How do I find work experience near me?

Start with your school careers team and people you know, then search local volunteering and employer programmes by postcode. Email small local businesses directly with your dates and a short reason why you're interested.

What if I have no experience at all?

That's normal. Virtual programmes, volunteering, school clubs, caring at home and helping in a family business all count. Shine's free career questionnaire suggests starter experience that fits your strengths.

Is work experience paid?

Short school placements are usually unpaid. If you are doing real work as a worker rather than shadowing, minimum wage rules may apply — gov.uk explains when.

Yes. Parents can share contacts, help draft emails and check the placement is safe, but the young person should send the request themselves.

Find work experience near you

Enter your postcode to find local and online work experience, volunteering and insight days. Free, for UK students aged 14–24.

We don't save your postcode.

Online work experience (anywhere in the UK)

Speakers for Schools Experience
Free virtual and in-person placements with employers, for state-school and college students.
Springpod
Free virtual work experience and insight programmes across many industries.
Barclays LifeSkills
Free online work-readiness lessons and virtual experiences.
NHS careers: work experience
How to find work experience in the NHS, including virtual options.

Not sure what to try?

Take Shine's free 3-minute career check. It suggests roles and starter experience that fit your strengths, even if you've never had a job.

Take the career check

How to get a placement

List five places: people you know first, then local businesses in a sector you're curious about.
Ask your school or college careers team — they may already have employers and handle safety checks.
Send the short email below, with exact dates you're free.
Follow up politely after a week.
Keep a back-up: virtual programmes and volunteering still count.

Email template

Subject: Work experience request – [your name], [dates]

Dear [name],

I'm a [Year 10 / Year 12 / college] student at [school] and I'm interested in [sector] because [one honest reason]. I'm looking for work experience from [dates] and would be grateful to shadow your team, even for a few days.

I'm reliable, keen to learn and happy to help with any tasks. I can send a short CV and my school can confirm details.

Thank you for your time,
[name]
[phone / email]

More ideas by sector and year group: 40 work experience ideas.

For parents and carers

Share your own contacts — many placements come through people you know.
Help draft the email, but let your child send it.
Check the placement through the school, which usually confirms safety and insurance.
Online programmes are a safe first step for younger students.

Questions

How do I find work experience near me?: Start with your school careers team and people you know, then search local volunteering and employer programmes by postcode. Email small local businesses directly with your dates and a short reason why you're interested.
What if I have no experience at all?: That's normal. Virtual programmes, volunteering, school clubs, caring at home and helping in a family business all count. Shine's free career questionnaire suggests starter experience that fits your strengths.
Is work experience paid?: Short school placements are usually unpaid. If you are doing real work as a worker rather than shadowing, minimum wage rules may apply — gov.uk explains when.
Can parents help?: Yes. Parents can share contacts, help draft emails and check the placement is safe, but the young person should send the request themselves.