Finding the perfect work experience placement can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you know which one is right for you? Whether you’re dreaming of working with animals, designing video games, or anything in between, we have some tips to help you choose the right work experience placement for you.

Think creatively about your options

Sometimes your dream placement might not be available right away. Let’s say you want to work at a zoo – but there aren’t any zoos nearby, or their placements are all booked up. Don’t worry! There are usually lots of alternative options that can give you similar experience and skills.

For example, if you’re interested in working with animals, you could try:

• Local animal shelters
• Veterinary clinics
• Pet grooming services
• Wildlife rescue centres
• Council animal management teams

The skills you learn in these places could be just as valuable for your future career.

Choosing between in-person and virtual placements

These days, you can do work experience either in-person or virtually. Both options have their benefits, so ask yourself these questions to help decide:

In-person placements

• Can I reliably get to and from the workplace each day?
• Am I comfortable working face-to-face with new people?
• Would hands-on experience benefit me more in this field?

Virtual placements

• Do I have a reliable computer and internet connection?
• Am I good at working independently?
• Would this give me experience with digital tools used in the industry?

Do your homework before committing

Before saying yes to a placement, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here’s what to check:

• What hours you’ll need to work
• What to wear (is there a dress code?)
• What you need to bring
• Who you’ll be working with
• What kinds of tasks you might be doing

Remember: as a work experience student, you should mainly be observing, asking questions, and working on practice tasks – not doing the work of paid employees.

Speak up if something doesn’t feel right

If you’re ever uncomfortable or concerned about your placement, you definitely don’t need to stay quiet. Talk to a supervisor or manager at your placement or your school’s work experience coordinator – your wellbeing and safety always come first!

Ready to start looking?

Remember, work experience is about learning and exploring – so don’t stress too much about choosing the “perfect” placement. At the end of the day, any experience can teach you valuable skills for your future career.

Want to explore work experience opportunities? You can find heaps more information on our website here.

Secured yourself a work experience placement, or thinking of doing one soon? That’s great! There are so many benefits from work experience, from learning new skills to getting a commitment-free look into a real workplace. But if this is your first foray into the world of work, you might have some questions – like what to do, where to go, what to wear… So in this blog, we’re going to go through some of our top tips for your first day of work experience, helping you feel confident and prepared.

Why bother with work experience?

We touched on a couple of the benefits of work experience above, but if you need a little more convincing, here are some other great reasons to get out there and start looking for a placement:

• You’ll learn valuable technical and soft skills, all great to add to your resume.
• You can network and talk to professionals in your industry of choice – learn about how they got to where they are today, hear their experiences and insights, and even keep in touch for future job opportunities.
• You can find out whether a particular job is going to be right for you, or if it’s not quite what you expected.
• It might open your eyes to pathways and options you hadn’t considered before.
• You’ll become more independent and confident.

Tips for your first day of work experience

Here are our top tips to help you feel more confident going in to your first day of work experience:

Get a good night’s sleep

Your day will be much easier if you’re feeling energised and refreshed, so try not to stay up too late the night before your first day. Getting a good night’s sleep and waking up on time leads into our next point too, which is…

Arrive early

Just like you would for a real job, make sure you show up on-time. Rocking up late on your very first day isn’t going to make a great impression – remember, the workplace is using their time and resources to help you, so show some enthusiasm and respect in return. Make sure you know where to go (and how you’ll get there) so you don’t get lost.

Dress appropriately

This one will depend on exactly where you do your placement, but you should definitely ask what to wear before you start. If your placement is in an office, hospitality, or retail environment, smart casual wear should be OK. If you’re going to a hospital, worksite, veterinary office, zoo, etc., you might need a specific uniform or equipment.

Bring what you need

Showing up empty-handed probably isn’t the best idea. There are some things you should bring with you each day, like a notebook and pen, your lunch and snacks, and a water bottle. Make sure to ask if there are other specific things you should bring too.

Introduce yourself

You’re probably going to meet lots of different people on your placement, and they’ll want to get to know you too. Sharing a bit about your future hopes and interests can lead to others offering valuable advice. The more you talk to and interact with others on your placement, the more value you’ll get out of it.

Put your phone away

You can bring it with you (unless otherwise specified), but definitely put it on silent and keep it somewhere out of reach for the day. Even on breaks, you could spend time getting to know the other workers and asking questions instead of sitting alone on your phone. If someone really needs to get in touch with you, give them the business’ phone number so they can call you that way instead.

Ask lots of questions

The whole reason you’re there is to learn, right? So if there’s something that interests you, you’re unsure about something, or you have a burning question you really want answered, just ask!

Don’t forget to listen

While asking questions is great, it’s important to pay attention to the answers as well. Spend some time observing the other workers to get a feel for what their day is like, the tasks they do, and ways they solve problems.

Find out more about work experience

You can read more blogs, tips, and information about work experience on our website here.

Work experience is invaluable to help you gain hands-on experience in your chosen field, explore potential career paths, and develop essential skills for your future. By actively engaging in the experience and asking questions, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your placement. Here are 5 key questions you should ask while you’re on work experience.

What are the primary responsibilities and daily tasks in this role?

Understanding the day-to-day activities and expectations of a job can provide you with a clearer picture of what a career in that field entails. This way, you can find out whether it sounds like something you would want to do every day.

How do the skills and knowledge I’m gaining (or will gain) in my studies apply to this job?

Connecting the knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world work situations can help you understand the different places your studies can take you in the future. It can also help identify any gaps in your knowledge or skills before you jump into the workforce.

What are the most challenging aspects of this job, and how do you overcome them?

Learning about the challenges professionals face in their roles and the strategies they employ to address them can help you develop resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills – skills you can use not just in your job, but your daily life too.

How do you see this industry evolving over the next few years, and what can I do to stay competitive?

Gaining insights into industry trends and potential changes can better prepare you for the future job market, ensuring you remain competitive and up-to-date with relevant skills and knowledge.

Can you recommend any resources, professional associations, or networking opportunities that could help me?

Expanding your professional network and staying informed about industry news and opportunities can be a big help as you progress in your career. By seeking advice from experienced professionals, you can identify valuable resources to help support your growth and development in your chosen field.

Want more?

If you’re interested in learning more about work experience, you can read more blogs here, or search for opportunities here.

Thinking about a career, but not sure if it’s going to be the right fit? Work experience is a great way to get a taste of a job and build some important skills. So if you’re thinking of going on work experience, this blog will provide you with practical tips and advice to help you prepare, and come out the other end feeling more secure about your career choices.

The value of work experience

Work experience can serve as a stepping stone towards your future career. It offers a glimpse into the world of work and can help you develop essential skills, gain industry insights, and make informed decisions about your future.

If you’re prepared and keen to learn, you can maximise the value of the experience and maybe even solidify your future career choices.

Before work experience tips

If you have a work experience placement coming up, here are some tips to help ensure you’re ready for your first day and make a great first impression.

Do some research

Before you begin your placement, do some research about the company or organisation you’ll be joining. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and the work they do. This will show the employer you’re keen and will take the opportunity seriously, and allows you to ask more relevant, thoughtful questions.

Set a couple of goals

It’s also a good idea to set specific goals for what you hope to achieve during your placement. Your goals don’t need to be huge, and you don’t have to set heaps – think of them more like a roadmap to figure out exactly what it is you want to get out of this experience.

Whether it’s finding out more about a particular role, making connections, or learning something new, having clear objectives can guide your efforts and make your experience more meaningful.

Don’t forget the dress code

First impressions matter, and dressing appropriately is a big part of making your first impression a good one. Find out the dress code at the workplace and ensure your attire is clean, neat, and aligned with their expectations.

During work experience tips

Your placement is about more than just learning about a particular job – it’s about building your skills and confidence, experiencing the world of work, and starting to make connections and decisions for your future. Here are some tips on how you can get the most value out of work experience.

Showcase your professionalism

Remember to maintain a professional demeanour throughout your work experience. This includes things like being polite and respectful to colleagues, showing up on time, and a having positive attitude. These habits will demonstrate your enthusiasm and leave a lasting impression (and could net you a positive reference at the end of your placement).

Network and build relationships

Work experience provides an excellent opportunity to network and build valuable professional connections. So take the initiative to introduce yourself to colleagues, ask about their roles, and learn about the journeys they took to get to where they are today. Actively participate in team activities and engage in conversations, showing genuine curiosity and eagerness to learn.

It might seem a bit scary, but building these relationships now can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship.

Embrace challenges

During your placement, you may encounter unfamiliar terms, ideas, or situations. Embrace these as learning opportunities and push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This is your chance to seek knowledge in an environment outside of school – and it might be one you find yourself thriving in.

Seek feedback

While it’s great to push yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification when needed too. Seek feedback from your supervisor or other workers to gauge your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Ask questions

Don’t be afraid to ask lots and lots of questions either. Your employer and the other workers understand you’re there to learn and will be more than happy to answer, so take advantage of their expert knowledge while you have the opportunity.

Write everything down

We all like to think we have the memory of an elephant, but it’s easy to forget things, even if they seem important at the time. If you can, bring a notebook and pen and take down notes as much as you can – even if you need to look back in a year’s time, all the information will still be there.

After work experience tips

Once you’ve said your goodbyes and headed home, there are still things you can learn. Here are some tips to help you find value post-work experience.

Reflect on your experience

Take time to think back on the lessons you’ve learned and the skills you’ve acquired. Consider how this experience has shaped your understanding of your chosen career path and identify areas you’d like to explore further. A little bit of reflection can help you make informed decisions about your future studies and career aspirations.

Ask for a reference

If you feel like you made a great impression and would be keen to find similar work down the track, you can ask your employer for a reference. That way when you’re applying for jobs or courses in the future, you know you’ll have someone who can back up your skills and experience.

Follow up

We talked earlier about making connections – and an important part of making connections is keeping in touch. You could follow the company on social media, connect with your co-workers on LinkedIn (just make sure they’re comfortable with it first), or even ask about ongoing mentoring.

Find out more

Remember, work experience could be a stepping stone to your future; so stay positive, be proactive, and make the most of any opportunities that come your way. Hopefully these tips will help you enjoy your work experience and learn a thing or two as well.

You can find more blogs and advice about preparing for work experience here. Or if you’re keen to get started, you can search for opportunities here.

If you’re contemplating getting some work experience, you might’ve read that most of your time will be spent observing. Understandably, you might be a bit confused about the skills you could be taking away from your work experience placement.

Well, not all work experience will be watching and learning (and even it is, at least your observational and note taking skills will be top notch by the end of it). In reality, you’ll probably be leaving your placement with new or improved technical skills that are specific to each job or industry. Let’s take a look at what some of these skills are.

Skills you’ll learn from work experience

There’s way more to work experience than you might realise. In fact, just applying for a position and turning up will guarantee that you have demonstrable talents to add to your resume. Here are just a few examples of skills you’ll need at work and that you could develop during your work experience placement.

Problem-solving

You won’t be expected to solve any big problems on your placement, but finding solutions to how you’ll get there each day, arrive on time, and organise your day are still all examples of this skill.

Time management

Arriving on time, knuckling down, and getting tasks done are all a part of building this valuable skill.

Communication

Having to work closely with your supervisor, other employees, and customers means both your verbal and non-verbal communication skills will get a workout. In addition to honing your communication talents, you might find that your active listening, collaboration, and diplomacy abilities are improved too.

Teamwork

Working well with other people, listening to them, following instructions, engaging, and adding value in the workplace are all demonstrable teamwork skills, highly desired by most employers.

Professionalism

This includes looking the part, taking the job seriously, trying your best, and using appropriate language.

Networking

Have you heard the phrase “it’s not what you know but who you know”? Well, it’s very true in many aspects of life, so learning how to network could open up lots of opportunities for you.

Business etiquette

Knowing how to write professional emails, the best way to answer the phone, when to step back from a situation, and how to remain professional in all situations are invaluable when you’re looking for paid work.

Initiative

If you finish a task and your supervisor is busy, wash up the mugs, do some filing, or ask around if there’s another job you can do to help out – just be proactive. Also, let your employer know if you have an idea about trying something new or different that could help get the job done.

Work ethic

Don’t complain, don’t slack off and take advantage of the fact you’re not at school, don’t take excessive breaks, and don’t spend time on your phone. Do try your best, give everything a go, and ask for help if you need it.

Willingness to learn

Be enthusiastic, show you’re ready to listen and learn, try new things, follow instructions, and don’t be a know-it-all.

Computer, technical, and practical skills

You probably already have a great understanding of technology, but using it in a workplace environment, and using new programs, software and equipment will only expand your knowledge.

Customer service

Dealing with the public isn’t always easy, so learning how to handle tricky situations, keep customers happy, or just provide people with the information they need is a great skill to have in any industry.

Confidence and self-esteem

These might not sound like typical workplace skills, but they’re really important as you go through life. They’ll help you reach goals, take opportunities, challenge yourself, and ultimately help you move forward.

To get the most out of work experience…

Ask lots of questions at your placement to maximise the benefits from being there. Your employer and colleagues recognise that you’re there to learn, so don’t feel embarrassed or that you’re annoying them.

If appropriate, take a notebook and write things down as you go. You might think you’ll remember all the important stuff, but knowing it’s all written down is great peace of mind.

Once your placement is over, think about the skills you gained from your experience and make sure you add them to your resume or portfolio.

Want more?

If you’re looking for more information, we have heaps of other blogs you can read on our website here.

If you haven’t heard of lifelong learning by now, then you may have been living under a rock.

The thing is that we know the world of work is changing – on average, people are changing jobs every three years, which is a huge shift from 10 or 20 years ago. People work in the gig economy, they work flexible shifts, and they work for multiple employers.

All this means that in order to keep up and remain employable, we’ll need to keep our skills and knowledge current. And we do this through lifelong learning

Will I be expected to learn all the time?

No. But you may need to increase or refresh your skills and knowledge from time to time.

Sometimes this can be as simple as taking a short course to learn how to use a new piece of equipment, or going on a weekend intensive to learn a new skill.

Lifelong learning is more about changing how you think about learning – rather than expecting to move away from education as soon as school is over, young people will need to be prepared to keep learning throughout their lives.

What does lifelong learning look like?

You’re definitely not expected to go back to school, or even to spend half your life at university. Lifelong learning means that you’ll deliberately pick up new information and skills all the time, through ongoing learning that can be both formal and informal.

You could learn something directly related to your career, or you could expand your skillset and learn something totally unrelated. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

• Learn a language on your phone with Duolingo.
• Read articles on Medium.
• Listen to podcasts from the ABC.
• Find local networking opportunities on Eventbrite.
• Take a short online course via edX.
• Take a vocational course to learn to run your own business.
• Start a degree and learn over months or years.

Lifelong learning is about changing your mindset

One of the things that school is supposed to teach you is how to learn. Sometimes this can get a bit lost in standardised testing, but it’s really important that you leave school with the skills you need to identify when you need to learn something new, and the drive to go out and learn it.

Don’t connect lifelong, post-school learning with the experience you’re going through right now – they’re not the same thing. Lifelong learning gives you power over your future, the chance to change the types of jobs you are able to access, and you control what you learn and how you learn it.

This gives you a lot more flexibility than you get while you’re at school.

If you prefer to learn online at your own pace, then that’s totally OK. If you’re someone who reads voraciously, then you may want to pick up new knowledge that way. Short courses are usually heaps of fun, and adult education specialists know how to link your learning with your career, which makes the experience all the more meaningful.

All you need to do right now is open your mind to the idea of learning throughout your life, and you’ll be on the right track.

Find out more

We have heaps of resources on learning, skills, and courses on our website here.

If you’re one of those people who wishes it could be Christmas all the time (I can’t say I understand, but you do you!), you’d probably be thrilled if there was a way you could incorporate Christmas into your career. While you probably won’t be unwrapping presents and hanging lights non-stop, there are lots of jobs out there that let you embody the Christmas spirit. And there’s no better way to see if a job might be right for you than work experience. So in the spirit of the holidays, we have some work experience ideas for Christmas lovers – see if there are any that jingle your bells.

Try your hand at event planning

There’s no doubt that Christmas is definitely one of the biggest events of the year, from family get togethers to end-of-year work parties. Because it’s such a busy time, event planners often need extra hands to help out around Christmas, so see if there are any opportunities for you to get involved and spread the Christmas cheer.

Get snapping as a photographer

It’s probably impossible to visit a shopping centre in December without seeing kids cheerily (or sometimes begrudgingly) having their photo taken with the one and only Santa Claus. If you’ve always fancied a creative career, this could be a clever way to combine your two greatest passions, either as a volunteer or a casual employee.

Sell the perfect gift in retail

Whether you get in early or leave it to the last minute, shops are always bustling in the lead up to Christmas with people looking for gifts, decorations, food, and more. Lots of different retailers, from fashion to homewares, look for extra staff to meet demand over the holidays. You’ll get to build valuable communication, teamwork, and presentation skills (all while listening to non-stop carols on the store radio).

Hone your design skills

This is the time of year where people are looking for everything Christmas, from cards and wrapping paper to social media banners and tree ornaments. If you have a knack for colour and style, you might like to have a go at creating your own designs – and if you’re feeling really crafty, you might even like to make and sell your designs at local markets.

Sing your heart out

Considering a career in entertainment? If you have an impressive set of pipes, there are heaps of opportunities for you to show off your talents during the Christmas season, whether it’s performing in local events, singing carols door-to-door, or making a name for yourself on TikTok. You never know where a bit of good publicity could lead you.

Find out more

Hopefully these work experience ideas have inspired the Christmas lovers out there. But even if you’re not so keen on the season, we have heaps of other work experience ideas and tips on our website for all kinds of interests – check it out here.

Thinking about going on a work experience placement? You might be feeling unsure about what to expect. That’s totally normal, don’t worry – but if you’d like to be prepared before jumping in, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some real students who went on work experience in different industries, and get some insights into what it might be like for you.

Communications and media – Sam

JOY is a not for profit LGBTIQA+ media organisation based on Boonwurrung land in Victoria, Australia. 16-year old Sam spent a week of work experience at their Victorian Pride Centre – here’s what he had to say:

I’ve always been quite passionate about media and drama and that kind of stuff, so when I received the opportunity of doing work experience with JOY, I jumped at the chance!

My time at JOY was incredible! Not only did I get to learn so many new things & skills, I got to have an experience that was life-changing.

I would like to thank each and every one people of the team at JOY for their knowledge and their advice that I know I will continue to carry with me throughout my journey, especially when choosing a career in the future, because the advice and knowledge I got is great for any job whether that’s in media or not.

You can read about Sam’s full experience here.

Government – Matthew

High school student Matthew came all the way from Spain to do his week of work experience with the UK’s Parliamentary Digital Service. Here are some of the highlights:

This week was a really good start to my work experience: I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve really enjoyed it so far. I met a lot of people, and they’ve taught me a lot of things regarding their jobs which I greatly appreciate.

The first two days involved meeting a lot of new people. There was so much new information that, by Wednesday, I realised that I had to take notes of what I heard. This has been an important lesson for me too.

I really enjoyed this week, although it was tiring, I learnt so much! I remember, the first few days I was asked several times what I wanted to get out of this. I wasn’t sure what to say, I just wanted to learn a bit here and there, but if I was asked now I would have a clearer answer: I want to know more about the working environment in places like this, get a clearer idea of what working life is like, and even something that will help me in University in these upcoming years.

You can read more about Matthew’s experience here.

Environment – Imogen

Year 10 student Imogen joined the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board in Berri, South Australia for her work experience. Here’s what she learned:

This experience gave me knowledge of the specific job positions and roles that I am able to undertake in the future.

Working in the sustainable landscapes team I learnt all about the importance of the design process of signs and why specific elements have been included in a design.

While working with the education team I gained an insight of the ins and outs of teaching schools and groups about environmental sciences.

Finally, I worked with the Media and Communications team and helped write some articles and do a little bit of graphic design.

Doing work experience with landscape board gave me many opportunities to explore multiple career pathways, such as graphic design, teaching and journalism.

Read the full blog about Imogen’s experience here.

Law – Grace

Grace spent her week of work experience at Matrix Chambers in London, UK. Here are some insights she shared:

From the moment I walked in, on my first morning at Matrix, everybody was so warm and welcoming.

We were fortunate enough to be able to attend a hearing … and see several Matrix barristers in action. It was intriguing to watch their different styles of delivery, all equally engaging. Watching the Junior barristers in the courtroom was also very cool!

It was [also] fantastic to hear about the actual logistics and procedures that are in place to keep Matrix functioning.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Matrix Chambers and I cannot thank them enough. From learning about how the building itself is run, to how the barristers deliver in court, everything was incredible.

You can read Grace’s full experience here.

IT & Software Engineering – Joshua

Year 10 student Joshua spent 2 weeks of work experience with the tech consultants at Endjin. This is how his experience went:

My [time] at Endjin has been unbelievably good. I have learnt so much in this short span of time but there is still much to learn.

When I first got to the HQ, everyone was very welcoming. [The placement] was very exciting for me as I would be introduced to new software that I’ve never been around and also to the new environment.

I felt very welcomed and that I could ask questions without feeling embarrassed.

The 2 weeks being at Endjin have been a blast. So much to learn, never bored. There was always something I could do.

See more about Joshua’s experience here.

Find out more

Hopefully these stories and insights have inspired you to get out there and find your own work experience placement – you can read more about the world of work on our blog here.

The world is quickly growing more and more eco-conscious. When we think of sustainability, careers in science, engineering, or manufacturing are usually the first that come to mine. But green careers and green skills are seeing huge growth in demand from employers in all different kinds of industries.

In their Global Green Skills Report, LinkedIn estimate that demand for green skills will outstrip supply by 2026 – that’s only just over 2 years away.

They also found that more people are being hired in green jobs than other areas too.

As a student today thinking about your future career, it’s more than likely you’ll need to develop green skills, no matter where you want to end up. That’s where work experience comes in – it’s a fantastic way for you to build skills and explore potential careers of interest, all without the commitment of a job.

So if you’re looking for opportunities to build green skills or are dreaming of a green career, we have some green work experience ideas you might like to look into.

Renewable energy

Global demand for renewable energy is booming, and employment in renewable energy has nearly doubled since 2012. And renewable energy companies need more than just engineers and electricians to run – they need finance specialists, designers, salespeople, environmental analysts, lawyers, admin workers, and so much more.

If you’re interested in devising cleaner and more efficient ways to power our world, there are lots of businesses and organisations out there you might like to work with. Contact local solar, wind, or hydroelectric companies and express your interest in opportunities for work experience, either in the office or out in the field. You could be finding out how renewable infrastructure is designed, helping connect homes to renewable energy generators, or discovering how companies market and sell their products or services.

Biodiversity and agriculture

Agriculture and food production is unfortunately the largest contributor to habitat destruction and pushing species to the brink of extinction. In order for our ecosystems to thrive, we need to find more sustainable and eco-friendly methods of farming.

Thankfully, there are already lots of people and companies on the job. This includes government parks and agriculture departments, local farmers, wildlife rescues, and research institutions, who all often have work experience opportunities for students. You could even get involved through health and nutrition initiatives, working with doctors, supermarkets, or even local food stores to call for a change in our dietary habits and reduce the pressure food production places on biodiversity.

Green transportation

Global sales of electric cars has soared from 118,000 in 2012 to a whopping 10.2 million in 2022 – and it’s expected to more than triple to 36.9 million by 2030. So it stands to reason more people will be needed to design, manufacture, and sell all of these new vehicles.

You might like to find work experience at an auto mechanic, car dealership, or automotive designer, and get a glimpse into how electric vehicles (EVs) are made, sold, and repaired. Or find opportunities with local councils or government and discover how policy and urban planning can influence green transportation options (like building more charging stations, facilitating easier access to public transport, or providing subsidies to people who swap to an EV).

Media and communication

There are lots of people out there already doing fantastic things to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and health-related environmental impacts. But how do we know about these wonderful things? Because someone tells us, of course.

Many news sites are dedicated to reporting on climate and environment, and are always looking for people to help contribute further, whether it’s through writing, photography, social media management, or even website design and maintenance. Or you might like to take a look behind-the-scenes at your local newsroom, from camera operation to sound and lighting effects. If you’re feeling confident, you could even become a content creator to spread the world about other passionate environmental champions and green initiatives.

Finance and investment

In order to transition to a cleaner, greener world, it all needs to be financed somehow. And skills in carbon accounting, carbon credits, emissions trading, impact assessment, and sustainability reporting are among the fastest-growing green skills in the US and the European Union.

If maths and money is more your style, there are still lots of ways you can have a green career. You could find work experience in a bank or investment firm and learn how finances are being used to fund clean energy and recycling projects. Learn about how insurance brokers are dealing with an unprecedented rise in natural disasters caused by climate change. Or delve into how companies reduce their carbon impact through emissions trading.

Find out more

These green work experience ideas are just the tip of the iceberg – there are lots of other companies, businesses, non-profit organisations, and individuals out there to research and explore.

You can read more about work experience and careers on our website here.

Job opportunities in the arts extend beyond just the stage – you can be involved through teaching, event planning, design, outreach, and much more. So if you love to dance, we have some work experience ideas that can help you explore your passion and turn it into a career.

Dance studios and academies

Reach out to local dance studios or academies in your community. Many of them welcome high school students for short-term work experiences. You can assist with dance classes, observe instructors, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how these spaces operate.

Event planning and coordination

If you’re drawn to the idea of organising dance events or performances, consider seeking work experience with event planning companies. From coordinating dance recitals to managing logistics, you’ll gain insight into the planning that goes into creating dance events and experiences.

Costume and set design

Unleash your creativity by exploring work experience opportunities in costume and set design. Connect with local theatres or dance companies that might need assistance in bringing their performances to life through imaginative costumes and sets.

Fitness and wellness centres

Dance isn’t just an art form; it’s also a fantastic way to stay fit. Explore work experience options at fitness and wellness centres that offer dance-based fitness classes. You might get the chance to assist instructors, participate in class setup, or even contribute to marketing efforts.

Community outreach programs

Many community outreach programs use dance as a tool for empowerment and engagement. Look for organisations that focus on using dance to connect with various communities. Your could be assisting in outreach initiatives or participating in dance workshops with diverse groups.

Work experience is a chance to explore your passions, build skills, and make connections. Don’t be afraid to reach out to local businesses and organisations, express your love for dance, and ask about potential opportunities.

Read more about work experience and careers on our website here.