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A week inside a real workplace teaches you more about a job than any leaflet ever will. It is also the quickest way to get something solid on a first CV, even if you are still working out what you enjoy.
Nothing is live here at the moment. We add new roles every week, and we can keep an eye out for something near you if you ask us for help.
Placements are open to school and college students, T Level students who need an industry placement, university students testing a sector, and anyone returning to work who wants recent experience to point to.
T Level industry placements are longer, at a minimum of 315 hours, and are assessed as part of the qualification.
Many placements are never advertised. A short, specific email to a local employer works: say who you are, what you want to learn, the dates you are free and how long you would like to come for.
Your school, college or Jobcentre adviser can also refer you to us and we will look for something suitable in your area.
Ask questions, write down what you did each day, and get the name and email of someone who can act as a reference. Those notes turn into CV bullet points and interview answers later.
Real examples you can borrow the shape of. Do not copy them word for word, employers read hundreds of applications and they can tell.
I am in Year 12 and thinking about becoming a vet nurse, but I have only ever seen the job from the waiting room. I would like a week with you to see what the day is really like, including the parts people do not talk about. I am free from 7 to 11 July and I am happy to do any job you need doing.
Why it works: It is short, gives dates, explains what you want to learn and does not act like you know the job already.
I want to find out whether I would enjoy the work day to day, and I want something real to put on my CV. I will keep notes on what I do each day so I can talk about it properly in interviews later.
Why it works: Honest, specific, and it shows you will make use of the week rather than just sitting there.
Sending the same email to fifty employers
Write one paragraph that names the employer and why them. Most placements come from a personal email, so one good one beats fifty copies.
Not giving your dates
Say exactly which weeks you are free. Employers usually say no simply because working it out is too much effort.
Waiting for placements to be advertised
Most short placements never are. Email local employers directly, or ask your school, college or Jobcentre adviser to refer you.
Turning up with no questions
Bring three. How did you get into this, what surprised you, what would you tell someone starting out.
Leaving with nothing written down
Note what you did each day and ask one person if they will be a reference. Those notes become your CV bullet points.
Want a second pair of eyes before you send it? Ask us for free help or read our CV and interview guides.
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