Providing work experience opportunities

There are various ways that you can advertise or source work experience opportunities.

Alternatively, you may wish to use one of the following organisations to manage work experience opportunities on your behalf. These organisations provide a brokerage service to support employers and school career teachers in arranging work experience placements for post-primary students.

Speakers for School

You can host work experience opportunities through Speakers for School. They can help you advertise your opportunities and connect you with suitable work experience candidates.

Offer work experience opportunities with Speakers for School.

Business in the Community Work Inspiration

Business in the Community Work Inspiration is a national, employer-led campaign that aims to make work experience more meaningful, relevant, and inspiring for young people.

Schools and colleges

A number of schools and colleges encourage young people to find their own placement. However, there are occasions when careers teachers will source placements for the students.

Some schools and colleges have also developed partnerships with local employers. You could get in contact with schools in your area to see if you could establish a partnership for work experience.

Contact your local Education Authority office.

Arranging work experience

Issues to consider when thinking of taking part in work experience include:

• Duration of placement - most schools and colleges prefer a five-day block placement, however, some may be open to three or four-day placements.
• Age of students - most students go on work experience in year 12 (age 15-16 years old) and/or year 13 (age 16-17 years old) or year 14 (age 17-18 years old).
• You do not have to pay students on work experience a wage.