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How to get the work experience you need to teach in a primary or secondary school

Chloe Evans

Last updated: 9 Oct 2023, 09:53

Find out about the expectations of teacher training providers when it comes to getting primary and secondary school experience.

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Training providers want to know that you have the skills and motivation to teach. You will usually be required to show you have work experience with children of the relevant age – preferably in a primary or secondary school environment.

What teaching work experience in schools do I need?

Getting classroom experience will help to confirm that teaching is the right career for you. Schools should be able to give you the opportunity to observe classroom teaching and pastoral work. Some providers may stipulate a minimum period of classroom experience, but it is always worth checking to get an up-to-date understanding of what is required.

If you're not able to complete the experience quickly, don't delay sending your application - but state in the application that you have experience arranged in the near future.

How do I approach primary and secondary schools to get work experience?

Use your contacts through family and friends. You can also contact schools directly to ask for work experience, observe classes or shadow teachers. Research where you could apply at Get Information about Schools .

You may be requested to obtain a DBS check.

What are other ways to get the work experience I need to teach?

Work experience in schools is popular and it may take time to arrange a placement, so try to plan in advance. Although you can approach schools speculatively (for example by writing to a local school asking for work experience), there are also a number of formal schemes which can help:

• Get School Experience service (England only) : This is a programme for students and graduates interested in gaining experience in the classroom. School placements that range from one day to three weeks are available in all subjects (at secondary and primary levels) to those planning to apply for teacher training courses in the current cycle. You can apply online for the Get School Experience service.
• Paid teaching internship programme (England only) : This offers a three week internship in a school paying £300 per week in June/July. It is only available in certain subjects and in 2023 they were: chemistry, computing, maths, physics and languages. Applications for 2023 are now closed. Applications for summer 2024 will open in early 2024 and information on applicable subjects will be released then too.
• Undergraduate Ambassadors Scheme (UAS) : If you are a mathematics, science, technology or engineering undergraduate, your department may offer a classroom-based module. This would involve spending 3-4 hours per week working in school for around ten weeks. You will get credit that counts towards your degree while also gaining valuable classroom experience. There are currently participating universities in England, Scotland and Wales.
• STEM ambassadors : It may also be possible for students of mathematics, science, technology or engineering to become STEM ambassadors. This involves enthusing school students about these subjects and the careers they open up.
• Taster courses and open days : These are organised by schools, universities and others (such as Teach First) to provide an insight into teaching and teacher training. Taster courses tend to be targeted at shortage subjects or candidates from under-represented groups.
• Paid work : You may be able to obtain paid work in schools as a cover supervisor, teaching assistant, laboratory technician or learning mentor, for example. These posts are usually advertised on local authority websites or through recruitment agencies.
• Voluntary work : Most local authorities run schemes for voluntary mentors to work with pupils on a one-to-one basis - contact your local authority for more information. Many universities work closely with local schools to encourage pupils to consider higher education.

For advice on alternative ways to gain work experience for teacher training, take a look at our article becoming a mentor .

Tips for work experience in primary and secondary schools

• Keep a diary of any work experience you do. This will be invaluable when it comes to writing your applications or preparing for interviews. Record the key skills you have gained doing your work experience; such as communication, leadership, presenting and organisational skills.
• Write notes about anything that you experience. For example, if a lesson did not work - think about how you would do it differently.
• Think about classroom control, different teaching styles and effective uses of technology.

Written by Chloe Evans, Cardiff University, July 2023

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Arnhem Wharf Primary School

Volunteers & work experience, volunteers                                                   .

Our volunteers include:

• Parents of students
• Local residents

 The types of activities that volunteers can be involved in include:

• Early Years (playing with young children and supporting their learning through indoor and outdoor play);
• KS1 reading help;
• KS2 reading help.
• KS1 resource help;
• Resource room assistant (making learning resources: photocopying, cutting, computer generated resources);
• Lunchtime games;
• Supporting on class Trips;
• Working with children from EYFS through to KS2 in small groups.

Please note: we do not offer admin experience.

 Becoming a Volunteer            

Anyone wishing to volunteer should complete the Application for Voluntary Placement Form and email the application to [email protected] 

Procedure for Appointing Volunteers

Only successful applicants will be contacted regarding their application.

Applicants will have an informal interview with the SLT member responsible for their placement, where they will be told, if possible, of their volunteer arrangements (duties, time frame), sign the Volunteer Agreement (Appendix B) and be given a DBS form.

Applicants will be inducted by the member of SLT in charge of their placement, and if possible, briefly meet their class teacher/supervisor once their DBS check has been received and is clear.

Applicants refusing a DBS check will not be accepted as a volunteer.

Applicants must be over the age of 18. 

Application form for Volunteering Placement 

Volunteering Policy 

 WORK EXPERIENCE 

We welcome work experience students for a two week placement as part of their studies from Secondary Schools, Colleges and Universities. 

In order to apply for work experience you must: 

• be in Full-Time Education 
• supported by a School, College or University 
• willing to undertake a full two week placement 
• hold a DBS certificate (if aged 16 and above) 

Applications for these are taken throughout the year on a case by case basis.

Please e-mail [email protected] including the date required for placement and a supporting letter from your educational establishment.  

 The types of activities that work experience students can be involved in include:

• Working with children from EYFS through to KS2 in small groups;
• Observed teaching (for teaching student placements ONLY) 

We receive many applications for both volunteering and work experience placements, therefore, we cannot always guarantee placements. 

Work experience for your child

A student or young person does work experience with an employer to learn about a job or an industry. It’s a short term placement in the workplace. To help your child get the most from their placement, talk to them about using their skills and interests in a job.

How to find work experience

You can help  your son or daughter find a school work experience placement online at 'Connect to Success NI'.  To search opportunities with different employers in Northern Ireland, go to:

• Search for school work experience opportunities

Searching for a work experience placement can be a valuable learning experience for your child and help build their confidence. There are different ways you can support your child if they're interested in work experience.

• talk to them about subjects they like and dislike
• use the Careers Service webpage tools to generate job ideas
• encourage them to speak to their careers adviser
• pass on any contacts who could help your child
• encourage them to start their search for a placement early
• make sure they try to arrange their own work experience
• rehearse telephone calls they may need to make to an employer
• proofread emails they send to employers
• think about the location of placement and how they will get there

For tips on what to say and write when contacting employers, go to:

• Work experience

The Careers section has useful tools to help your child generate career ideas and research specific careers. 

If it's difficult to find an employer, you can search the nibusinessinfo.co.uk website:

• nibusinessinfo.co.uk 

'Business in the Community Work Inspiration' and 'School Employer Connections' can help your child organise work experience. 

To discuss work experience placements, your child’s school needs to contact:

• Business in the Community Work Inspiration 
• School Employer Connections 

Work experience placements are also available in the Civil Service. For further information, go to:

• Work experience 

Benefits of work experience

Work experience is often the first contact your child will have with the world of work. It forms part of their careers education and allows them to observe and learn – not to do activities which require extensive training or experience.

Talking to your child about the benefits of work experience can help them to understand how useful it can be. Work experience:

• gives insight into the skills required for a particular job
• is an opportunity to test out a job to see if your child really likes it
• can broaden their knowledge of jobs they have never considered
• will increase their awareness of their own skills and strengths  
• helps them understand how the subjects they study in school link to certain jobs
• gives insight into what the world of work is really like and employers' expectations
• can increase their motivation to do well in school
• puts them in contact with potential employers
• can give them useful experience for their CV and provide referees
• helps them appreciate the skills needed to succeed in a job
• Skills in demand

There are job opportunities across all occupational areas but there is higher demand for jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

If your child’s strengths relate to STEM subjects, they may benefit from taking part in work experience linked to that area.

The Careers Service Industry factsheets also include valuable local labour market information.

Industry fact sheets

Careers advisers

Careers advisers can help your child plan their future career. They can speak to a careers adviser in school or visit an adviser in the local Careers Resource Centre, JobCentre or Jobs and Benefits Office.

You may also wish to talk to a careers adviser to be able to support your child. To find your local careers office, go to:

• Careers Office 

The role of the employer

By taking part in work experience, the employer will gain the opportunity to help shape their future workforce and promote their company.  Work experience can allow employees to develop their own supervisory skills.

Employers should aim to:

• give your child an induction to help them understand the nature of the business
• explain what will be expected of them during their work placement
• explain health and safety requirements for the company
• identify a supervisor/trainer to oversee your child’s work during the placement
• give feedback to the student at the end of the placement
• Providing work experience opportunities 

Taking part in a work placement at an employer’s premises has implications for you as a parent, the school, and your child. You may need to be aware of some of the following:

• insurance should be in place to protect the employer and your child  
• the school is responsible for making sure their students are fully covered by the employer’s Public Liability Policy  
• you may have to sign documents from the school /employer for this cover to be extended to your child
• you may be asked to fill in a parental consent form
• if you (not the school) arranged your child's placement, check if your child is protected on the placement

The school the pupil attends is responsible for overseeing the work experience placement.  The school should make sure that all of the necessary arrangements are in place before a pupil goes on placement.

During the placement

As a parent or guardian you will want to make sure that your son or daughter will get the most out of their work experience. The following tips will help you to support them:

• make sure they arrive on time
• as work days are longer than school days, make sure they have a good night’s sleep
• talk to them on a daily basis about their experiences
• remind them to keep a diary  of what they did on work experience
• remind them to note any computer packages they may use
• contact the school immediately if you feel your child is having problems during the work placements
• if your child isn't enjoying their placement, help them to stay positive by focusing on the new skills they are developing

After the placement

Once the placement has finished, it’s important for your child to think about what they have learned.  You can:

• discuss what they learned from the experience
• ask if they've  their career plans
• encourage them to write and thank the work experience provider

More useful links

• Career discovery (Xello for 11 to 19 year olds)
• Contact a careers adviser
• Looking for work

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• Vacancies, Volunteering and Work Experience
• Key Information

Thank you for your interest in joining Seven Sisters Primary School.

We currently do not have any vacancies available.

__________________________________________________________________________________

The following information details voluntary and work experience opportunities we offer during the school term.

We offer short term voluntary opportunities for people who want to get back into work and parents of children in the school, who want to support the school by becoming a volunteer.

As volunteering provides good experience for future job opportunities and career development, we aim to accommodate for this – from opportunities to help in the school library to supporting group activities in the classroom.

A few benefits of volunteering:

• Support your child's learning 
• Give something back to the community
• Gain experience and learn new skills for further learning and career prospects
• Gain confidence, knowledge and understanding
• Socialise, meet new people and make friends
• Reduce stress and get active
• Be a positive role model for your child

Volunteer positions are limited and subject to availability.  If you would like to find out more information or apply, please speak to a member of staff in the school office or email,  [email protected]

We work with local Secondary schools and Colleges, through Haringey Council, to provide work experience for Year 10 to Year 13 students.  Students are able to experience careers in education or attend the school as part of development for their course.

Work experience is a good way to increase potential career prospects as you can gain insight into roles and responsibilities.  You can get a true feel of everyday work to support your education studies.

A few benefits of work experience:

• Stand out from other prospective candidates in the job market
• Gain confidence and knowledge of a profession
• Develop new skills and hands-on experience
• Find out if you are suited to a job 
• Demonstrate to others how you can contribute to the work environment
• An opportunity to speak to people in your planned profession and ask questions
• Get used to the world of work and an understanding of what will be expected of you

Secondary school and College students can apply for work experience placements here by contacting the school directly or through their own school/college human resources department.

Work experience positions are limited and subject to availability.  If you would like to find out more information or apply, please email your interest to,  [email protected]  for the attention of David Joyce (Deputy Head Teacher).

We also work in partnership with universities across London, including Kingston University and Middlesex University, to provide teacher training as part of education qualifications and degrees.  Trainee Teachers can gain experience to support their BA and PGCE studies.

In addition, we support adults who we are at University on degree courses related to teaching.

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Ingram Road Primary School

'Believe, Achieve, Succeed....'

'Growing Together'

Voluntary & Work Placements

If you would like to volunteer in school or take part in a student work placement in relation to a college/university course, please contact the Headteacher who will be happy to discuss the opportunities available.

Student Work Placements (Schools, Colleges and Universities)

As part of many college courses you will be asked to seek work experience. We are happy to consider individuals from schools, colleges and universities. Please write to the Headteacher and explain what course you are studying, how long the placement is for and the dates, what experiences you are looking to gain, and in what year group within school you would most like to work with, (nursery through to year 6).

Please write to:

Miss S Millard

Headteacher

Brown Lane East

Please be aware that, although we will try to match your requirements,  due to the high volume of requests for placements we receive, it isn’t always possible.

For further information please call the school office on 0113 2456136.

Email the Headteacher

If you would like to enquire about student placements, please complete the form below. Thank you for your interest in Ingram Road.

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Work experience can help your child develop their job-ready skills and find out more about what different workplaces are like.

To do work experience as part of the high school curriculum, your child must be eligible for their school’s program and be at least 14 years old.

Work experience placements are organised according to the Workplace Learning for Secondary Students in Government Schools policy. You can find out more about the rules about work experience placements at Workplace learning .

Work experience placements need school approval and are unpaid, and usually last one to two weeks.

They should be tailored to meet your child’s needs, and can be offered in different ways - for example, your child can watch what happens at a workplace to see what it’s like, or the employer might come into your child’s school.

Some work experience placements might not be offered in week blocks, depending on your child’s needs and the availability of the placement.

Your child might already have a clear idea of what kind of work experience they would like to do. Part of the planning for your child's life after school includes identifying their employment goals, if it’s appropriate. Finding and participating in one or more work experience placements should be part of this planning.

If your child needs more guidance, the school’s Careers Advisor, Transition Advisor or other teachers can help, by talking to your child about local employers or businesses where they could find a placement.

You can also get involved by using your support network, and by encouraging your child to talk to family and friends to see if any of their workplaces offer work experience positions.

Work experience can look different for students with disability. For example, instead of completing a whole work experience placement in one week, your child may start with one hour a week of work experience, and build that up to a full day by the end of term.

Depending on your child’s needs, it may not be appropriate for them to go to work experience in some environments, but this doesn’t mean they should miss out on the opportunity.

They can take part in internal work experience - in the school office, canteen or library - and they can observe what happens in a workplace if they can’t participate.

Students also have to do mandatory work preparation activities before they start their work experience placement. Some students might need to do extra preparation, or have more discussions before they begin to make sure their placement is safe and that it will have the best outcome for them.

The person who signs off on your child’s student placement record is responsible for making sure that this preparation happens, and that the placement is safe for your child and for the other employees.

Adjustments and support

Your child’s school should talk to the workplace where they’re doing their work experience and tell them how they can best support your child.

It is very important to have this discussion about the support your child needs, and about the adjustments and support needed for them to do a placement safely. For example, this could include getting visual instruction, or being given instructions multiple times.

Sometimes, the support will be given at the start of your child’s placement, and then slowly reduced as your child settles into their position. In some cases, the school might send a School Learning Support Officer (SLSO) with your child to the work placement.

You, your child and your child’s school can make the decision about what is best for your child, based on their needs.

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