Work experience
Our Work Experience programme connects pupils facing deprivation to lifechanging opportunities in some of the country’s best-known organisations.
Our Work Experience placements have now closed for applications in 2023/24. We will open applications again in the run up to our first placements in 2024/25 – dates to be confirmed.
You can be the first to find out about our new placements by signing up for our mailing list.
Any questions? Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk
- Pupils paid a stipend, funded by the AKO Foundation.
- Connect pupils to otherwise distant career paths.
- Opportunities throughout the school year.
- Virtual placements available for pupils nationwide.
- Placements in a wide variety of industries.
- Unlock potential in young people.
Put an end to wasted potential. Sign up your pupils or host a placement today.
For schools
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
Our Work Experience placements have now closed for applications in 2023/24.
We will open applications again in the run up to our first placements in 2024/25 – dates to be confirmed.
You can be the first to find out about our new placements by signing up for our mailing list.
Questions?
Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.
Not only did I learn more about the company and develop my CV, but I also had a really great time meeting new people.
For businesses
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
Our Work Experience placements have now closed for applications in 2023/24.
We will open applications again in the run up to our first placements in 2024/25 – dates to be confirmed.
You can be the first to find out about our new placements by signing up for our mailing list.
Want to host a future placement?
Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.
I can't believe the week is over! Possibly the most rewarding week ever. Thank you so much for all your support before, during and now after the programme. We had a fantastic bunch of students and we can't praise them enough.
For pupils
Get involved
Our Work Experience placements have now closed for applications in 2023/24.
We will open applications again in the run up to our first placements in 2024/25 – dates to be confirmed.
You can be the first to find out about our new placements by signing up for our mailing list.
Questions?
Email us at workexperience@teachfirst.org.uk.
Corporate partnerships
Before they set foot in the classroom, our country’s poorest schoolchildren are already on uneven ground. Doors are closed to them before they even know they exist. As a corporate partner, you have the power to open them.
Careers Leader
All young people deserve good career guidance for success beyond school. Our programme gives secondary school middle and senior leaders the careers expertise to deliver it.
