Work experience

Work experience is gaining experience of what working life is like. Find out how to get the work experience you need to get into the job you want.

Work experience is usually unpaid and short term. It can involve:

Work shadowing - being in the workplace and watching what staff do everyday
Work activities and tasks – trying out the job and learning new skills
Work trial – using skills you already have in the workplace so an employer can decide whether to employ you. You can also use a work trial to see if a job suits you

Why is work experience important?

Did you know? 63% of employers reported that experience was a critical or significant factor in their recruitment decisions."
(Department for Education, 2019)

Work experience is important because:

Employers value experience and often ask for it on job vacancies. If you haven’t worked before or have been out of work for a while, work experience is a good way to get experience
It can help you find out more about what type of work you like and the careers that interest you
You can learn what skills are needed in the workplace and discover what its like being in work

Find employers who offer work experience

You may need to find work experience yourself. This involves asking your contacts, including friends and family if they know of anyone willing to give you work experience in their company.

Some larger employers offer work experience opportunities. They give information on how to apply through their websites. To help get you started opportunities include:

Visit the National Work Experience Week website to see more companies who offer work experience in the UK.

Use online job websites and take a look at our 10 great ways to find a company to work for to help you find employers who might offer work experience. Write a covering letter / email to companies explaining that you are seeking work experience and send them your CV.

Please note: Employers taking you on for work experience must have the correct insurance cover. Visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to find out more.

Work experience through programmes and schemes

Other places to gain work experience opportunities are through schemes and programmes. Eligibility criteria usually apply to access programmes.

Schemes and programmes include:

Jobs Growth Wales+ - you can apply for Jobs Growth Wales+ if you are aged between 16-19, live in Wales and are not in full-time education, employment, or training. Work trials and work placements are part of the programmes
Job Centre Plus – if you are on Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) or Universal Credit you can get work experience through Job Centre Plus
Careers Wales - a work experience scheme may be available for pupils in year 10 and 11 who are at risk of leaving education

Search Support Finder to find other programmes which may offer work experience.

Virtual work experience

Virtual work experience takes place online, and you work remotely through your computer or other device. To do virtual work experience you need a good internet connection and device.

Virtual work experience may include:

Virtual tours of the company
Watching videos about what its like to work in a job or industry
Question and answer sessions with the employer
Being given work to complete
Attending online meetings
Training opportunities

Some virtual work experience opportunities cost, but others are free. A sample of the free opportunities aimed mainly at students include:

Forage – provide free job simulations by different companies in a wide variety of jobs and industries
Springpod – 68 virtual work experience programmes including rail, insurance, engineering, software development, science, social media, aerospace, TV and film, journalism and more
Skills to Succeed Academy – includes simulations of real life scenarios and employability training
Barclays Life skills – find out about different roles within Barclays, and help employees solve problems in an interactive film

Prepare for work experience

For many work experience opportunities, you may be required to fill out an application form, or send a covering letter and a CV. Get help to prepare:

Volunteering

See how volunteering can increase your skills, experience and job opportunities at the same time as you help others.

Internships

Internships are a type of work experience for students in university or graduates. They are a great way to gain experience related to your degree.

Gap year

Find out if a gap year is for you and see our list of things to consider. See examples of how gap years are spent.

Jobs Growth Wales+

Aged 16-19? Get training, work experience and paid job opportunities to help you make your own future on your own terms.