Why take part?

We’re one of the richest nations in the world, so why aren’t all our young people getting the opportunities they deserve? The poorest schoolchildren don’t have the role models, support and connections they need to succeed. Doors are closed to them before they know they exist – and COVID-19 has only made this worse.

• In a recent Prince’s Trust poll, 46% of young people said finding a job now feels impossible.
• 63% of teachers believe that opportunities for young people to meet a range of employers from different sectors are more vital than ever (Teacher Tapp, July 2020).
• The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) predicts youth unemployment is soon set to double, bringing the total of unemployed young people to over a million.

The Teach First Work Experience Programme gives pupils from schools in disadvantaged communities unforgettable opportunities to spend a week with some of the country’s most exciting companies.

Companies will give pupils the chance to experience their industry and give an insight into the workplace, either virtually or in-person. For virtual placements, Teach First will make sure that every pupil that takes part has access to a computer and internet in order to take part.

By taking part, pupils will:

• develop important professional skills for the modern workplace
• build employability and soft skills – such as communication, teamwork, confidence and time management – through project work and a variety of other working styles
• develop awareness and understanding of the world of work and different career options
• be paid a stipend if they successfully complete the week
• be given a free internet dongle to help them access excellent internet (for virtual placements)
• receive an evaluation of their performance at the end of the week

Get involved

The dates for our work experience placements in 2023/2024 are:

• 23-27 October 2023 (in-person)
• 12-23 February 2024 (hybrid/virtual)
• 25 March-12 April 2024 (in-person)
• 8 July-2 August 2024 (in-person)
• 5-30 August 2024 (hybrid/virtual)

See our 'For pupils' tab for current placement openings.

Questions?

Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.

Why take part?

Just one week learning with you could change a young person’s future.

We know that when we get the foundations right for disadvantaged pupils we can unlock the potential of every single young person. That’s why we’re always looking for businesses interested in hosting work experience placements.

Our work experience programme, in partnership with the AKO Foundation, is designed to inspire and motivate bright young pupils from schools in low-income communities. By hosting a one-week placement, you’ll provide building blocks towards a successful career.

The difference you could make

By offering work experience opportunities at your organisation, you’ll be able to help young people by:

• supporting even more of them to kick start their careers
• giving them the chance to meet people from across the UK, reflecting real-life workplace experiences
• motivating them to do well at school after experiencing a challenging, enjoyable and inspiring placement

Plus, through virtual work experience, with no location or travel restrictions holding them back, pupils in remote areas can be reached, giving them access to a wider range of sectors and roles.

Why work with Teach First?

• You’ll reach pupils in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country.
• You’ll be partnering with an organisation with proven success of making education fair for almost twenty years.
• Your donation to Teach First means that we can provide your business with all the necessary support to help you deliver a great week of work experience, including advice and guidance on communications with pupils, safeguarding and consultation on content.

Get involved

The dates for our work experience placements in 2023/2024 are:

• 23-27 October 2023 (in-person)
• 12-23 February 2024 (hybrid/virtual)
• 25 March-12 April 2024 (in-person)
• 8 July-2 August 2024 (in-person)
• 5-30 August 2024 (hybrid/virtual)

Want to host a future placement?

Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.

Here are our current openings for work experience placements. These online opportunities will take place during the Easter holidays on the following dates:

• 2–5 April 2024 (AKO Capital)
• 8–12 April 2024 (MS ABS)

AKO Capital

Based in London, AKO Capital is one of Europe’s leading investment partnerships. 

This placement will give you an opportunity to learn first-hand how a successful investment firm operates.

You’ll learn about the different roles and responsibilities and how it all fits together. 

You’ll be based in the Market Research team, but you will also visit key departments within AKO including: 

• investment 
• accounting
• compliance
• operations
• trading
• digital analytics
• data science 
• behavioural analysis

MS ABS

MS Amlin Business Services (MS ABS) is part of one of the largest insurers in the world.

During your time with us, you will explore all the different parts of our business and learn how we deliver great service to our customers. You’ll also develop skills such as interview technique and presentation skills.

Apply

Applications close at 5:00pm on Monday 4 March 2024.

Download the brochure (PDF)

Apply now

Any questions? 

Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.