Finding Work Experience and Volunteering | National Careers Service.

Work experience

Work experience: how to find it

Don’t be surprised by the number or variety of ways to find the work experience opportunity you would like. We have listed 15 useful and informative websites here.

You can find your local Volunteer Centre on the Volunteering England website. Volunteer Centres can put you in touch with local organisations that do the kind of work you want to do. Or search through volunteering opportunities yourself on a database on the Do it! website.

• Volunteering England
• Do it!

Check out these sites for work experience and volunteering opportunities for young people:

• Youth Action Network
• V inspired
• CSV (Community Service Volunteers)

Through the TimeBank website you can register your details, what you're interested in doing and how much time you have to spare. They'll send you details of your local Volunteer Centre or an application form if you showed an interest in a particular campaign or work experience opportunity.

REACH is a charity that helps professionals use their skills and experience in voluntary roles. Their volunteers have skills in areas such as management, entrepreneurship, marketing, IT, administration, HR, finance and accountancy.

• TimeBank
• REACH

If you want to get work experience overseas you could check out these websites:

• Worldwide Volunteering
• Voluntary Service Overseas

You can also get more information about work experience using these links:

• National Council for Work Experience
• Student Volunteering England
• Volunteer Development Agency (Northern Ireland)
• Volunteer Development Scotland
• Wales Council for Voluntary Action
• National Council for Voluntary Organisations

What do I need to know before I accept an offer of work experience?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Find out as much as you can about the work experience opportunity before making your mind up. You want to make sure you get what you want out of it, so tell staff what you're looking for. The more open you are, the more likely you'll find an opportunity you're happy with.

Find out:

• exactly what your role will be
• whether the organisation will pay your expenses (most will)
• whether there is any training or support.

As with a job interview, you should take sensible steps to ensure your safety:

• don't agree to meet alone in an isolated location
• do carry out further checks if anything makes you suspicious
• don't accept a lift home
• don't get drawn into a personal conversation or anything that makes you feel uncomfortable.

Talk to an adviser

I just wish I'd heard about the National Careers Service sooner!

How can I find out more?

If you'd like more information about work experience and volunteering opportunities, we have a number of ways for you to get in touch.

• Call an adviser on 0800 100 900
• Other contact methods