Finding companies that offer work experience can feel overwhelming at first. However, many options exist. With the right steps and a clear plan, students can still find placements that build confidence and direction.
Work experience also shows students what working life really feels like. So, they can explore career paths before choosing GCSE subjects, A Levels or a university route.
In this guide, we explain where to find work experience opportunities in the UK. In addition, we share what to expect during a placement. Finally, we show how to choose places that offer real learning.
What Is Work Experience and Why Does It Matter?
Work experience gives students a short look at real working life. In most schools, it lasts one week for Year 10 students. Sometimes schools also offer it to Year 12 students.
Instead of learning only in the classroom, students see how work runs day to day. For example, they watch how teams communicate and how tasks move forward. At the same time, they see what responsibility looks like in practise.
The benefits of work experience for students go beyond turning up. Students build communication skills and time management. They also learn what workplaces expect. In addition, a placement can provide useful examples for personal statements and future applications.
Most importantly, early exposure supports better choices later. Over time it helps students decide on GCSE subjects, A Levels and long-term career plans.
Companies That Offer Work Experience in the UK
Across the UK, many companies offer structured placements for secondary school students. These can take place in small local businesses or in large national organisations.
Most companies that offer work experience fall into a few key sectors:
- Banks and finance
- Law firms
- Engineering
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Media and creative work
- Retail and hospitality
Some organisations post work experience on their websites. Others ask students to contact them directly.
Options also vary by region. Large cities often offer more choice. Smaller towns may require students to contact local businesses. Either way, start early. Use more than one route and do not rely on one school list.
Best Places to Do Work Experience
The best places to do work experience are not always the biggest or most famous. Instead, the strongest placements offer structure, support and meaningful exposure. In most cases, the best places for work experience provide:
- Clear supervision
- A daily plan
- Opportunities to ask questions
- Exposure to different roles
Good places for work experience focus on learning. They do not give students repetitive tasks.
Choose a place where staff explain things and welcome questions. When choosing places to do work experience, year 10 students often benefit from trying different roles. Year 12 students may prefer a placement linked to a subject or career goal. Either way, the right choice can shape future plans.
Companies That Offer Work Experience Near Me
Location affects what students can do. It also affects how far they can travel. That is why many families look for companies that offer work experience near me. Local placements often feel safer and easier.
London has many industries. So, it offers many options. Work experience in London placements are common in finance, media, tech and law.
Birmingham also offers more placements each year. Healthcare, engineering and digital roles are growing. So, more local firms accept requests.
Students should ask early. This often leads to better replies. It also helps to widen the search. Nearby towns may have good placements. Travel can be easier and competition can be lower.
Work Experience for Students in Technology and IT
Technology is growing across the UK. So, IT work experience appeals to students who enjoy computing and digital skills.
IT work experience year 12 placements may include coding, software testing or technical support. Students may not do hands-on tasks. Even so, they can still learn by watching and doing guided activities.
Many tech companies run early-career programmes for older students. Smaller firms and local startups can also offer good exposure. Before applying, students should check the company website. They should also follow the steps the company lists.
What Is Virtual Work Experience?
What is virtual work experience and does it count? Virtual work experience happens online. Students join from home. They do not need to travel to a workplace. These programmes are now common and many are still available.
Students may complete case studies, watch webinars or join online workshops. Virtual placements feel different from in-person work. However, students can still learn a lot. Virtual options help when travel is hard. They also help when local placements are limited.
Do You Get Paid for Work Experience?
Many students ask, “Do you get paid for work experience?” In most cases, Year 10 and Year 12 placements are unpaid. Schools treat them as learning, not paid work.
Paid work experience is more common in internships for older students. So, if a student asks, “Do you get paid for work experience in Year 10?” the answer is usually no. This difference matters. It helps students and parents set clear expectations.
How to Find Work Experience
Learning how to find work experience requires planning and confidence. Students should begin by:
- Speaking to their school careers adviser
- Researching company websites
- Contacting local businesses directly
- Exploring structured early-career programmes
Early careers pages on company websites often list opportunities. Many firms also reply well to polite emails from motivated students.
When you contact a company, share your year group, your placement dates and your career interest. Keep the message clear and professional. This makes it easier for the employer to reply.
Most importantly, start early. When students apply sooner, they usually have more choices.
Start with a national website. You can browse FirstCareers work experience opportunities to see current placements across the UK. This makes it easy to see what employers offer and what skills they need. You should also contact local companies. Some placements are never advertised online.
Work Experience Jobs vs School Placements
Some students mix up school work experience and paid jobs. So, it helps to know the difference from the start.
First, school work experience is a short placement. It shows students what a workplace is like and what employers expect. In contrast, work experience jobs are entry-level roles. They also count as paid work.
Students may also see adverts for a remote job with no experience UK role. However, these are still jobs, not school placements. Once students understand this, they can choose the right option for their goals.
Building Confidence After Work Experience
A placement is only valuable if students reflect on what they learned. After completing work experience, students should consider:
- The skills I used during the placement and any new skills I discovered
- Moments that surprised me about how the workplace operates
- Changes I would make if I completed the placement again
Benefits of Work Experience for Students
Work experience helps students build confidence and understand how workplaces operate. At the same time, it improves communication skills, time management and professional awareness. In addition, students often gain clearer career goals after seeing roles in real settings. For further guidance on exploring career paths, students can use the National Careers Service website, which explains job roles, skills and progression routes across the UK.
The benefits of work experience for students include:
- Improved confidence
- Better communication skills
- Understanding workplace expectations
- Stronger university applications
- Clearer career goals
Over time, these benefits add up. Students who explore early often make better decisions later. Work experience helps students move from theory into real life.
Conclusion
Work experience can make a real difference for students. It shows them what work is like and it helps them learn new skills.
Finding a placement takes effort, so it helps to start early. Try more than one route and keep your messages clear and polite. Even a short placement can boost confidence. It can also help students choose subjects and set clearer goals for the future.
In the end, the best placement is the one that helps a student learn. With the right mindset, work experience becomes a strong step towards what comes next.
If students feel unsure about their next step, extra guidance can help. An online tutor can help them link work experience to subject choices and future plans. For more information on this topic, read our related blogs:
National Careers Week 2026 – What Do You Need to Know?
Work Experience Week: A Simple Guide to Get Started
FAQs
What are companies that offer work experience?
Companies that offer work experience are businesses that allow students to spend short periods observing and learning within their workplace.
How do I find work experience near me?
Students can search local businesses, contact school advisers, explore early careers pages and send direct enquiries to companies in their area.
Do students get paid for work experience in the UK?
Most school-organised placements are unpaid. Paid roles usually apply to internships for older students.
What is virtual work experience?
Virtual work experience allows students to complete structured learning activities online without attending a physical workplace.
