Work experience opportunities

PKF Smith Cooper is offering Work Experience 2026 for motivated school or college students who want hands-on exposure to accounting and advisory services. The placement is designed to give participants a practical introduction to professional life and a head start in their career exploration, with opportunities to learn from experienced staff in a busy Midlands accountancy firm. Students may have the chance to explore a range of teams, including business services, audit, tax, corporate finance, and business recovery and restructuring. There may also be opportunities to spend time with central teams such as finance, people, and marketing. The programme is available at offices in Derby, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Ashbourne, and it is in-person only with no remote option. Applications are open on a rolling basis, and interested students should register their interest by uploading a CV and answering a few questions on the job portal.

Associated British Ports (ABP) has launched a virtual work experience programme that helps students explore how ports operate and the careers connected to maritime logistics. The programme is designed as a flexible online experience, making it easier for young people to take part wherever they live and on a device that suits them. Created with Talent XP, the programme uses interactive modules to introduce learners to four key areas: keeping Britain trading, the energy transition, safety and wellbeing, and careers at ABP. Students learn how goods move through ports, how ports support renewable projects, and how ABP approaches a safety-first workplace culture. The experience is intended to widen access to port-related careers and give students a starting point for future opportunities. Participants can also hear about apprenticeship and graduate pathways at ABP, and they receive a certificate when they complete the modules.

This virtual work experience programme, created in partnership with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, is designed to help students explore healthcare careers and understand what working in the NHS can involve. It offers an accessible starting point for young people who are interested in healthcare but are not sure which route to take. Participants work through interactive online learning, expert-led modules and practical tasks that are designed to build real-world understanding of the sector. The programme also includes quizzes, webinars and opportunities to hear from professionals working at Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, giving students insight into different roles, pathways and the skills needed in healthcare. The experience is flexible and can be completed at your own pace, making it suitable for students balancing school and other commitments. It is intended to help learners build confidence, develop transferable skills and gain a completion certificate that can support future applications and career exploration.

Luton Borough Council is offering work experience placements for students in Years 10 and 11. The scheme is designed to give young people a practical introduction to the workplace and an opportunity to build confidence, explore career interests, and gain insight into the work of a local authority. The council says it wants participants to have an experience that supports their career aspirations and adds value to their future. Managers prepare a timetable tailored to the individual student, and applicants are encouraged to show commitment, participation, and cooperation if they secure a place. Placements are available to students who live in Luton and/or attend a Luton school. SEND applicants are welcome, and the council asks students to share this on their form so a suitable timetable can be planned. Because the scheme is popular, a place cannot be guaranteed for every applicant, but each request will be carefully considered.

Futures For All offers a fully funded work experience programme that helps young people get real-world exposure to different careers. The programme is designed to build practical skills, confidence, and a clearer understanding of what different jobs are like day to day. Young people can access a mix of in-person and remote placements, alongside shorter Insight Days, with opportunities delivered in partnership with hundreds of leading UK employers. The programme is intended to be flexible and accessible, giving students a range of ways to take part depending on their interests and circumstances. The service is open to 14 to 19-year-olds in state schools and colleges across the country. Students can use the Work Experience Finder to explore opportunities by career interest and get guidance on where to start, while educators and employers are supported through planning, safeguarding, and programme management.

Braywick Nature Centre runs a small work experience programme twice a year, offering a limited number of places to students aged 17 or above. The placement is designed to give participants a short amount of industry experience across local government and environmental work, with exposure to areas such as nature conservation, flooding, and energy/net zero. The experience is based around the work of the sustainability and natural environment teams, giving students a chance to see how public-sector environmental projects are planned and delivered. It is aimed at people who want a clearer sense of what careers in ecology, conservation, sustainability, or related local authority work can involve. To apply, interested students should email sustainability@rbwm.gov.uk with a short cover letter of no more than one page. The letter should explain who they are, why they want the placement, what they hope to gain from it, and which departments or areas they would most like to work with. Applicants may then be invited to an informal chat with the team.

Healthcare Horizons is a free virtual work experience platform run by Barts Health NHS Trust. It is designed to help young people explore careers in the health sector, understand university entry requirements, and reflect on the skills and challenges involved in different professions. The platform is self-paced and can be accessed whenever a learner is ready to continue. Content is delivered through presentations, videos, quizzes, games, and other interactive tasks, making it suitable for independent exploration and repeated use over time. Users can browse careers that interest them, access further reading and useful resources, and keep a reflective journal to record key learning points. This can be especially helpful for students preparing personal statements or thinking about future study and career choices. Each completed course in the Interactive Courses category generates a certificate of completion.

The Movement to Work Pathway is a two-week work experience placement within the Civil Service, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions and run across government departments. It is part of the Government’s Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Life Chances pathways and is designed to help young people gain practical experience and a route into public-sector employment.

The pathway can potentially lead to a temporary fixed-term appointment for up to 24 months, with the possibility of permanent employment after 12 months. It is aimed at young people who are not in education, employment or training, and candidates are sourced through Jobcentre customers. Those receiving unemployment-related benefits are directed to speak with their assigned work coach to check whether suitable placements are available locally.

Met Office Careers - Forecasting Your Future is a virtual work experience programme that introduces students to the wide range of careers available at the Met Office. It is designed to help participants explore potential pathways into a future career while developing transferable employability skills and a clearer sense of where their interests and strengths might fit. The programme includes interactive modules, quizzes and activities covering the Met Office’s history, strategy, values, sustainability, and equality, diversity and inclusion. Participants also explore science, engineering, forecasting, technology, cyber security, data science, corporate services and customer/stakeholder management, while hearing from Met Office employees along the way. The experience also supports job applications and CV writing, and finishing the programme unlocks a certificate of completion as well as the chance to apply for in-person work experience with the Met Office.

Join Springpod’s virtual work experience programme, created with JLL and Meta, to explore the world of real estate and the many careers connected to it. The programme introduces the property lifecycle and the myths and realities of the sector, while also showing how data, sustainability, transaction management, project management, entrepreneurship and facilities management all fit into the wider industry. Learners take part in a mix of written, interactive and video-based activities, including quizzes, reflection tasks and a Minecraft design project. The experience also includes insights from real estate professionals through the programme’s Life In series and live webinar-style content, helping participants understand what jobs in the sector involve day to day. The course is designed to be completed online at your own pace, with recordings available if you miss a live session, and participants receive a certificate when they finish.

The Doctor Summer Experience is an immersive medicine work experience programme for aspiring doctors aged 15-18. Students take part in realistic medical simulations and professional site visits that bring together clinical reasoning, patient communication, basic procedures and teamwork. Activities include simulated ward rounds, diagnosing patients from case notes and test results, taking blood, suturing wounds, handling emergencies and learning how doctors make decisions in fast-paced environments. The programme is based at University College London and the surrounding University of London campus, with some days taking place at other key London healthcare locations. Students are guided by real doctors and medical professionals, and they also receive support with medical school preparation, including UCAS personal statements, interview practice and UCAT guidance. The experience is designed to help participants build confidence, gain insight into a career in medicine and strengthen their university applications. Participants can choose from a one-week taster, a full two-week experience or an enhanced two-week package with extra professional development, a gala dinner and additional networking opportunities. Residential and non-residential options are available, with residential students staying in UCL halls in central London and receiving meals, guardianship and evening/weekend activities.

Blue Stamp Travel’s Work Experience Abroad programme in Lille gives students the chance to use French in a real working environment while living and travelling independently in a supported group setting. The trip is designed for older school students who want to build confidence, improve fluency, and experience everyday French life beyond the classroom. Participants spend the week on full-time placements in local businesses, schools, and organisations across Lille. The placement is matched to each student’s preferences, experience, and future plans, and the programme is supported by an experienced Group Leader who visits placements and helps with any difficulties that arise. Students also gain a practical understanding of workplace expectations, professional conduct, and intercultural communication. The package includes homestay accommodation with local hosts, half-board meals, travel support, and a certificate at the end of the trip. Students travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, with detailed travel guidance provided. An alternative departure is also offered later in the year, and bookings open in August 2026.

Rothschild & Co’s UK Horizon Women’s Work Experience Programme is a short summer experience designed for Year 13 female students who are interested in a career in financial advisory. Based in London, the programme is centred on the firm’s Global Advisory division and offers an introduction to areas such as M&A, debt and restructuring, and equity advisory. Participants get a practical insight into life as a banker at Rothschild & Co through a mix of networking, presentations, and skills sessions. Students meet junior bankers from Global Advisory, Wealth Management and Five Arrows, hear from analysts across different business areas, and work in groups on a project that they present at the end of the programme. The programme also includes a tour of Rothschild & Co’s historical archives, helping students understand the firm’s long history and unique business model. By the end of the experience, participants are encouraged to continue exploring a future in financial advisory, and those interested may be offered a stay-in-touch programme.

Springpod’s Broadcast & Media virtual work experience introduces students to the fast-moving world of broadcast, media and journalism. The programme is designed to help participants understand the types of roles available, the key concepts behind the industry, and the skills needed to get started in a creative media career. Learners take part in a series of workplace-style projects and interactive activities covering television, radio, print media and digital media. They can explore how stories are created and presented across different platforms, while also hearing from industry experts and building a downloadable portfolio of their work. The programme is fully virtual and self-paced, with live talks available as recordings, making it flexible to complete alongside school or college.

Martin-Baker offers two related early-careers opportunities: Summer Placements aimed at students studying towards a relevant degree, and a 4-day Work Experience Programme in Engineering & Manufacturing for local school students. Summer placements are 8-12 week opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience within engineering teams; availability is ad hoc and cannot be guaranteed every year.

The Work Experience Programme is a structured 4-day placement at Martin-Baker's Denham site, delivered up to three times a year and typically scheduled within half-term or school holiday periods. Spaces are limited and the programme is intended to improve access to meaningful placements for local schools and students.

To register interest in Summer Placements applicants should create an account on Martin-Baker's applicant portal and select the 'Early Careers' category and 'Summer Placement' sub-category. For work experience queries or to apply for the 4-day programme, contact the Early Careers team via the email provided.

Study Mind’s Law Summer Career Camp is a hands-on programme for students aged 15-18 who want to explore careers in law. It combines legal theory with practical experience through mock trials, legal workshops, debates, courtroom simulations, and case analysis. Students also gain exposure to different legal specialisms and meet practising professionals, including solicitors, barristers, and legal academics. Alongside the legal learning, the programme includes university and career preparation. Participants receive support with UCAS applications, personal statements, LNAT preparation, and interview techniques, helping them build confidence about law degrees and future legal pathways. The camp is designed for beginners as well as students who already have some interest in the subject. The experience is delivered in central London and can run for one, two, or three weeks. Students may also choose residential accommodation at UCL’s Ramsay Hall, with meals, supervision, and activities included for residential participants. Everyone receives a certificate on completion, recognising their participation and the skills developed during the programme.

Duncan & Toplis offers short in-person work experience placements designed to give students an introductory insight into a career in accountancy. Placements typically last a week or two and pair participants with experienced mentors so they can learn about accountancy, tax and business advisory work while contributing to real projects and developing practical skills.

During the placement students spend time at one of the firm's offices across the UK, work on hands-on tasks, and network with trainees, colleagues and other work-experience students. The programme emphasises meaningful learning rather than menial tasks, helping participants build contacts, gain practical experience for future applications, and understand potential career pathways in accounting and finance.

Participants may be better placed to apply for Duncan & Toplis early-career roles after completing a placement. The firm operates multiple locations (see application instructions) and aims to match students with mentors aligned to their interests. The programme is presented as inclusive of applicants regardless of gender, disability status or economic background.

Step into the world of accounting and finance with the AAT Virtual Work Experience hosted on Springpod. This remote, self-paced programme introduces the accounting profession, bookkeeping and core financial principles through expert-led Springpod Sessions, interactive activities and short quizzes. You will hear from industry practitioners and learn about the routes into accounting, including AAT qualifications and apprenticeships.

The programme includes modules on the history and role of accounting, what AAT offers, core accounting principles, bookkeeping, early career options and employability skills such as teamwork, communication and CV-building. Live webinars are provided (and recorded) alongside interactive tasks to test and consolidate learning. A certificate of completion is issued once the programme work has been reviewed and marked complete.

This programme is delivered remotely and is suitable for young people from age 13 upwards (students in school/college are the main audience). It runs on demand; learners can sign up via the Springpod programme page and access materials and recordings at their convenience.

This is an on-demand virtual insight programme from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) designed to introduce participants to accountancy and related careers. The programme includes sector overviews, trends, and career pathway mapping, plus pre-recorded webinars with professionals discussing apprenticeship routes, graduate opportunities (including the ACA), and alternative entry routes into the industry. Participants will complete quizzes, activities and an immersive project where they act as an accountant advising a client.

The course is delivered remotely and features recorded webinars and interactive activities so students can complete material at their own pace. There is a certificate of completion awarded once assignments are reviewed and marked complete. Springpod indicates there is no strict cut-off for finishing the programme, though it recommends completing the material within the course timeframe and notes that live talks (when scheduled) will be recorded and made available.

The programme is suitable for school and college students (explicitly open to those aged 13+) and is intended to build sector knowledge, employability skills, and practical CV/cover-letter guidance for those considering apprenticeships, university or other routes into accountancy.

This on-demand virtual work experience, run with CIPFA and hosted on Springpod, introduces participants to careers and pathways in public finance and accountancy. The programme explains the role of CIPFA and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, explores the responsibilities of public finance accountants, and compares public- and private-sector accounting. Participants complete interactive modules, quizzes and reflective activities to build practical understanding of the sector.

The programme covers how different public services are funded and the types of organisations operating in the public sector (from emergency services to health and social care). It also outlines the skills and qualifications needed to enter the profession, including academic routes, apprenticeships and professional certifications, and provides guidance on networking and finding work experience.

Content is self-paced with live webinars (recorded and available afterwards). A certificate of completion is issued once assignments are reviewed and marked complete.