Applying for a work experience placement

Work experience placements are always in demand. The Young Gov panel of young people got together to discuss how they found their work placements and what they did to maximise their chances of further employment.

Advice on how to get a work experience placement

Produced by DWP

Getting a work experience placement is a tough task. Find out what these current work experience recruits suggest on how to secure a placement and how to make an impression once you start.

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The Young Gov panel is made up of 11 young job seekers from across the UK. These young people support the Backing Young Britain initiative, which aims to encourage employers to realise the value of hiring young people. Updated:15/04/2010

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If you're still at school, talk to your careers advisor about links they may already have with local placements, or visit the National Council for Work Experience.
If you're a student or a graduate, visit Prospects work experience pages to find information and details of work placements. Or visit Work Experiences Online (WEXO) for some fabulous opportunities with companies from Sony to Working Title.
Whatever your stage of career, if you know the kind of field you want to go into, be pro-active. Google details of companies in this area and phone them directly to enquire about their work placements; follow their instructions as to how to apply.
Some companies will have an application form for work experience so you should fill this in as you would a job application.
Some companies will take speculative applications, so write a clear, enthusiastic covering letter with a copy of your CV.
Once you've finished a work placement, remember to keep in touch with one or two of the people you worked with. They will be useful contacts in the future.

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Applying for a work experience placement

Advice on how to get a work experience placement

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