental health clinic or hospital’s website to see what voluntary positions they have available . For younger students, this type of work experience may be more difficult to get as for some clinics and hospitals, you will need to be at least 18 to volunteer.

If you’re in Year 10 or Year 12 and need to find a work experience placement for the week, you may still be able to contact them directly, such as through email, and ask if doing the work experience for a limited time is possible. To find your local mental health clinic or hospital, check out this page by the NHS.

Health and social care work experience ideas

Health and social care roles refer to careers where individuals help others who have social, physical or mental needs. Consequently, finding work experience can be difficult, as you may need certain qualifications.

Regardless, there are plenty of opportunities out there which are related to this sector in some way!

13. Volunteer at a residential care home

As care homes are generally private, getting work experience at a care home can vary much more as it will fully depend on the policies of who runs it. You may want to look at a particular care home company’s website to see what positions for work experience or volunteering that they may have available . For example, Care UK offers a work experience placement for school pupils as well as a work placement for school leavers that last between 2 and 4 weeks, which you can learn more about on their website here .

Otherwise, you can look at finding the care home most accessible to you. To do this, look at this page by EAC Housing Care to find a list of care homes in the UK.

There are plenty of care homes around the UK you could volunteer at. You wouldn’t be required to do any caring duties.

Your role would be to just maybe chat to the residents and keep them company, or maybe organise some activities which you could do with them. Just call up a local care home and ask!

14. Volunteer for a charity such as AgeUK

AgeUK specifically supports older people who may feel lonely. By becoming a volunteer, you could work in a charity shop and raise money. Alternatively, you could become a telephone friend and talk to those older individuals who may feel lonely.

You can discover more volunteer opportunities if you check out this article from the AgeUk website.

15. Shadow a professional working for the NHS

There are plenty of different caring roles in the NHS. Therefore, it would be best for you to research the specific role you are interested in.

Then contact as many organisations as you can which offer NHS services . Check out this page from the NHS website to discover how you can actually find shadowing opportunities.

16. Virtual work experience

It may be hard to find opportunities for shadowing professionals in the health and social care sector. Therefore, virtual work experience is a Godsend!

Springpod offers virtual work experience for a range of different health and social care careers, allowing participants to get a well-rounded view! You can check this out if you visit their website here .

17. Volunteer at a special school

There are schools in the UK specifically built for children with physical and mental disabilities. These children need lots of extra support, so if you volunteer at one, you need to be aware of the great responsibility you would be given.

If you are interested in a caring role such as this, it would be best to contact these types of schools local to you.

18. Volunteer in an aid working charity

An example of a charity that offers aid to those in need is the British Red Cross. You could volunteer to help those individuals who are in emergency situations, strengthening your skill set to help vulnerable people.

Helping vulnerable people is the main aim of roles related to health and social care. There are other volunteer roles available which you can even do virtually! To find out more, check out the British Red Cross website here .

19. Become a childminder

If you are thinking about working with children in a career related to health and social care, becoming a babysitter of childminder can provide valuable work experience. This is because it will allow you to gain a real insight into how children behave and develop.

Consider putting up an advert displaying your services in your local corner shop or even on social media if this is done in a safe manner.

20. Shadow a social worker

Social workers are individuals who help to improve their client’s well-being and offer support if they are facing tough challenges. If you know any companies which employ social workers and this job interests you, it may be useful to call them up!

You could then gain a real insight into the career. Check out this article from Social Work News to discover some useful tips on shadowing a social worker.

21. Volunteer as a youth worker

You could volunteer at a youth centre and gain valuable experience working with youths from all kinds of different backgrounds. You could be involved in organising fun activities and helping the youths to increase their confidence!

This experience will not only help you stand out but could also allow you to find important contacts. You can find out more about youth workers if you check out this article from Indeed.

22. Peer mentor

Becoming a peer mentor is a more accessible way of gaining work experience. This is because many schools have a peer mentoring scheme.

If this is the case, maybe ask a teacher if they could introduce peer mentoring, as it will give you valuable experience of working with younger individuals. To discover how to be the best peer mentor possible, check out this article from the Together Platform.

Teaching and working with children or vulnerable people work experience ideas

Two more of the degree areas that will generally need you to have work experience to be able to get onto the degree programme are teaching and social work. While not directly linked, both of these degree programmes are linked with working with children and may also be linked with working with vulnerable people. Due to this, the work experience options that you can get for them largely overlap.

23. Get work experience at a primary school

A great way to get work experience in teaching is to go back to your old primary school to get work experience there. If this is not possible or convenient, then you can always contact other local primary schools to see if you can do work experience with them.

The best way to get this work experience is to directly contact the primary school. As you’ll be working around children, you may need to get a DBS check if you’re over 16.

24. Get work experience at a secondary school

Another way to get work experience is at your local secondary school. This is arguably much easier as you would have gone to the secondary school much more recently and may even still have their contact details.

In fact, if you go to a sixth form that is connected to a secondary school, you may even be able to do this without having to formally contact the school. Otherwise, the best way to get this experience is to directly contact the school that you want to do the work experience at and ask if this would be possible and what requirements you would need to meet .

25. Volunteer at a youth club

How you can get a volunteering position at a youth club will depend on who runs the club and your location. If the club is registered with your local authority, you may be able to apply or register your interest on its website. For example, if you live in London, you can find different positions on the Greater London Authority website, such as this position here .

Otherwise, you may want to contact the youth club organisers directly. You may be able to find this on your local council’s website or where the youth club is advertised, which may be in local newspapers or on social media.

26. Volunteer at a nursery or day care centre

Getting work experience at a nursery or day care centre may be a little more difficult for students as some voluntary positions may require you to be 18 or have certain childcare qualifications. However, some centres do offer work experience and volunteering positions that even younger students are able to do and to find these it is best to look for ones in your local area, check their websites and message them directly.

For example, Pioneer Childcare offers work experience for students even if in school or college. To learn more about this position and how to contact them to apply, check out this page on their website.

27. Volunteer at sports clubs or dance classes

Like many other work experience ideas on this list, how exactly you get this work experience will depend on your region and personal circumstance.

If you live in a region that has a directory of different sports clubs and classes, then you may be able to apply through this or get the contact details for how you’re supposed to apply otherwise. For an example of this, check out this page on the East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust website.

If not the case, you can try to use your personal contacts, such as previous experience at a sports club or dance class or people you know that run one. Alternatively, you could search for clubs and classes in your local area and contact them directly to see if you can volunteer.

Media and publishing work experience ideas

To get into media production courses, students may need to already have some work experience in this field . Despite it being highly technical, there are several ways that you can do this.

Also, getting work experience in other areas in the media industry, such as journalism and publishing, can help to give you a better insight into these careers, even if you don’t need work experience in order to study it.

28. Get work experience at a local radio station

Get work experience at your local radio station or local hospital radio can be done by directly contacting them through their website, email or some other means. Please note that there may be an age limit.

For example, volunteering with the hospital radio at Royal Berkshire Hospital requires you to be at least 17, meaning that you may have the opportunity to do this work experience in Year 12 but won’t in Year 10. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

29. Do work experience at a local newspaper or magazine

Local newspapers and magazines are unlikely to directly advertise a work experience position. However, if you contact them directly, you can ask if doing a work shadowing placement would be possible.

Depending on the school you go to, you may be able to volunteer with your school’s newspaper or newsletter. While on a much smaller scale, this work experience could even prove to be better as it would be much more hands-on.

If neither of these options are possible, you can get work experience in journalism online . For example, Springpod have a journalism work experience programme that features speakers from BBC News and The Financial Times. To learn more about this, check out this page on Springpod’s website.

30. Work for an online newspaper or magazine

If you’re interested in journalism or other writing jobs, this work experience can be vital in order to develop your own skills. There are many different positions available, and you’ll need to choose which one suits you best.

For example, here at Think Student, students are given the opportunity to write articles and gain experience in this field , which you can learn more about here .

Other options include Shout Out UK, an online newspaper run by young people. It focuses on politics, but articles may also be about pop culture and trends or social media. You can learn more about this on their website here .

For more on where you can get work experience by writing for an online newspaper or magazine, check out this article by The Guardian.

31. Get work experience at a television studio

Unfortunately, getting direct work experience at a television studio will generally require students to be at least 18. Opportunities of this kind are offered by companies such as ITV , Tiger Aspect and Endemol Shine UK , which you can find more about by clicking on their respective links.

However, you can still get television work experience with online work experience schemes . For example, Channel 4 runs their 4Skills programme for students aged 16 or above. To learn more about this programme, check out this page on the 4Skills website.

32. Get work experience at a publishing company

Getting work experience in a publishing company can once again be quite difficult for younger students as many will want you to be at least 18. For example, Penguin Random House and the independent publisher, Slightly Foxed , both have work experience programmes for over 18s, which you can learn about by clicking on their respective links.

However, if you directly contact a smaller publishing firm, they may be able to accept you as a volunteer or for a work experience placement . To learn more about this, check out this article by The Publishing Training Centre.

English literature and language work experience ideas

Work experience related to English language and literature is everywhere. After all, English is essential for jobs, as without communication, there would be havoc!

Therefore, strengthening your English skills will impress any employer . However, if you want to discover work experience ideas more specific to English, check out the list below:

33. Volunteer at a library

If you just call up a local library and ask if you can volunteer, most librarians will be ecstatic! After all, being a library volunteer is not all just about stacking books!

You could help organise events such as creative writing workshops, which would help develop your English writing skills. You could also help deal with the digital aspects of the library, after all, the younger generation is often better at this. You can discover more if you check out this article from Volunteer Work Near Me.

34. Work for the local paper

Working at the local paper would definitely help improve your writing skills. It would also help you learn more about your local community!

If you are interested in writing non-fiction, consider calling up your local newspaper and asking if they would have you. If you want to discover what you would actually do as a newspaper journalist, check out this article from Indeed.

35. Write online blogs

If you enjoy writing but just don’t know what to write about, why not consider writing about yourself! There is guaranteed to be plenty of people online who will enjoy reading about your life.

This is especially true if you write creatively and make your pieces especially entertaining! This may not seem like work experience. However, from writing blogs, you would be developing the essential skills needed by a writer.

36. Shadow employers at an editing house

If you dream about becoming a editor someday, it may be worth gaining some experience in their place of work to see what they do. It would also increase your knowledge of the different literature out there!

You could phone up any local editing houses to ask them if they would consider taking you on. If not, you could always find other ways of editing, such as assisting with the school newspaper.

Check out this article from Indeed if you want to discover how to become an editor.

37. Shadow someone with a role in the media

This could be shadowing someone in a radio show or someone who works for a magazine company. Regardless, you could be improving your verbal and written English skills.

It will be beneficial if you contact companies which are based on roles that you are interested in. If you are given the opportunity to shadow, you will develop extremely useful skills!

38. Shadow at an advertising agency

The field of advertising requires individuals to have good English skills. This is because good catch phrases have to be created and words are carefully selected to accentuate the wonder of the chosen product!

If you know of a brand that is local to you, consider calling them up and asking if you could discover what it is like to advertise with them for the day. This is also a good choice if you have a competitive nature!

39. Shadow an ESL teacher

This is a teacher that teaches English as a second language to students. If you are interested in teaching and explaining the English language to someone, this could be a useful work experience choice.

If you want to discover more about what an ESL teacher actually is, check out this article from The TEFL Academy.

40. Become a proofreader

If you are one of those individuals who love to correct other people’s grammar, consider getting work experience as a proofreader! Not only will your grammar correcting skills increase, you will also be exposed to a wide range of different literature!

You could even just volunteer at charities to start with. To find out more about getting proofreading experience, check out this article from Chron.

Architecture, building and construction work experience ideas

If you want to study degree programmes, such as Architecture or Town and Country Planning, you may need to show off your work experience in your application. Although this will depend on the exact course you study and where you apply to, having work experience in this area can teach you a lot more about these industries, especially as it can be difficult to know what is actually involved in these types of careers.

41. Get work experience at an architecture firm

If you are interested in studying architecture, work experience with an architecture firm is something that will give your application a necessary boost. Some architecture firms offer work experience placements and so you can apply for these schemes on their websites. For example, Scott Brownrigg , DKA and BM3 all offer work experience placements for students, which you can learn more about by clicking on their respective links.

42. Get work experience at a construction company

To get work experience at a construction company, students will need to find construction companies that offer work experience and apply on their websites. For example, the BAM construction company offers work experience placements for school students. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

You may also be able to directly contact a construction company to see if they would be able to offer a work experience placement.

43. Get work experience with a town planning company

For Town and Country Planning degrees, you once again, may also need to have work experience. This can be done through a town planning company.

To get this work experience, you can research town planning companies in your area and see if they have work experience opportunities. After this, you may be able to apply directly on their website or email them to learn more about the position.

For example, if you’re 16 or over, you can apply to The Royal Town Planning Institute’s 1-week work experience programme. To learn more about this programme, check out this page by Pathway CTM.

44. Get work experience at your local estate agency

The real estate industry is quite closely linked to town and country planning. Due to this, getting work experience in real estate can help you to better understand the industry. In order to get experience with your local estate agency, you will generally need to contact them directly.

Some estate agents may have sections on their websites about work experience placements. For example, you can look at this page by Galliard Homes to learn more about their 2-week work experience placement for students.

Geography work experience ideas

Geography covers such a wide range of topics, such as the physical environment, issues in the world and even just how to use a map correctly! Consequently, there are many jobs which use geography.

It is just up to you to find them and research the ones which you would enjoy!

45. Volunteer at charities focused on looking after the environment

There are many charities in the UK focusing on saving the environment and fighting climate change. All you have to do is call up the charities you are interested in and get going with any volunteering opportunities!

You could take part in fundraising or action groups if you are interested in this aspect of geography. An example of a charity you could get involved in is called Friends of the earth and their website is found here .

46. Shadow a geologist

Many geologists will only let university level students shadow them. However, if you specifically call up companies and ask them, you may be allowed!

This page from The Geologist’s Online Directory can help you search for companies close to you. As you won’t yet have necessary qualifications, you may just be conducting surveys. Regardless, any type of work experience will be beneficial to you.

47. Shadow a travel agent

If you are interested in the travelling side of geography, it may be worth seeing the life of a travel agent. You will need to have a good knowledge of the world and good problem-solving skills.

If you want to find out more about what the role of a travel agent is, check out this article from Indeed. If this interests you, call up your local travel agents to ask if you could shadow them.

48. Volunteer at a nature reserve

If you are passionate about conservation and preventing extinction, you could perhaps consider volunteering at a nature reserve! Not only would you be given the opportunity to garden, you could be involved in research and GPS tracking!

You could even organise wildlife watch groups . You can discover more about this if you check out this page from The Wildlife Trusts website.

49. Get work experience at your local news station

This may not sound related to geography; however it definitely is! You could get involved in the weather reporting which would be beneficial if you are interested in the physical and scientific parts of geography.

If your local news channel won’t allow you to join, you could still become an active Weather Watcher! You can find out what this means if you check out this article from the BBC.

50. Experience a placement at the British Geological Survey

The BGS offers placements to individuals under 18! Those who are selected are given the opportunity to work with scientists and gain a real insight into the world of geological research .

The work experience only lasts a week; however the opportunity would be incredible! You can discover how to apply and find out what is involved if you check out this article from their official website.

51. Volunteer at the DofE awards scheme

If you are a dab hand at orienteering, reading maps and compasses, this could be a great opportunity for you! This is because you could share your knowledge with others to help them navigate their routes during the DofE award scheme.

You can discover how to become a volunteer if you check out the DofE official website here.

STEM-related work experience ideas

Unless you want to become a scientist, a mathematician or a teacher, knowing what careers are available in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) can be difficult. Due to this, work experience can be a great way for you to learn more about it before committing to a degree, an apprenticeship or a job.

52. Get work experience with an accountancy firm

Accountancy may not be the first thing when you think of STEM. However, due to its mathematical basis, it can be a great career option for students who enjoy maths. Accounting degrees are another one of the degree programmes that may need you to have work experience.

First of all, if you meet the criteria, you may be eligible for the Access Accountancy work experience programme. This programme aims to level the playing field to allow students to get into accounting based on their own merits rather than background, which you can learn more about here on its website.

There is also the Explore BDO Insight Programme aimed at students in Year 11- 13, which you can learn more about on their website here . Otherwise, you can directly contact an accountancy firm to see what work experience positions they may have available for your age and expertise level .

53. Get work experience at a laboratory

If you’re interested in studying science or even pursuing a career in science, doing your placement at a laboratory can be a great way to get work experience. This may be done at a private laboratory or at the pathology laboratory at a hospital. For both of these options, students will need to apply through the website or as otherwise told.

Some opportunities include work experience at your local hospital, which you can learn more about on this page by NHS Gloucestershire Hospitals. As well as the National Nuclear Laboratory or NPL , to learn more about these work experience programmes, click on their respective links.

54. Do work shadowing at a vet clinic

If you’re interested in doing a Veterinary Medicine degree, getting work experience in this area can be an absolute must. The best way to get this experience is to find local vets in your area and contact them or apply through their website.

Some vets will already have work experience programmes and others may allow you to do a work shadowing placement. For example, Cerdarmount Veterinary Clinic in Bangor allows students to observe and learn about the processes involved in this field. To learn more about this opportunity, check out this page on their website.

55. Get work experience at a technology company

Working at a technology company can give you an insight into the vast range of jobs within the industry. Some technology companies offer specific work experience programmes aimed at students and young people .

For example, Cisco has a Pathway To Your Future Work Experience programme, aimed at either 14- 16-year-olds or 16- 18-year-old girls . To learn more about this programme, check out this page of their website.

56. Get involved in a research placement

If you’re in Year 12 and meet certain eligibility criteria, you may be able to undertake a research project. This programme is called Nuffield Research Placements and students are paired with a host organisation to do work experience in scientific research. To learn more about this and how you can get involved, check out the Nuffield Research Placements website, here .

57. Get work experience in aircraft engineering

This one sounds a little bit more vague and you may be wondering how exactly you would be able to get this kind of work experience. There are several ways you can go about this, such as getting this experience with an airline or an airport, who may offer this programme .

For example, British Airways has a work experience programme for engineering, that allows you to spend between 3 and 5 days with them. To learn more about this work experience opportunity, check out their website here .

Otherwise, you could do aircraft engineering work experience with the RAF . This work experience opportunity would similarly be about 5 days and would give students the opportunity to learn more about the role. To learn more about it, check out this guide by the RAF.

58. Get work experience with a car manufacturer

Getting work experience with a car manufacturer could allow you to gain a better understanding of the engineering and manufacturing processes involved. You may also be able to get work experience about business and project management side of the industries as well.

For example, Bentley provides both work experience and virtual work experience programmes aimed at students between the ages of 14 and 19. To learn more about these opportunities, check out this page on the Bentley careers website.

59. Do a STEM World Skills competition for work experience

If you’re interested in engineering or computing, this could be a great option for you if you’re in Year 12 or above.

To take part, you will need to be entered into the competition by your college or training provider so if you’re interested, it’s best to talk to them about this.

You can learn more about how it works here and more about the types of competition here both on the World Skills UK website.

60. Go to STEM university work experience summer schools

For STEM subjects, many different universities hold summer schools and other programmes. Some of these programmes, they are specifically designed as work experience opportunities.

For example, Imperial College London offers a Year 12 work experience programme in maths and scientific departments . You can learn more about it in this page on their website.

Also, the University of Sheffield offers a virtual work experience programme in physics . You can learn more about it here on their website.

61. Work shadow an electrician

Electricians don’t typically offer formal work experience programmes. However, instead you can try to arrange a work shadowing placement. This means that you will simply be observing an electrician as they work and have the opportunity to ask questions if need be.

To do this, you should directly contact electricians or firms in your local area to see if they would be willing to allow you to work shadow.

62. Work shadow a mechanic

There may be some mechanic work experience programmes. These are more likely to be done with a car manufacturer in their services department rather than a mechanic company.

For example, East Western Motor Group offers a work experience programme, that includes their after sales department. You can learn more about it on this page of their website.

However, you may also be able to arrange a work shadowing placement with a car mechanic by contacting them directly.

63. Work shadow the lab technicians at your school or college

In this role, you would be able to see how the lab technicians at your school or college set up practical experiments for different classes to do.

It’s best to start by talking to your form tutor, your head of year or your science teacher to get started. They should be able to tell you how this would work and what you need to do to be able to have this as your work experience.

64. Work shadow the IT support department at your school or college

A great way to get work experience in IT and computing is to do it through your school. This can be done by work shadowing the IT support department at your school.

To get this work experience, you should talk to your form tutor or your head of year first to see if this is even possible. From there, they should be able to tell you everything that you need to do to be able to do this work experience.

65. Get work experience at software development companies

This type of work experience can teach you more about this ever-growing industry and what careers are available.

This can be done through a company’s formal programme . For example, Softwire runs a 1-week work experience placement during the half term holidays. This is aimed at students between Year 10 and Year 13.

You can learn more about this by checking out this page on their website.

66. Get work experience in cybersecurity

You may decide to go down the virtual work experience route.  There are a range of options that will teach you more about the field of cybersecurity. You can learn more by checking out this article by Youth Employment.

Alternatively, you could apply to a company’s work experience programmes specifically cover cybersecurity. For example, Cisco’s Pathways work experience programme for Year 11s and Year 12s has some sessions on cybersecurity.

For more, check out this page on their website.

67. Get work experience at a science museum

In order to volunteer at a science museum, you may need to be over the age of 18. However, some science museums may also offer work experience placements, so it’s important to check before ruling this out entirely.

Once again, you’ll need to arrange this in a similar way to work shadowing. In this way, make sure you’ve clearly written asking about any work experience placements and included your CV.

68. Get work experience at an astronomical observatory

An astronomical observatory can be a great placement if you’re interested in astronomy and space sciences. This can teach you more about the work of an astronomer.

One work experience programme is the one at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. On this work experience, each student will have 1 week in August of placement alongside another student.

You can learn more about this by checking out this page on the Royal Museums Greenwich website.

69. Get work experience with Formula 1

If you’re interested in aerodynamics, mechanics or a related field, getting work experience within a Formula 1 team could be perfect for you.

To go about this, you will need to email the HR department to ask if they have any work experience available and when this is. It would be a good idea to include a CV and maybe even a cover letter when applying.

You can learn more about this on this page of the Formula Careers website.

70. Get work experience with the Met Office

If you’re interested in meteorology, getting work experience with the Met Office could be perfect. This work experience is open to young people between the ages of 13 and 18.

This type of work experience is virtual. However, you might be able to do in-person work experience after you have completed the virtual one.

You can learn more about this here on the Met Link website.

Psychology work experience ideas

It can be difficult to get work experience related to psychology. After all, you can’t go around scanning people’s brains and recording all of their different behaviours!

However, there are plenty of work experience opportunities which are directly or indirectly linked to psychology that you may never have thought of before!

71. Springpod virtual work experience

It is true that many professionals won’t allow you to shadow them due to patient confidentiality. Consequently, an alternative way of getting work experience in psychology is to sign up for some virtual work experience.

Springpod is an online platform which allows students to experience what different psychological professions are like . This includes being a sports psychologist, health psychologist and clinical psychologist.

You can find out more about Springpod virtual work experience if you check out their website here . Springpod also offers many other work experience ideas outside of psychology, so they are definitely worth checking out.

72. Shadow a mental health specialist

The NHS has two major services which support individuals with mental health issues, one for children and one for adults. You could call up your local mental health clinics to ask if you could shadow an employer there.

However, you need to be aware that this may not be possible due to client confidentiality . If this is the case, it could be arranged for you to be given the opportunity to have a chat with the mental health professionals.

73. Volunteer at a charity that supports mental health

There are many charities available that support individuals with mental health issues . You can volunteer in many different ways, such as working at a charity shop or helping to organise fundraising events.

You can find out more if you check out this article from the Mind website, which is a charity dedicated to supporting those individuals with mental health issues.

74. Shadow a psychologist or psychiatrist

If you happen to know a certain company of psychologists or psychiatrists, you should consider calling them up and asking them if they could offer you work experience!

However, when you are in the process of shadowing, you need to make sure that you are making the most out of the experience. Check out this article from the Physician Attorney Contract website if you want to discover how to do this.

75. Volunteer at a rehab centre

Volunteering at a rehab centre can be a difficult experience, as the individuals you will see may be struggling. However, it can also be a rewarding experience, as you could be responsible for setting up activities and making sure that the residents are as comfortable as possible .

76. Shadow a special educational needs teaching assistant

SEN teaching assistants help to support children with learning difficulties. They are often found in schools, so if you know that your school has one, there is no harm in asking if you can shadow them!

This could help you gain insight into the role and also learn about behavioural management, which is related to psychology. You can find out more about this and how work experience can help if you check out this article from ZEN Educate.

77. Mentor young offenders

If you are interested in forensic psychology, mentoring young offenders could be a good option. If you choose a good company, you will be specially trained to do this. The Trailblazers mentoring company offers useful opportunities. You can discover their website if you click here .

Mentoring young offenders will definitely help you stand out compared to other applicants!

78. Volunteer at brain injury support groups

If you are interested in neuropsychology and the impacts of brain injuries, this could be a good option for you! Headway is a UK charity which offers support groups to individuals with brain injuries.

You could be responsible for organising groups and events, posting leaflets or even just raising awareness about the devastating impacts of brain injuries. You can discover more about how you can help if you check out this page from Headway.

Artistic and creative industries work experience ideas

When thinking about artistic and creative subjects, it can be difficult to associate these with what jobs you can get with them. Other than the obvious, singer or actor, it can often feel as other job opportunities aren’t available for students who study arts subjects. Due to this, gaining work experience can be a useful way to gain a better understanding of what opportunities and careers exist in the arts.

79. Get work experience at a theatre

A work experience placement at a theatre can teach you about the different areas involved, such as the marketing or technical aspects. Due to there being so many different theatres, the policies of each will differ.

Some may require you to be 16 or 18, which is important to keep in mind when looking for this kind of work experience. Others will have specialised work experience programmes for students in Year 10 and 12 and surrounding ages .

For example, Cambridge Arts Theatre has a 1-week work experience programmes, which you can learn about here on its website. Students may need to apply for theatre work experience on the theatre’s website or by email.

80. Get work experience at a recording studio

A recording studio can be a great place for you to get work experience if you’re interested in music and music technology. This work experience may be offered by a recording studio itself or instead by another music organisation .

For example, Sound Gallery Studios offers a work experience placement to students aged 15- 19, which you can learn more about here on their website. Also, The Music Works, a music charity, offers work experience in music production and studio engineering, which you can learn more about on their website here .

81. Get work experience at an art gallery

Work experience at an art gallery can give students a better understanding of the different areas involved in this industry. Students can get this work experience by looking for voluntary work on the art gallery’s website or the wider organisations website.

There may be an age requirement of 16 or 18, depending on the organisation’s policies. For example, the National Portrait Gallery will need volunteers to be at least 16, although they do run some programmes for school-aged students. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

You can also look at this page by National Galleries of Scotland to learn more about the volunteering and work experience available.

82. Volunteer with a costume maker

If you’re interested in the arts as well as fashion, wardrobe work experience could be a great choice for you.

In order to get this kind of work experience, there are certain programmes. For example, there’s the Surrey Arts Wardrobe work experience, which you can learn more about this on this page of their website. As well as, the Punchdrunk work placement, which you can learn more about this on this page of their website.

83. Get work experience at a hairdresser’s or barber’s

Hairdresser’s and barber shops are often small businesses with a single store, and some may not even have a website. Due to this, the best way to try and secure work experience at a hairdresser’s or barber’s is to directly contact them either by email, phone or going into the shop directly.

84. Get work experience at a beauty salon

Getting work experience in the beauty industry can be difficult as there is often a limited number of places you can do it. Getting this experience by working in a beauty salon can be a great way to learn more about how the industry works and what is involved in the job of a beautician.

Like with a hairdresser’s or barber’s, students should directly contact a beauty salon near them to learn about work experience opportunities .

85. Shadow an interior designer

If you are interested in the art of designing houses, it may be useful to consider shadowing an interior designer . You would then gain experience designing houses and talking to a range of people, whilst trying to find out what they would really like.

Consider calling up some local interior designers and asking whether they would let you shadow them! You can discover more about the career of an interior designer as a whole if you check out this article from My World of Work.

86. Volunteer as a painter

If you are interested in sharing you own art with the world, you could just volunteer as a painter and create beautiful art pieces for people. This could help you create contacts and a reputation .

Alternatively, you could volunteer to paint individual’s walls, or even buildings, such as care homes. This could also boost your people skills. Consider being really creative when painting these walls, with the goal of making people smile.

Check out this article from Real Homes to discover some ideas.

87. Volunteer at an after-school club involving art

Normally, schools offer a range of after-schools clubs, based on all of the different subjects. If your school has an after-school club dedicated to art, consider volunteering at it!

You could help children younger than you reach their best potentials when painting and drawing. This would increase your experience with children as well as the subject of art.

88. Volunteer at crafts events

If you research crafts events in your local area, there is guaranteed to be a number of events that pop up! These could be based in churches, community centres or schools.

The art projects are bound to be simplistic, however with your expertise, you could help others create masterpieces. You could be exposed to a range of different crafts.

If you are interested in volunteering with art in general, check out this article from The Arts Society to discover opportunities.

89. Shadow a cake artist

If you are interested in the art of drawing on and decorating cakes, it may be a good idea to phone up your local bakery! You could shadow the cake designers there and discover how they produce the most flawless looking cakes .

Gaining work experience this way is especially beneficial, as you may be taught the exact skills to create the most intricate designs.

90. Gain experience at a graphics company

Getting work experience in graphic design would be extremely valuable to you, as so many industries require graphic designers! If you shadow a graphic designer, you could discover what skills are necessary for the job and what they actually do.

Gaining work experience in this career role could also mean that you can start to create a portfolio. This would be seen as impressive to potential employers. You could even do virtual work experience, as shown by Springpod if you click here .

91. Create your own video games

If you are more interested in coding and digital art, it may be worth considering creating your own video games! You could create beautiful designs and get others to play them and see what they think.

If possible, you could shadow video game designers to get the full experience of what their day-to-day job involves. If you want to discover how to become a fully qualified video game designer, check out this article from Indeed.

Sport work experience ideas

There are many work experience opportunities out there if you are interested in sports. This is the case for if you love to play sports, write about sports or even to just watch them!

Check out the list below to see how you can get involved in sports work experience.

92. Volunteer at a school sports club

You could potentially ask your P.E teachers to let you help out during sports clubs that they may run. It would be useful if you are good at the sport you are asking to volunteer at! It would also be beneficial for you to not mind working with kids!

You could then share your skills with individuals younger than you and show them how to excel at the sport they are playing.

93. Shadow a coach

If you really want to see how sports teams can be improved and are really passionate about a particular sport, consider shadowing a coach! You would then be able to discover the different techniques and strategies they use to help their team be successful .

Coaches will no doubt be happy with you offering extra help! You could call up local sports teams or even find out if your school offers clubs with coaches to get this role.

94. Shadow sporting commentators

If you are more interested in the media and documentation of sport, it may be useful to experience what it is like in a sports recording studio . You could watch how the sporting commentators describe and entertain.

Call up some local studios to get the ball rolling . You can check out what a sports commentator actually does if you check out this article from the National Careers Service.

95. Volunteer at a sports shop

If you are interested in the different types of sporting equipment and clothing, perhaps consider volunteering at a shop dedicated to selling sports items. This could be at a bike shop, a runner’s store or anything else you can think of!

Volunteering at a sports shop could increase your knowledge of sporting equipment and potentially even how to look after it.

96. Volunteer at sporting events

There are plenty of sporting events around the UK which you can definitely be apart of. This could be park runs, muddy sprints or even just social sports events!

Volunteering at these will not only give you experience of helping people with sport but also with talking to a range of new individuals. Check out this article from Sport England to discover how to get started.

97. Shadow a personal trainer

If you speak to your local gym and ask them if you could shadow a personal trainer, they may just let you! You could then see how the personal trainer interacts with clients and focuses on tailoring a workout to their specific goals.

However, you must always make sure that the client has given their consent! You can discover more about shadowing a personal trainer if you check out this article from Origym.

98. Create your own coaching plans

If shadowing a personal trainer isn’t possible but you are interested in helping people achieve their fitness goals, perhaps you could make your own coaching plans! You could do this for your friends and family at first – with their consent of course!

The experience will allow you to see what works and what doesn’t and give an insight into what it’s like to be a personal trainer!

99. Shadow individuals at a sports media company

If you are interested in sports journalism and media coverage, it may be useful to research and contact local companies dedicated to this . You could then see what the world of sports media coverage is like and discover whether it is really as exciting as watching the game!

You can discover the most popular sports websites on this article from FeedSpot if you want to get a feel for what sports articles sound like.

100. Volunteer as an umpire or referee

There are many independent sports clubs out there for kids who have shortages of umpires and referees! If you know a certain sport really well and think that you can manage a group of kids, consider doing this!

Call up some local clubs and ask them for permission and you could gain more experience with the sport and with working with children.

Business studies work experience ideas

In business there are so many different careers. However, it can be difficult to know what the differences between each of these are and more importantly which one would be right for you.

In the following sections, you’ll get to see a range of ideas to get work experience that can teach you more about all these careers and roles.

102. Work shadow at a marketing company or in the marketing department

Work shadowing in a marketing company or the marketing department of a company allows you to delve a little deeper into the business world. To get this type of work experience, you can directly contact marketing agencies that you’re interested in and ask if you can work shadow with them.

103. Work shadow in auditing

There are so many different aspects to business that it can be difficult to know how to get work experience in this field. One of the areas of business students don’t even know about is auditing.

In order to do auditing work experience, students can undertake a specialised programme . For example, KPMG runs a Black Heritage Talent Insight Programme in several areas of business, including auditing. You can learn more about this by checking out this page on their website.

104. Get work experience by starting your own business

In this day and age, more and more people, including students, are beginning to set up their own businesses. Setting up your own business can be a great idea to gain some work experience as it allows you to learn firsthand about entrepreneurship in a way that goes beyond what you just being told.

To get some ideas of what businesses you can start by yourself, without breaking the bank, check out this article by Save The Student.

105. Get virtual work experience in business

Physical opportunities, whether work shadowing or specifically made programmes, are often hard to come by.

With websites, such as Springpod, you can come across virtual work experience programmes in a variety of business areas. These include marketing and social media marketing, human resources and its functionality in business and even particular types of business, such as insurance.

Follow this link to find the Springpod website.

106. Work shadow in project management

Getting work experience in project management can be a great insight into a career that you just might be interested in.

This work experience can come with companies in specialised work experience programmes or even from your local authority. For example, Bristol City Council’s work experience placement offers a placement in project management. For more on this, check out this page on their website.

107. Work shadow in data analytics

For many students, the career paths in data, especially from a business perspective, aren’t very clear so getting work experience in this field can help to change that.

One example is the Microsoft data analytics consultancy firm, Purple Frog Systems. In this work experience placement, students would need to email the company to express their interest.

108. Get work experience in tax

When it comes to the more technical side of business, students are often unaware of what careers are out there. Getting a work experience placement that focuses on tax and similar themes can help you to better understand the importance of these in business.

For example, the EY’s Career Starters work experience programme focuses on tax and assurance as well as other more technical business areas . You can learn more about it on the EY website here .

109. Get work experience at an insurance firm

Another feature of business that’s often overlooked is insurance. This can once again feel confusing when it comes to relating it to potential future careers.

One programme in insurance that is offered to Year 12 students is by BMS Group. On this 2-week placement, students will be able to gain better insight into the insurance industry and careers available.

110. Get work experience in investment banking

If you’re interested in the financial and economical side of business, then an investment banking work experience placement could be a great way for you to learn more about this industry.

One of the programmes that you can look into is the Study Mind investment banking work experience programme. This is a 5-day programme that covers investment banking and other aspects of business. You can learn more about it on the Study Mind website here .

111. Get work experience in social media management

Social media has become such an important part of business to the extent that it has launched new types of jobs, including social media managers.

To get this type of work experience, you can start off by setting up your own social media management business or by working directly for a business, who needs this service. You could contact local businesses to see if you could voluntarily manage their social media accounts to enable you to get this experience.

112. Do a specialised business work experience programme with a company

Instead of just work shadowing or even just getting experience in a specific department, lots of companies have a specialised work experience programmes to enable students to get a taste of different areas of business that allows their company to function.

For example, there is the Deloitte’s Aspire work experience programme for Year 12s . You can click here to learn more about this programme on the Deloitte website.

113. Work shadow a sales representative

Getting work experience with a sales representative can help to show you exactly how this role works and the importance of sales in business. In order to get this work shadowing placement, it’s best to directly contact businesses . As before, you will most likely want to include a CV and explain exactly why you want to work shadow at that company.

Law work experience ideas

Breaking into law can be so, so competitive that having a bit of work experience to give you a boost can only help. However, knowing what kinds of work experience to get can be another dilemma.

In the following sections, you’ll see some work experience ideas that will enable you to learn more about careers in law and the legal system as a whole.

114. Get work experience at a law firm

Law work experience can be invaluable for applying to do a Law degree due to the sheer number of applicants that you need to stand out from. Getting formal law work experience can be more difficult if you’ve not yet start university, however some firms offer it.

For example, Pinsent Masons offers a Summer Legal School Work Experience programme to give you an insight into to the law industry. You can learn more about it here on their website.

115. Get work experience at a legal advice clinic

Another way to get work experience in law is to volunteer. Volunteering at a legal advice clinic can give you an insight into how law can come into people’s everyday lives.

In this voluntary role, you won’t be directly involved but you will have a chance to help with admin or social media presence. To learn more about this, check out this page on the Merseyside Law Centre website.

116. Observe court hearings

Watching court cases, counts as work shadowing as you are seeing how the roles in court work.

In order to do this, you can simply go to a court hearing that is open to the public and watch from the public gallery. Alternatively, you can watch remotely. Some courts, such as the Supreme Court stream their hearings online.

You can learn more about this by checking out this page on the government website.

117. Work shadow a paralegal

If you’re interested in law, then you’re probably familiar with the different types of lawyers, such as solicitors and barristers. However, there are other positions in the legal world that are still essential for it to function, such as a paralegal.

In order to work shadow a paralegal, you would need to contact the law firm and specifically state that you would want to see the work of a paralegal.

118. Work shadow a legal secretary

Another overlooked career in law is that of the legal secretary. Getting work experience with a legal secretary could be valuable as they are important to the ins and outs of the law firm.

Once again, in order to work shadow a legal secretary, you will need to contact the law firm and specifically state that you want to work shadow a legal secretary.

119. Get work experience at a barristers’ chambers

If you’re specifically interested in becoming a barrister, then getting work experience in chambers could be a great idea. These are mainly for Year 12 students and would allow them to work shadow and maybe take a more active role.

In order to get these kinds of work experience, you would apply on the chambers’ websit e. For example, you can look at this page by Old Square Chambers.

120. Participate in the bar mock trial competition

This is open to 15- to 18-year-olds and to enter into this competition, your school or college will need to sign up and pay the fee.

You should check if your school/ college already participates in this competition. If not, you may be able to talk to your school or college to see if they would be willing to start participating in this.

For more on this, check out this page on the Smart Law website.

121. Volunteer with youth justice services

To get this type of work experience, students should contact local volunteer agencies directly. This is because most voluntary roles in youth justice services will require the volunteer to be at least 18.

However, some local volunteering agencies may have positions available that are suitable for under 18s. You can learn more on this page of the Youth Justice Resource Hub.

History work experience ideas

Finding work experience can be difficult in general but when it comes to humanity subjects that can often be much worse. While history has some obvious contenders for both careers and work experience, it can be difficult to see beyond these.

In this section, we’ll take you through some of the best work experience ideas to give you a better understanding of careers in history.

122. Get work experience at a museum

If you’re interested in history, getting work experience at a museum can be a great way to learn more about the careers associated with this subject. You may be able to get this through a work experience scheme by a museum or university museum.

For example, the Natural History Museum’s work experience programme allows students in Year 10 and above to spend the week learning about a specific area of museum work. To learn more about this and how you can get involved, check out this page on their website.

123. Get work experience at an archive

Another history-focused career that you can get work experience in is that of an archivist. In this work experience, you can learn about how documents are preserved and cared for.

The National Archives’ work experience placement lasts 5 days and is aimed at students between the ages of 14 and 18. To learn more about this and how to get involved, check out this page on The National Archives’ website.

124. Get work experience in heritage conservation

Another feature of the history industry is heritage conservation. In this area, it’s important to learn about the careers and opportunities involved on work experience as these are often not talked about.

One volunteering scheme that allows you to get work experience is the English Heritage volunteering scheme. With this there are a range of opportunities from gardening to supporting visitors. You can learn more about this on the English Heritage website here.

125. Volunteer with a Council of British Archaeology group or young archaeologists club

Included in the area of history is archaeology and as this isn’t generally taught in schools, getting work experience in this field can be incredibly enlightening. To get said work experience, you could volunteer with a Council for British Archaeology group or a Young Archaeologists’ club. For more on these, check out this page and this page on their respective website.

126. Get work experience with a historical costume maker

Some costume makers and historic dress restorers offer volunteering and internship placements for students. This can give students interested in textiles and design a great opportunity for work experience.

For example, The Tudor Tailor offers work experience for students of different ages and experience levels. Due to this, the nature and the length of the placement may also vary. To learn more about this and how to get involved, check out this page on their website.

127. Get work experience with a tour guide

There are a range of historic tours that take place throughout the UK. Work shadowing on these could enable you to learn more about how history is taught in a non-academic setting.

In order to get this work experience, students will need to directly contact historic tour guide companies as they won’t generally have work experience programmes.

128. Get work experience at historical buildings

It’s best to contact these organisations via their website or by email to learn more. At time of writing (November 2023), the Historic Royal Palaces are updating their work experience programme, so it is not currently available. You can learn more about this by checking out this page on their website.

129. Volunteer with the War Memorials Trust

With this work experience, you would either be contributing to the War Memorials Trust website, or you would be committing at least half a day per week in an office-based setting in London. You can learn more about this volunteering scheme by checking out this page on the War Memorials Trust website.

130. Get virtual history work experience

Particularly with very academic subjects, finding work experience that’s right for you can be hard to come across. However, with virtual work experience, you have the opportunity to go at your own pace and to learn in greater depth.

One programme available for history is ‘Careers in Heritage with Historic England’ programme. You can learn more about it on this page of the Historic England website.

Foreign languages work experience ideas

Foreign languages subjects tend not to be very popular options for GCSEs or A-Levels. Thus, the careers involved tend not to be as commonly talked about as others.

Finding foreign languages work experience ideas can be difficult but don’t worry. In the following sections, you will see a range of different ideas for languages work experience to help you learn more about the industries involved.

131. Get work experience at a translation agency

If you’re interested in languages and want to pursue a language-related career, getting work experience at a translation company can be a great way to learn more about what you can do with languages. Work experience placements allow students to shadow professionals in translation companies in different departments.

If you study German and are in Year 12 or above, you could get a 1-week work experience placement with AST Language Services. To learn more about this opportunity, check out this page on their website.

132. Get work experience at an embassy

When it comes to foreign languages international relations and diplomacy can be a great route to go down.

In order to get this work experience, it’s best to directly contact the embassy that you’re interested in doing work experience or work shadowing at. Applying with a CV and maybe even a cover letter will once again set a good precedent and make you more likely to get a position.

133. Volunteer in foreign language classes

Getting work experience at your own school, college or sixth form can be a great idea as it can be easier to arrange. This especially applies when it comes to modern languages work experience as this can be hard to get.

In order to get this work experience, it is probably best to first talk to your language teacher and then to check how this would work with your head of year and/ or your form tutor.

134. Volunteer at a language school

Teaching English as a foreign language is fairly common for foreign language graduates. Getting some work experience in this industry can help you to decide if it is something that you would be interested in.

There are many different schools where students go to learn English. You could volunteer in one of these.

For example, the Ealing Community School of English is run entirely by volunteers. You can learn more about this by checking out this page on their website.

135. Volunteer at a language club

There are often language clubs or even language cafes on in the local community. Even without having fluent language skills, you could volunteer with one of these.

Without being fluent, you obviously won’t be teaching the class. However, you could help when it comes to setting up or cleaning.

However, it’s important to note that this will fully depend on where it is that you’re volunteering with. Although, it would be a good start to search at local community centres.

136. Get work experience at tourist information centres

Tourist information centres once again give you the chance to go into travel and tourism with your language skills.

While there are no formal work experience programmes that I could find. You can always directly contact your local tourist information centre and see if there’s anything available for you to do as work experience.

137. Get work experience at an airport

Getting work experience in an airport can be great if you want to go down the travel and tourism route and put your language skills to use in this way.

In order to get this work experience, there are a range of programmes. For example, ones at Bristol Airport, linked here from their website, and London City Airport, linked here from their website. However, these will often be dependent on where you live.

138. Get work experience abroad

You would most likely need to do this type of work experience in the holidays to make it easier to do. In order to get this work experience, it’s best to apply for a programme where you find it, whether this is a particular agency or a specific programme.

However, there are 2 main issues: cost and safety. Thus, it’s important to take this into consideration when finding a work experience placement abroad.

139. Participate in Model UN for work experience

Model UN doesn’t sound like an actual form of work experience. However, it is actively teaching you about the United Nations and careers in international relations and it allows you to develop transferable skills in a similar way to work experience.

In order to participate, students will need to search through organisers, who run Model UN conferences . This can be done through online or using your school’s contacts.

For more on this, check out this page on the UN website.

Religious studies work experience ideas

When it comes to religious studies, it can be incredibly difficult to think about which careers these link to let alone how you should go about getting work experience in these areas. The following sections will give you some ideas of work experience ideas directly related to religious studies.

140. Volunteer at a place of worship

To find where to do this work experience, you should look up places of worship in your area and try to find the contact details of these. You may even be able to find a website with which you can send a message through.

When contacting them, make sure that you clearly state your purpose (to do work experience), the dates you want to do it and maybe even include your CV as well.

141. Work shadow your religious studies teacher

You can talk to your religious studies teacher and your school to see if you can do your work experience placement at school by helping out in other religious studies classes.

A religious studies teacher is still a viable option if you’re interested in taking religious studies or theology further on. Thus, this work experience can give you an insight into this career path from the other side, which you’re not normally used to.

142. Volunteer at religious organisations

Many places of worship also run other organisations. These typically include food banks but can also be charity shops and other community-centred things. This can enable you to get practical work experience into how religious studies can be looked at from a community setting.

As these once again operate on a local level, you will need to directly contact these types of religious organisations to see how you can volunteer with them and whether this would be possible at all.

143. Get work experience at religious shops

Depending on where you live, there might be a primarily religious shop. These may come in the form of bookstores, clothing stores or other kinds of shops that sell religious items, such as prayer mats or even rosary beads.

Once again, these shops will operate on a local level. Due to this, you’ll once again have to try and find out whether you can volunteer with them buy directly contacting any religious shop that is in your local area.

144. Volunteer at religious events

To get work experience for religious studies, you could volunteer at one of these events. This might be in the form of helping to set up tables or even being a stagehand or maybe something else entirely.

What religious events are held will once again depend on your area and so you will need to look it up. The same applies here as you will need to make your intentions clear and should consider including your CV.

Other work experience ideas

Some work experience ideas don’t quite fit into the categories above yet are still quite specific in the industry that they exist in. If you’re interested in law, working with animals, public services, history, politics or languages then the following ideas might just be for you.

145. Get work experience at a zoo

Zoos may offer work experience programmes for Year 10 and Year 12 students. These can allow you to gain a better understanding of what is involved, such as animal care and animal conservation.

Depending on the programme and the zoo that offers it, there may be specific eligibility requirements. For example, London Zoo offers their work experience programme to students from disadvantaged backgrounds in Camden and Westminster. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

146. Volunteer at an animal shelter

If you’re interested in animal welfare and caring for animals, then you could also choose to get work experience by working at an animal shelter or sanctuary. In this role, you would be working with different animals and learning more about caring for them.

For example, in a work experience placement with Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, you would be working with the rabbits and cats and mainly focused on cleaning. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

147. Get work experience on a farm

Getting work experience on a farm could help you to learn more about animal care and management. You could be given practical experience and taught about the health and safety procedures involved .

There may be an age restriction involved, depending on the farm and its policies. For example, on Surrey Docks Farm, you need to be at least 14 for a weekday placement and at least 18 for a weekend placement. To learn more about this, check out this page on their website.

148. Get work experience with your local police force

Depending on your region, your local police station may offer a work experience placement. T his will give you an overview of the different roles and situations police officers deal with daily and give you an insight as to how the force functions as a whole.

Some programmes may need you to get parental permission, if you’re under 18 and most will likely need you to go through a vetting process . To learn more about getting work experience in the police force, check out this page by Kent Police.

149. Get work experience with your local council

Getting work experience with your local council can be a great option for students interested in politics as it teaches you about how local government works in a practical way. There are a wide variety of departments involved in local councils, meaning that your placement may vary depending on which department you’re positioned with.

For example, with Three Rivers District Council, you can choose which service to do the experience with. This might include housing, facilities management and culture and play services. To learn more about how to get involved in this, check out this page on their website.

150. Get work experience at a bank

Work experience at a bank can be great for students interested in finance or economics. Large banks may offer specific work experience programmes for young people to give them an insight into the industry.

For example, HSBC offer weeklong work experience opportunities for UK students in Year 9 to Year 13. To learn more about this programme, check out this page on their website.

*Information in this article to do with which degrees require work experience has been taken from this UCAS guide .

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• Finding work experience placements for school and college students

Work experience placements are a great way of introducing your students to the world of work and helping them explore different career options.

• Improving your employability

Finding and arranging high quality placements, however, can be a time-consuming process. We’ve put together this short guide to make life easier for teachers with responsibility for work experience at their school or college but the information it contains will also be useful for students and parents interested in arranging their own placements.

Applying directly to a national organisation

Many well-known large businesses such as Tesco , Pizza Express and HSBC operate their own work experience programmes for school and college students. It’s not just commercial organisations which operate such programmes, larger charities and public sector organisations will often have their own schemes, too.

The easiest way to find out whether an organisation operates its own work experience programme is by searching for the name of the business online followed by the words work experience. This will direct you to a page on their website, explaining how students should go about applying for a placement.

Some businesses run work experience programmes in partnership with other businesses and not-for-profit organisations. Barclays, for example, encourages other businesses to offer placements via its Life Skills platform and provides a wide range of use resources for students, parents and teachers.

Specialist work experience websites

While it’s always advisable to start by searching directly for work experience placements, it can also be worthwhile visiting specialist work experience sites. On the Success at School and Student ladder websites, for example, you will find placements covering every part of the country, alongside lots of practical careers advice.

Success at School

Student Ladder

Contacting local small businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses (often referred to as SMEs) account for 60% of all private sector employment in the UK so you shouldn’t rule them out as a source of work experience placements.

Placements with smalls businesses can give students valuable  experience of different aspects of a business and insights into what it takes to run a successful business. The challenges for schools and colleges is to efficiently find out which small businesses are happy to offer work experience placements.

Small businesses are likely to prefer speculative applications from students themselves but there are things you can do (besides advising students on their applications) to help them increase their odds of success.

The first thing to do is to ask your colleagues, friends and family members who live locally if they know of any small businesses that would be happy to host a student. You’ll be surprised what you discover this way. Armed with this information, you can encourage your students to focus their efforts on businesses that are open to offering placements.

Another thing you can do is contact your local Federation of Small Businesses . Your local branch may hold details of which of its members currently offer work experience placements or be willing to forward your request for placements to its members.

Work experience opportunities at Groundwork

Groundwork is a charity working to transform lives in the UK’s most disadvantaged communities. At Groundwork we’re passionate about creating a future where everywhere is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and where everyone can reach their potential. We help people gain confidence and skills, get into training and work, protect and improve green spaces, lead more active lives and overcome significant challenges such as poverty, isolation, low skills and poor health.

Many of our local Groundwork Trusts offer volunteering and work experience opportunities. Contact your local Groundwork to see how they can help you.

Note: This guide has been written to support college or school staff that are helping students find work experience placements.

If you are a student looking for your own placement you can find a guide to arranging your own placement here . If you have already left education you can find a guide for school leavers here .

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How to get the work experience you need to teach in a primary or secondary school

Chloe Evans

Last updated: 9 Oct 2023, 09:53

Find out about the expectations of teacher training providers when it comes to getting primary and secondary school experience.

In partnership with:

Training providers want to know that you have the skills and motivation to teach. You will usually be required to show you have work experience with children of the relevant age – preferably in a primary or secondary school environment.

What teaching work experience in schools do I need?

Getting classroom experience will help to confirm that teaching is the right career for you. Schools should be able to give you the opportunity to observe classroom teaching and pastoral work. Some providers may stipulate a minimum period of classroom experience, but it is always worth checking to get an up-to-date understanding of what is required.

If you're not able to complete the experience quickly, don't delay sending your application - but state in the application that you have experience arranged in the near future.

How do I approach primary and secondary schools to get work experience?

Use your contacts through family and friends. You can also contact schools directly to ask for work experience, observe classes or shadow teachers. Research where you could apply at Get Information about Schools .

You may be requested to obtain a DBS check.

What are other ways to get the work experience I need to teach?

Work experience in schools is popular and it may take time to arrange a placement, so try to plan in advance. Although you can approach schools speculatively (for example by writing to a local school asking for work experience), there are also a number of formal schemes which can help:

• Get School Experience service (England only) : This is a programme for students and graduates interested in gaining experience in the classroom. School placements that range from one day to three weeks are available in all subjects (at secondary and primary levels) to those planning to apply for teacher training courses in the current cycle. You can apply online for the Get School Experience service.
• Paid teaching internship programme (England only) : This offers a three week internship in a school paying £300 per week in June/July. It is only available in certain subjects and in 2023 they were: chemistry, computing, maths, physics and languages. Applications for 2023 are now closed. Applications for summer 2024 will open in early 2024 and information on applicable subjects will be released then too.
• Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS) : If you are a mathematics, science, technology or engineering undergraduate, your department may offer a classroom-based module. This would involve spending 3-4 hours per week working in school for around ten weeks. You will get credit that counts towards your degree while also gaining valuable classroom experience. There are currently participating universities in England, Scotland and Wales.
• STEM ambassadors : It may also be possible for students of mathematics, science, technology or engineering to become STEM ambassadors. This involves enthusing school students about these subjects and the careers they open up.
• Taster courses and open days : These are organised by schools, universities and others (such as Teach First) to provide an insight into teaching and teacher training. Taster courses tend to be targeted at shortage subjects or candidates from under-represented groups.
• Paid work : You may be able to obtain paid work in schools as a cover supervisor, teaching assistant, laboratory technician or learning mentor, for example. These posts are usually advertised on local authority websites or through recruitment agencies.
• Voluntary work : Most local authorities run schemes for voluntary mentors to work with pupils on a one-to-one basis - contact your local authority for more information. Many universities work closely with local schools to encourage pupils to consider higher education.

For advice on alternative ways to gain work experience for teacher training, take a look at our article becoming a mentor .

Tips for work experience in primary and secondary schools

• Keep a diary of any work experience you do. This will be invaluable when it comes to writing your applications or preparing for interviews. Record the key skills you have gained doing your work experience; such as communication, leadership, presenting and organisational skills.
• Write notes about anything that you experience. For example, if a lesson did not work - think about how you would do it differently.
• Think about classroom control, different teaching styles and effective uses of technology.

Written by Chloe Evans, Cardiff University, July 2023

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Careers Support for Secondary Schools and Colleges

Inspire! bridge the gap between education and work for students at secondary school or further education college. Our secondary programmes include work experience placements, workplace visits, and work-related learning workshops. These are all facilitated by employers and employee volunteers.

Our programmes help schools to provide effective careers education and guidance and meet the Gatsby Good Career Guidance Benchmarks .

We design programmes by consulting with schools and volunteers, and feedback is used to improve our services. In addition to the below, we respond creatively to specific requests.

Work Experience

Work-related learning and enterprise education, curriculum enrichment.

Work experience develops crucial employability skills and insight into career options.

We coordinate work experience placements for Key Stage 4 and 5 (Year 10, 11, 12 and 13) in the London Boroughs of Hackney, Camden and Islington. This involves matching students to employers, carrying out workplace risk assessments, and preparing both parties to make the most of the placement.

Additionally, we arrange flexible placements for students studying vocational subjects, and those with SEND. These can take place over one week, or once-a-week over a longer period.

Our work-related and enterprise programmes raise awareness of career options and prepare young people to secure employment.

Example programmes include

• You’re Hired!:  A day of activities focused on the skills and qualities needed in the workplace. Students learn how to find a job, prepare a CV and succeed at interviews.
• Careers Carousel:  Students meet a range of volunteers from different professions and find out about their career path.
• Get Ready for Work Experience:  Students prepare for upcoming work experience placements by practicing workplace skills and behaviour.
• Enterprise Days: With help from business volunteers, students develop, cost and present ideas for a campaign, product or event.
• Money Matters: A personal finance day covering budgeting, earning and saving. Business professionals support the sessions and use real life scenarios.

We run bespoke programmes tailored to different subjects, demonstrating how they can be applied to the working world. Meeting real workers and visiting workplaces helps bring subjects to life.

Example programmes include:

• Industry Insights: Teachers spend a week at a workplace, learning current thinking and practices in jobs related to their subject. Find out how to get involved in Industry Insights
• Workplace visits: Classes or groups visit a workplace, taking part in tours, activities, presentations and Q&A sessions with employees.
• World of Work visitors: Volunteers visit classes or small groups of students to discuss their career path and area of work, followed by a practical activity.

Please contact us to find out how we can support your school or college through working experience and work-related learning.

“You’re Hired was a big help for us, it built our confidence and I have more knowledge about how to do well in interviews.”

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“I liked finding out about jobs I hadn’t considered before and I now have more of an idea about what I want to do”

“Being given tasks that ‘grown-ups’/professionals do was empowering. They were treated as mini adults and equals. The children will see [the volunteers] as role models.”

“The visitors were motivating and I liked learning that anything is possible.”

“The professional’s career path was extremely relevant to the students…She was a good role model and example of what can be achieved.”

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Work experience

WEHI welcomes school students aged 15 years and over for work experience placements.

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Under wehi’s secondary school work experience program, students will have a unique opportunity to learn about careers in medical research by participating in a five-day program of research activities with our scientific teams., secondary school work experience program.

The program will give students direct experience working in medical research. As well as hands-on experience in the lab, the program also includes group workshops devoted to laboratory skills and safety, research ethics and science communication.

Up to 24 students will be selected for each of two week-long intakes (17-21 June 2024 and 16-20 September 2024). The program is capped at 24 students for each intake to maximise access to key lab equipment and deliver a quality learning experience.

The program will take place at the WEHI Parkville campus .

Students will be expected to attend the entire program, approximately 9am – 4pm daily. All students will need to arrange their own transport to Parkville each day, as well as any necessary accommodation. Students will be paid $10 per day as part of the program.

• Applications have now closed
• Successful student applicants notified: Early April 2024
• 17-21 June 2024
• 16-20 September 2024

Eligibility

The WEHI Secondary School Work Experience Program accepts students in year 10, who are aged 15 years or over on the first day of the program.

WEHI aims to provide educational opportunities to a range of students. We welcome applications from students with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.

Applications for the 2024 program have now closed.

Applicants will be notified of whether they are successful in early April 2024.

Please sign up for our secondary school mailing list to be contacted about our future work experience program opportunities.

Other work experience opportunities at WEHI

We understand that for various reasons, not all year 10 students are able to apply for the Secondary School Work Experience Program.

School students who are not able to apply for the Secondary School Work Experience Program may directly contact WEHI laboratory heads or heads of our Professional Services teams about undertaking work experience at a mutually convenient time.

Please note that positions for work experience placements at other times of the year are very limited, and not all teams can accept students.

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Work Experience

This policy sets out the requirements for schools in planning for and implementing work experience placements for secondary school students.

• Work experience is the short-term placement of secondary school students with employers.
• Work experience is generally undertaken in Years 9 or 10.
• It is intended to give students insights into industry and the workplace.
• Schools must ensure they implement this policy and follow the associated work experience manual when planning for and conducting work experience arrangements to ensure compliance with legislation.

Work experience is the short-term placement of secondary school students, generally during Years 9 and 10, with employers to provide insights into industry and the workplace. It provides students with the valuable opportunity to:

• develop employability skills
• explore possible career options
• understand employer expectations
• increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence and self-confidence.

Students are placed with employers primarily to observe and learn – not to undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise.

Work experience arrangements

All arrangements for work experience must comply with Ministerial Order 1413 – Work Experience Arrangements (PDF) External Link and the arrangement forms from the Resources tab must be used.

Work experience manual

The department’s work experience manual supports schools to comply with Ministerial Order 1413. Schools must use this manual when planning for and conducting work experience arrangements. Refer to the Resources tab .

Work experience arrangement form

The Work experience arrangement form (PDF) External Link must be completed and signed before the work experience commences. It must be signed by the:

• parent/guardian of the student – if the student is under 18 years of age
• principal or acting principal – this authority cannot be delegated to an assistant principal or other member of staff.

The principal must ensure a copy of the signed arrangement form is provided to each party. The principal must retain the original copy.

Variations or amendments to the arrangement form must be made in writing and must be signed by the:

• parent/guardian – if the student is under 18 years of age

Work experience travel and accommodation form

The Work experience travel and accommodation form (PDF) External Link must be used:

• if it is proposed that the student may need to undertake vehicle travel with their employer and/or supervisor during the arrangement, including travel to or from the workplace
• if the student is required to stay in accommodation other than their normal place of residence while undertaking work experience.

This form must be signed:

• for travel – by both the employer and the parent/guardian, or the student if they are aged 18 years or over
• for accommodation – by the parent/guardian, or the student if they are aged 18 years or over.

School to Work Statewide Portal

The department’s School to Work (S2W) Statewide Portal provides students and teachers a single, easy to navigate information and referral point for work-based learning opportunities offered by a diverse range of employers.

Searching on the portal can be done by:

• VET certificate.

If you are a student or teacher looking for work-based learning opportunities, including work experience and structured workplace learning, refer to the School to Work Statewide Portal External Link .

The 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (Victorian LLENs) are funded to deliver the S2W Program and facilitate student access to work-based learning placements tailored to local priorities and employment opportunities. To find your nearest LLEN, refer to the Local Learning and Employment Network External Link .

Occupational health and safety

Prior to commencing work experience, students must satisfactorily complete occupational health and safety (OHS) training, either through:

• safe@work External Link
• for students with disability or additional needs – A Job Well Done External Link .

It is the responsibility of the principal to determine which OHS program is the most appropriate for the student to undertake.

COVID-19 advice

Employers and students participating in work experience must continue to follow COVIDSafe practices in line with public health guidance and recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Employers must ensure that students are aware of the workplace’s COVIDSafe Plan, if available, as part of their induction to the workplace. Students must comply with any control measures implemented in the workplace to manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Some employers, particularly in the healthcare and aged care industries, may have a workplace vaccination policy that requires a student on placement to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status to attend work onsite. Students and schools are encouraged to check with employers if a vaccination policy is in place before making a work experience arrangement. If a student refuses to disclose their vaccination status to an employer and the employer is not comfortable with the placement proceeding on that basis, then the employer may choose not to proceed with the placement. If this occurs, all efforts must be made to organise alternative arrangements for students.

For other department policy, guidance and advice on school operations during COVID-19, schools can also refer to COVID-19 advice .

• Child Safe Standards

The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian schools to ensure they are well prepared to keep children and young people safe and protect them from abuse. Ministerial Order 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools (PDF) External Link provides the framework for child safety in schools.

The Child Safe Standards require schools to put in place systems and processes to help prevent harm to students in all school environments, including workplace learning environments where students undertake:

• work experience
• structured workplace learning
• school community work (volunteering)
• school based apprenticeships and traineeships.

For more information, visit:

• PROTECT website External Link

For assistance with queries relating to work experience arrangements, please contact the relevant organisation as outlined below.

For government schools

Career Education Unit, Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Taskforce, Department of Education, email: [email protected]

For Catholic schools

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Jenny Wilson, email: [email protected] , phone: 03 9267 0253

For independent schools

Independent Schools Victoria, Peter Roberts, email: [email protected] , phone: 03 9825 7200

Definitions

Work experience The short-term placement of secondary school students with employers.

Related policies

• School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
• School Community Work
• Structured Workplace Learning

Relevant legislation

• Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) External Link
• Ministerial Order 1413 – Work Experience Arrangements (PDF) External Link
• Ministerial Order 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools (PDF) External Link

Reviewed 25 February 2024

• Print whole topic

Policy last updated

13 November 2023

There are multiple contacts for this policy. Refer to the foot of the policy page for contact details.

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Work experience placements

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Interested in offering your time to our young people but don’t know where to start? Check out our menu of business participation for a way to get involved.

Work experience

Each year all Year 10 students complete two weeks of work experience to develop insight into the day-to-day role of an employee in an organisation, building on skills learned in the classroom and seeing the application of those skills in real life situations.

Mock interviews

Mock interviews provide our students with an opportunity to practice for a situation which many will have never been in before. During the session, employers ask a range of interview questions, provide feedback on how the student performed and offer advice on how to improve their technique.

Careers talks

Talk to our students about your industry and your journey. This could be as a 15 minute assembly to a whole year group; to a class of children as part of their timetabled lessons for between 15 – 50 minutes; or to a small group who are already interested in your profession.

We are particularly in need of mentors to work with our students with additional learning needs. These children often have the most challenging experience when it comes to finding a job. Mentoring, work shadowing and placements can really open doors to them in a meaningful way. If you are interested in working with one of our students we can provide help and information about learning disabilities, and support you to make a real, tangible difference in a young person’s life.

If you are interested in working with us to deliver quality careers provision please contact us .

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Work experience: guidance, work experience isn't statutory at key stages 4 and 5, although it is expected. brush up on the requirements for a high-quality placement, including for pupils with send, and take a look at what other schools provide., work experience isn't a statutory requirement at ks4, but is expected , ks5: work experience is expected .

• What a high-quality work placement looks like
• What Ofsted expects
• Safeguarding considerations
• Pupils with SEND: raise career aspirations
• Examples of work experience provision
• Read about statutory careers requirements and more

The Gatsby Benchmarks  state that every pupil should have at least 1 first-hand experience of a workplace by the time they're 16. This could be through:

• Work experience
• Work visits
• Work shadowing

The Gatsby Benchmarks aren't statutory, but are a useful framework to use to develop your careers programme in line with the statutory requirements . 

This is explained in the DfE's non-statutory guidance for 16 to 19 study programmes (see section

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• How to meet the statutory careers requirements (secondary)
• DBS checks: work experience providers
• Careers guidance policy: model and examples

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Work Experience and Work Placements in Secondary School Education

Australian council for educational research, longitudinal surveys of australian youth.

This research focussed on participation in work experience and workplace learning programmes in Australia; the characteristics of pupils who participated in such programmes; and perceptions of the value of work experience programmes compared to part-time jobs, following renewed policy emphasis on work-based learning. It found that part-time jobs are more highly valued than work experience by pupils in terms of gaining employability skills; and that workplace learning programmes, which are extended work experience placements and usually involve a qualification element, are successful in opening up opportunities to pupils with academic or social disadvantage.

There was a decided push towards work-based learning in Australia both through work experience programmes and structured workplace learning in vocational education and training (VET) schools during the late 1990s and 2000s. These developments were mainly aimed at Year 11 and Year 12 students as an addition to their curriculum. Using 1996 and 1997 data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) program, which followed the same pupils as they progressed through school Years 9-11, this research explores student participation in work experience, school-industry and other workplace learning programmes.

In terms of participation, approximately 84% of students participated in work experience programmes nationally but rates varied by state, gender and type of school attended. Demographically, girls were on average 5% more likely to participate in work experience programmes than boys in both Years 10 and 11. The explanation for this is not immediately clear, but may reflect the fact that boys are more likely to leave school at earlier ages than girls to undertake jobs or apprenticeships, with the boys remaining in education being less motivated by work experience programmes.

There were no statistically significant difference in participation rates between state and independent schools but the amount of time spent on work experience programmes did differ. Independent school pupils were more likely to spend a single week on work experience than their state educated peers, who on average spent more time in the workplace. Participation rates were only slightly higher in rural than urban areas, which may reflect the nature and importance of local networks in finding work placements.

In terms of part-time work, 44% of all students in the sample had part-time jobs after work during Year 10, with girls more likely to be doing part-time work than boys. Interestingly, the perceived value of part-time jobs was much higher than work experience programmes: pupils reported that part-time jobs were more valuable in terms of learning people skills, following instructions, self-motivation and confidence. One possible explanation for results is that the lengthier time devoted to a part-time job than work experience results in a higher perceived value, amongst students.

In terms of workplace learning programmes, whereby pupils spend an extended length of time in a workplace to gain specific skills and knowledge and often some form of qualification, participation rates were comparatively low at 8%. Gender, school-type, location and family background all played a role in the likelihood of participation: boys, pupils from state schools, pupils from rural areas and pupils from parents in skilled or unskilled backgrounds were all more likely to participate in workplace learning programmes than their female, independent school, metropolitan and professional counterparts. The lowest achievers in numeracy and literacy were the most likely to participate, and rates were much higher for pupils planning on undertaking vocational training rather than further education.

What this suggests is that workplace learning programmes can open doors for pupils who struggle with aspects of the secondary curriculum and do not aspire to university education. This is an especially important finding in relation to youth unemployment for the less academically able, although the low rates of participation in workplace learning mean caution should be taken when applying the conclusions of this research more broadly.

Work experience and work placements in secondary school education

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Secondary education

School uncomfortable with dcs work experience placement..

charliepaytonsmum · Yesterday 14:47

So my daughter (15) has chosen to do her work experience (placement not with school, we arranged it ourselves, which is allowed) she has chosen to go to a funeral home, for a few reasons and non of them particularly morbid. She thinks it's important to understands what happens to your body after you die and how death is handled because (her words) nobody talks about it but thats because maybe they don't know them selves. She thinks it's important to be aware and understand as to not be so afraid of death. She also hates that fact that's its a very male dominated industry and even in today's society its rare for funeral homes to employ women, especially the old family run ones. The funeral home she will be attending is female owned and run (and the ownder is a good friend of my Aunt), and it is the only female owned funeral home in the city and as far as I know surrounding areas. She's wants to learn from this owner in particular as she was rejected by every funeral home in our city when she first started out so decided to open her own. My daughter is not looking to satisfy some morbid curiosity, she really believes that this is an important fact of life that everyone should know and its all very matrer of fact and scientific for her. We went to the funeral home for an informal chat and look around to make sure she was comfortable in the environment and was comfortable discussing her expectations and reasons why she wanted to do this, all without my input or help. School said they were uncomfortable with it and don't want her to be traumatised but I know the owners aren't going to put her in a traumatic situation and I trust them completely. They said that they weren't sure that she was emotional ready what ever that means, maybe the fact that sometimes at school she gets over stimulated and has had a couple small panic attacks but this is due to crowds, louds noises particularly noise associated with crowds and people, which is obviously not going be be an issue is a small quiet funeral home. I know iv rambled a bit but I suppose my query is can they actually lagally stop her from doing this. In the UK.

Yet they're happy for them to go to care homes where the things they witness may be far more traumatic (even if they're not providing personal care). If the place is happy and you and your daughter are happy, they'll have to lump it I'm afraid. Your daughter sounds amazing, death really is a taboo subject when it shouldn't be. She'll learn a lot.

The only thing I'd consider is when you mention your DD getting over stimulated, is whether this is ever triggered by stress/emotional scenes/nervousness or awkwardness. I imagine she will not be interacting directly with the bereaved, however she may be present when mourning families come in to discuss arrangements. As long as you feel she is strong enough for this I think it could be a good opportunity. Whilst I do fully sympathise with people having panic attacks, I don't think I'd feel the same if I was arranging a loved ones funeral.

I can kind of see their point of view, if she comes into contact with dead bodies and grieving people it could be traumatic for her.

Can't help with your exact question but have you or your daughter read Caitlin Dougherty books? She is a mortician in USA. I found her book very interesting

How's does the funeral home deal with putting the additional burden of permission onto the very recently bereaved, do they tell them a 15 year old school child will be present when their loved one is being (for want of a better word) "processed". Not sure I would have been happy for a 15 year old child being present and would have preferred to maintain my loved ones dignity. Also not sure I would have wanted a random 15 year old in my mums kitchen when talking to the funeral director about arrangements for her funeral while still reeling from her death.

What is your daughter actually going to be doing in this funeral home?

I really don't see a problem with this, I'm sure the funeral home will be sensitive to their clients. I think if she's interested then why not, she's ovously aware that there will be dead bodies and greaving relatives.

In theory, this could be fine, but I would be very interested to see Risk Assessment that the funeral home are completing, and you should ask to see it. It should note possible psychological issues on there (i.e. from your child seeing/speaking about death) and you would also get a better idea of what she will be doing/ how the home plan to control, from that document.

My initial thought was I agree with the school. But on reflection, she could work in this industry at 16 when she leaves school - so a year earlier isn't going to make much difference. You / the owner seem to have thought this through and visited the home prior to her starting. This work experience could also open doors to other employment avenues - medical, forensic sciences, etc which she might be interested in too. I did work experience with a Vet and saw eyes being popped out in surgery, pets being put to sleep, etc - obviously not the same, but still fairly full on and having a real life experience of the role / responsibilities was really beneficial. I'd ask for a meeting with the school and tell them everything that has been put in place and done to enable it to be a positive experience. If still a no, ask them directly whether legally they can prevent it.

I work in the funeral business, not at a funeral home but closely associated with them, it can be hard and a lot of people who work there end up leaving or having mental health issues because they can't leave behind the things that they have to deal with on a daily basis, it's incredibly emotionally challenging at times. I think it's one of those things that you don't know how you're going to react until you're faced with something, and after that it's already too late to wish to you hadn't seen it/known about, so you have to be sure that she will be able to handle things like being in the presence of grieving families or talking matter of factly about death and dead bodies and how they are processed. I'm sure they will be able to find her things to do that won't put her in a vulnerable position, or have her actively interact with bereaved people, but they won't be able to shield her entirely and they will expect a certain level of conduct, so if you think she can handle it then it may be a good learning experience.

If the school aren’t satisfied with the risk assessment then they will be able to refuse.

A girl in my school did her work experience at a funeral home in year 11. She didn’t go on to pursue it as a career but had an interesting week where she learnt a lot.

I guess from the schools point of view they will be worrying about her possibly seeing people who have died in a traumatic way or a child. Other PPs have a fair point on the impact of grieving families though and a school child being around not being great for them. As an aside I took a group of year 11 students to a medicine outreach trip Operating Theatre live or similar I can't remember the exact group. We routinely did dissections of heart, lungs and eyeballs (by product of meat industry) as part of the syllabus. So the 'gore' factor shouldn't be an issue as it's part and parcel of science teaching

I oversee work experience placements for teenagers. I would be very surprised if a risk assessment allowed under-18s to do a work placement in a funeral home. I would expect the following concerns to be raised: Health and safety - dangerous equipment and chemicals used during embalming process/stored on the premises Trauma of seeing people who have died unexpectedly, violently or at a young age, or hearing their stories being discussed The requirement to maintain confidentiality of the deceased person Inappropriateness of a child being present in discussions with families - their grief is not a learning experience for school-aged child I don’t think your daughter’s personality comes into it. I think in general this is not appropriate for any child under 18, and I would be surprised if it is allowed.

GiantCheeseMonster · Yesterday 15:33

This is really sensible. With all these caveats, what could your dd do? What's left to do if she doesn't meet grieving families etc?

OP, My own ÐD did her work experience in a funeral home. It was on the list of places that were provided by the school who offered work experience. She helped collect deceased people who had died at home, helped with dressing and embalming, attended funerals and cremations. She found it fascinating. She was schooled in how to present and behave, dress, show respect. It was very professional. She will never forget the experience and really values the chance she got. However, this was 11 years ago, she is now just 27, so things might well have changed. I think she truly appreciated an extraordinary experience and found it more enriching than the 'safer', more 'sanitised' options some of her peers experienced. If your DD feels up to it, you feel it will be conducted with professionalism for all parties involved, then I would encourage her to pursue it. Good luck

When I was 17 I did work experience with the local council environmental health team. They decided to do an inspection on the local funeral home and they took me everywhere from the workshop where the coffins were made to the embalming room. It was completely out of the blue. It was one of the most interesting places I have ever been.

You know your dd best, I think it's an interesting choice. BTW there are quite a few female owned or managed ones around here including family owned. Things have changed since I first working in an allied role

As for dangerous chemicals, you should have seen where my DDs did work experience ... school didn't mention dangerous chemicals once, only that the supervisor had a dbs, the supervisor was their dad! (He dutifully got one)

I recall my Year 10 work experience being a lot less hands on than my Year 12 - is she going to be helping to handle the deceased, or looking through coffin catalogues, hoovering the reception area and making tea?

FoodAnxiety · Yesterday 15:48

I started my Nurse training age 17 and encountered all of the above. On turning 18 you don't suddenly gain coping mechanisms and manage things differently, you learn from the experienced people you are working with and if they're doing it right they'll have the young person under tight rein for good learning opportunities. They could probably still learn a lot even without being exposed to a dead body or being directly involved with families. Perhaps 15 is a little young but really I don't see why not. If the funeral home is happy for a young person to be there and learn, I'd expect they'd have thought of how they'd manage all the concerns noted. Personally, when I visited the funeral directors to discuss plans about my mums funeral, I was just trying to focus on what I had to do. If a young person had been there, discreetly in the background with a supervisor, I'd barely have noticed or cared. Just like work experience kids are on hospital wards. They don't do much, they're observing and learning from the workers. I think it's a great opportunity for a young person if they have a particular interest. It's a demonstration of how your feelings are not paramount , the deceased and their family are the complete priority. That is a very important lesson in a world where children are expected to check their feelings and possible trauma at every turn. Sometimes, how you get through things is engaging your brain and do what needs to be done. To watch this be done by professionals and how they manage grieving families day in day out would be a privileged learning experience for someone interested in it as a career. I wanted to do my work experience in a funeral home but I wasn't allowed. I had to do childcare experience instead. Perfectly OK, for a child to be let loose on vulnerable children.

My mum died very recently so my experience of going to a funeral director and organising a funeral happened in the last few weeks. I certainly wouldn't have welcomed a 15 year old in my meetings with the funeral arranger - it was a time of raw grief for me and I wanted someone who was mature enough to understand how I felt. I also wouldn't have wanted a 15 year old assisting with preparing my mum for her funeral. I wanted my mum to be given respect, dignity and not to be "gawped" at. I know everyone has to learn how to do the job, but that's not what this work experience would be, work experience is not "learning to do the job". Most young people don't go on to work in the area where they do their work experience. If the OP's daughter really wants to be a funeral director can't she wait until she's old enough to apply for proper training, and until she's got the right level of maturity for the job?

I think the school are right to be flagging it up, don’t say they didn’t warn you. Hopefully the owner / funeral director will have the foresight to filter what your daughter sees and hears. What if a child comes in? What if a traumatised old lady wants to view her husband’s body for the last time and breaks down in hysterical tears? Will she have the maturity to cope with that kind of scene?

Awumminnscotland · Yesterday 16:42

A 15 year old is a child. An 18 year old is an adult. That’s the difference. It’s not about individual maturity, it’s about legal status. A 17 year old now cannot begin nursing training. It’s very difficult to get WE placements in hospitals and GP surgeries for the same reasons (I know, as I do it) - usually young people have to be 18, and if they are younger then it’s either not approved or they are very restricted in what they can do. Much easier to get WE in a vets’ practice if they want something medical-related and are not yet 18.

Agree, it will be tricky to appropriately risk assess this and manage the needs if the business alongside a learning experience.

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Half of students ‘disadvantaged’ on work experience

Half of state school students lack access to work experience, putting them at a “double disadvantage” when applying to top universities, a new report warns.

One-third of universities take work experience into account when assessing applications, according to today’s report by the Speakers for Schools charity.

And students from disadvantaged backgrounds are disproportionately missing out because they often lack this experience, the report says.

University applicants from affluent areas are six times more likely to have an offer from a prestigious university, such as a Russell Group institution, compared with those from disadvantaged areas, the research shows.

This disparity in access to work experience “creates a double disadvantage for young people educated in the state sector”, the report says.

The work experience barrier to university

Nearly all Russell Group universities include work experience in their admissions criteria for courses such as veterinary science, dentistry and medicine, the charity says.

Nick Brook, CEO of Speakers for Schools, said: “With intense competition for places, it is vital that young people can compete on a level playing field.”

But the odds are “stacked firmly in favour of pupils from more advantaged backgrounds”, he added.

The report calls on Russell Group universities to extend their outreach activities to schools serving disadvantaged communities.

Compulsory work experience was scrapped by the coalition government in 2012 .

Speakers for Schools wants the government to ensure that schools and colleges are “adequately funded to support universal access to high-quality work experience for all”.

It is calling on the government to make sure that schools are properly recognised for valuing and prioritising “meaningful” careers education and work experience.

• Work experience: “Make it compulsory again,” say business leaders
• Careers education: Three ways to transform work experience in your school
• Guidance: Schools “expected to report careers provision progress”

With state schools under “acute funding and staffing pressures”, careers education and work experience “often get deprioritised”, it says.

The charity found that providing one work experience placement for all young people by the age of 16 would cost £35 million. According to government figures , school funding for 2024-25 totalled £59.5 billion.

The report notes that young people want careers support from schools in areas such as how to create a good CV, how perform well in interviews and how to find a job.

They would also appreciate help in understanding which skills, attitudes and qualifications employers require.

The Speakers for Schools report calls on school leaders to ensure that all young people “have access to multi-day, high-quality work experience”, adding that it is critical that career leaders and teachers are supported to secure placements for students.

Leaders are also urged to provide encounters with further and higher education during school years. The charity says that by the age of 16 every student should have had a meaningful encounter with providers of the full range of educational opportunities, including universities.

Lack of funding hits careers education

Sarah Hannafin, head of policy at the NAHT school leaders’ union, said: “Work-related learning at secondary age is crucial to help pupils to think about their future, while providing them with a valuable taste of the world of work.” She blamed a lack of funding for the drop in work experience opportunities, saying “schools no longer have the dedicated staff or resources to set up work experience placements for students”.

Schools must be provided with the resources to provide high-quality careers education, she said, adding that broader careers education should begin at primary school.

Kevin Gilmartin, post-16 specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders, echoed these comments, saying: “The problem is that schools and colleges are poorly funded and under pressure on many fronts. They often lack the time, staffing and resources needed for many things, including organising and providing these opportunities. More investment is urgently required to support this provision, as well as for careers guidance and advice.”

If it is elected to government, the Labour Party has said it will “deliver two weeks’ worth of high-quality work experience for every young person at secondary school or college”.

The party has also said it will train more than 1,000 new careers advisers with up-to-date knowledge of post-16 pathways.

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