Work experience placements: What you need to know

by Amber Rolfe

Need some work experience, but don’t know where to start?

No matter where you are in your career, gaining some hands-on experience in the right sector is absolutely essential to help you stand out – whether you’re fresh out of school, graduating university, or looking to move into a completely new sector. This is especially true if you’re up against stiff competition. 

We’ve already covered some tips on how to get work experience, but to make sure you’re not missing out, here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know about work experience placements:

What is a work experience placement?

A work experience placement is a temporary role that allows people looking for employment in a specific field to gain practical experience – and find out what it’s really like before committing to a permanent contract.

The type of work you will be expected to do varies depending on the workplace and the type of placement you choose. However, it will normally involve a large amount of observation or work ‘shadowing’, alongside assisting with day-to-day tasks and duties. 

Think of it as a try-before-you-buy scheme, but for your career.

Find out more about getting work experience

When can I do one?

Although work experience placements are most common during summer holidays, it is possible to find a work placement at any time of the year. 

Not all companies are in a position to offer you a role right away, but most local businesses are accommodating when it comes to providing opportunities.

Just make sure you get in touch with an employer or apply for a vacancy well in advance. If you give little notice, you are unlikely to be considered. Employers need time to organise dates, insurance, and someone to actually look after you.

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone can apply for a work experience placement, no matter what stage of their career they’re in. However, placements are generally aimed at those who lack practical experience in the working world or their preferred sector.

They are normally carried out by:

• School students (Year 10 and 11)
• University students
• Recent graduates
• Career changers

Students often choose to take part in work experience as part of their study to help prepare themselves for the working world when they leave school. In fact, a work experience placement could also be an essential requirement as part of your degree.

What are the benefits?

Why should you give up your free time? Here is why it pays off.

Aside from gaining new skills, a work placement provides you with a valuable insight into how a particular sector works. It helps you decide if the role is actually right for you – because realising you hate a job after two weeks is much better than realising it after two years.

Work placements also give you the ability to expand your network of contacts. This means you could gain positive references to use for future jobs, and other roles might become more obtainable.

All in all, work experience is a great way to quantify your skills on your CV and prove your enthusiasm to a potential employer. The possibility that a successful placement could eventually result in a full-time job is also a massive plus.

Will I get paid?

This is the big question, and the answer depends on your specific status.

Whether you are paid for your placement depends on the type of role you take on, the organisation, and the length of time you will be working there.

When you should be paid

If you are classed as a ‘worker’ – meaning you have set hours, duties to perform, and you are doing work that provides value to the business – you are generally entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW). It doesn’t matter if they call you an ‘intern’ or ‘volunteer’; if you are working, you should be paid.

When you might not be paid

There are specific exemptions where unpaid placements are legal:

• Students: If the placement is a required part of a UK-based further or higher education course and lasts less than a year.
• School age: If you are of compulsory school age.
• Voluntary workers: If you are working for a charity, voluntary organisation, or statutory body.
• Work shadowing: If you are strictly observing and not performing any work tasks yourself.

If you are unsure, it is always worth clarifying the terms before you start.

What kind of work can I do?

Work experience is available within most sectors and industries, although the most popular placements are based in media and digital, fashion, finance, art and design, and teaching.

Placements in retail are also popular, especially for those looking to leave school and gain some initial work experience to start their career, instead of choosing to take on further study. 

If you aren’t sure what fits you best, check out our guide on what career is right for me.

How long will the placement last?

It could be a quick visit or a long-term arrangement.

The exact length of a placement will vary from place to place. It depends on the type of work, the sector, and the individual employer.

They could last from a few weeks to a few months or a year (although yearlong placements are normally only done during university study). Although most are carried out consecutively, some work experience placements can be done over a longer period of time on a part-time basis.

How do I get one?

Ready to take the plunge? Here is how to land the role.

Securing a work experience placement is similar to finding a job, although the roles might not be advertised as widely. You may need to ask around or get in touch with a company directly.

Once you have found an available opportunity, or a company you would like to work for, the next step is to write a work experience letter to attach to your application. This is essentially a cover letter tailored to requesting a placement.

If you are struggling for inspiration, our work experience letter template should help get you started.

Other ways to get work experience

Work experience comes in many forms. In addition to reaching out to employers to ask for a work experience placement, here are some other ideas to help you get started:

• Try a part-time job – even a few hours a week counts
• Lend a hand with a friend’s or family member’s business
• Start your own mini business or side hustle
• Get involved in competitions or skill challenges like World Skills
• Take a course that includes work experience – such as T Levels, Vocational Technical Qualifications (VTQs), or even some university degrees, where you might spend one day a week or a block of weeks in a placement
• If you’re currently out of work, check if Jobcentre Plus offers placements or support with costs like travel or childcare
• Chat with a careers adviser for tailored local opportunities
• Apply for an apprenticeship to gain paid work experience while you learn new skills

Frequently asked questions

Still have a few concerns? Let’s clear those up.

Do I need a DBS check?

Usually, no. If you are under 18, you generally won’t need a DBS check unless you are working in specific healthcare or childcare roles. If you are over 16 and the employer requires one for the specific role, they will usually organise this for you.

Is there insurance cover for me?

Yes. If an employer has Employer’s Liability Insurance (which most are legally required to have), it generally covers work experience placements automatically. You should be treated with the same level of care regarding health and safety as any other employee.

Can I get a placement if I have no experience at all?

Absolutely. That is the whole point. Employers offering these placements expect you to be there to learn. Focus your application on your soft skills – like communication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn – rather than technical expertise.

What’s the difference between volunteer work and a work placement?

Volunteer work is unpaid and focuses on helping a cause, while work placements are structured opportunities designed to give you experience in a specific job or sector. Volunteer roles can be more flexible, but placements are usually targeted toward your future career goals. Both are great for building your skills and CV.

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