Work Experience Year 10: The Ultimate Guide for UK Students

Work Experience Year 10: The Ultimate Guide for UK Students

Work experience in Year 10 is a formative programme for UK students around 14–15 years old, giving them a first taste of the working world. Whether you’re a Year 10 student in the UK or new to the UK school system, this guide will walk you through what work experience is, how it works in Year 10, and how to make the most of it. We’ll compare school-arranged vs self-sourced placements, offer practical tips to find a placement, discuss timelines, tackle common challenges, and explore alternatives.

Early career exploration is immensely valuable at this stage – it builds real-world skills and insight that will benefit your future.

What is Work Experience in Year 10?

Work experience is a short-term placement (usually one week long) where Year 10 students spend time with an employer to learn about working life. In the UK, Year 10 (typically ages 14–15) is the most common year for students to undertake work experience. Schools often set aside a week during the school year (commonly in the summer term) for these placements. During this week, normal classes pause while students go to their chosen workplaces to shadow employees, assist with simple tasks, and observe the day-to-day operations. It’s an educational placement, not paid employment, intended to introduce you to the world of work and help you explore possible career interests.

Year 10 work experience is a long-standing tradition in British schools. It’s essentially a short internship or shadowing opportunity arranged when students are in Key Stage 4 (GCSE years). The goal is to broaden your horizons, let you experience a professional environment, and start building employability skills early.

How Does Year 10 Work Experience Work?

Every school approaches work experience a bit differently, but generally:

Timing

Most placements happen in Year 10 (some schools may do it in Year 11). Schools typically allocate a specific week (or two) for work experience. On average, students do about 5 days (one work week) on placement. Only a small minority (around 2%) manage to do a full two-week placement, as one week has become the standard.

School Support

Schools usually inform students and parents about work experience early in Year 10. You might attend an assembly or receive a briefing explaining the process. Many schools provide a list of local employers who have agreed to take students, or they work with partners to source placements. 78% of secondary schools in a recent sample offered some work experience to Year 10 students, so chances are your school has something in place.

Application Process

Depending on your school, you may either be assigned a placement or asked to apply/arrange one yourself. Some schools have students fill out their interests and then match them to an employer. Others expect you to approach companies on your own (with guidance) and then the school approves the choice for insurance and safety checks. We’ll cover the difference between school-arranged and self-sourced placements in the next section.

Preparation

Before the placement, you’ll likely be asked to complete some paperwork (maybe a form with your placement details, and in some cases, a short informal interview with the employer or a phone call). Schools also ensure a risk assessment is done and that the employer has appropriate insurance to cover a young student. Don’t worry – these arrangements happen behind the scenes, but it’s good to know your school and employer will prioritise your safety and wellbeing.

During the Placement

You will attend the workplace instead of school for the agreed period (e.g. 9am–3/5pm each day of that week). You’re expected to follow the workplace’s rules (like dress code, safety regulations) and to participate actively. Typical activities for Year 10 work experience might include observing staff at work, doing basic tasks (filing, data entry, helping customers, shadowing in meetings, etc.), and asking questions to learn more about the job. Remember, the goal is learning – no one expects a 15-year-old to know how to do the job already, so focus on soaking up knowledge and demonstrating enthusiasm!

After the Placement

Many schools will ask you to reflect on your experience. You might have to write a report or give a short presentation about what you learned. Some employers provide a certificate or feedback letter at the end of the placement – keep this for your record (it can be useful for future CVs or college applications). If your employer doesn’t automatically provide feedback, consider politely asking if they’d be willing to be a reference in future or fill out any evaluation form your school provides. Also, take time to thank the people you worked with.

School-Arranged vs Self-Sourced Placements

One key distinction in Year 10 work experience is whether your placement is arranged by yourschool or self-sourced (found by you/your parents). Here’s how they differ and what to consider:

School-Arranged Placements

In this scenario, your school (often through a careers coordinator or work experience officer) sets up the placement for you. They might have a list of local employers who have offered to take students. You could get a placement related to your interests if options allow, but you might also be assigned somewhere just to ensure you get an experience. The advantage of school-arranged placements is that a lot of the legwork is done for you – the school handles contacting the employer and making sure all the paperwork is sorted. This can be great if you’re not sure where to start or if you don’t have personal connections to leverage. It also helps level the playing field among students. The downside is you have less choice; you might not get your top preference if those spots are limited. If your school offers you a placement and it’s not your dream field, try to keep an open mind – any work environment can teach useful skills.

Self-Sourced Placements

Many schools encourage or require students to find their own work experience placement. This means you take initiative to contact companies or organisations to ask if they’ll host you for a week. The big benefit here is you can target an industry or company you’re genuinely interested in. It’s an opportunity to practice job-seeking skills like writing emails, making phone calls, and perhaps even interviewing for a spot. However, not all students have equal networks or confidence to do this. Research shows that when students must find their own placements, those with family connections in professional fields often secure more prestigious opportunities, while others might struggle. In other words, a “find it yourself” approach can unintentionally favour students whose parents or relatives know people in high places. But don’t be discouraged – even if you don’t have ready-made contacts, there are ways to succeed (we’ll cover tips soon). Schools usually still support self-sourced placements by providing guidance and verifying the placement for safety. The key is to seek help from teachers and career advisers if you need it.

How to Find a Year 10 Work Experience Placement

Finding a placement can feel like a big task, especially if it’s your first time approaching an employer. Don’t worry – with some planning and proactivity, you can secure a great Year 10 work experience placement. Here are practical steps and tips:

Start Early

Begin your search well in advance. Many schools hold work experience in June or July of Year 10, so you should start looking for placements by the autumn or early spring term. Popular placements (like hospitals, law firms, or tech companies) may have application deadlines months ahead. (For example, some large companies have formal Year 10 work experience weeks you must apply for around January or even earlier.) The earlier you start, the more choices you’ll have and the less stressful it will be.  

Use School Resources

Check what help your school offers. Attend any work experience briefings or workshops. Speak to your careers advisor or teacher in charge of work experience – they may have a list of companies that have taken students before. Sometimes local education-business partnerships coordinate placements for schools. If your school gives you a placement directory or portal to apply through, use it. Even if you want to find your own, let the school know early so they can advise on paperwork. Remember, teachers and career staff are there to help you – don’t hesitate to ask for guidance or contacts.

Identify Your Interests (but Be Flexible)

Make a list of fields or jobs you find interesting – for example, healthcare, engineering, media, finance, teaching, art, retail, etc. Suitable roles for Year 10 students are typically ones that don’t require advanced qualifications and where an employer can safely accommodate a younger teen. Also consider government offices, police or fire stations (some have youth observation programs), or tech companies (in supervised IT support roles, for instance).

Keep in mind some industries have age restrictions – e.g. you generally won’t be allowed on construction sites or to do very hazardous tasks due to safety laws. But there’s a wide array of workplaces that welcome 14–15-year-olds for observation and light tasks. Aim high with your interests, but have a few backup options too.

Leverage Your Network

One of the easiest ways to find a placement is through people you already know. Ask friends, family, neighbours, and teachers if they know any employers who might host a Year 10 student. You might discover that your friend’s parent works at a company relevant to your interests, or a cousin has a connection to a local business. Let people around you know you’re looking for work experience – you’d be surprised how often opportunities come through word-of-mouth. Even if the contact is not in your dream field, consider it; any workplace can be a learning experience and you can always pursue your dream field later as well. Using personal connections can bypass the formalities and give you a foot in the door.

Research and Reach Out to Companies

If you don’t have personal leads (or even if you do), research local companies in the sectors you’re interested in. Make a list of places you could commute to (remember you’ll need to get there every day for a week – so consider location and transport). Check their websites to see if they mention work experience programmes for school students. Many large organisations have pages for “Work Experience” or “Early Careers” indicating if they take Year 10 students. For example, companies like HSBC, British Airways, the BBC, and large firms in finance or engineering often have structured work experience schemes for school pupils. These can be competitive, but if you’re interested, follow their application instructions and apply. For smaller companies that may not advertise placements, you’ll need to contact them directly (usually via email or phone).

Don’t be afraid to reach out – the worst that can happen is they say no or don’t reply. It’s not personal; some companies just aren’t able to host placements. But some will say yes, especially if you come across as keen and polite.

Consider Volunteering or Community Work

If formal placements are hard to find, remember that volunteering can also count as great work experience. Local charities, shops, libraries, or community centres might be very happy to have a young volunteer for a week. While it might not be a corporate office, you’ll still gain work habits and skills. Volunteering roles can include helping out at a charity shop, assisting at an animal shelter, supporting a kids’ camp or sports club, or doing an environmental project. These experiences are valuable and often easier to arrange than placements at big companies. Plus, they show initiative and community spirit.

Explore Virtual Opportunities

In recent years, some organisations have started offering virtual work experience for students who can’t be there in person. This might involve online workshops, project tasks, and video meetings with mentors – all done remotely. While not identical to being on-site, virtual programmes can be a good alternative, especially if geography or timing is a barrier. Keep an eye out for virtual work experience days or weeks advertised online (some are run by national career organisations or big firms for students anywhere to join). A benefit is that you’re not limited to local companies – you could “experience” a field that isn’t available in your town.

Confirm and Coordinate with School

Once you secure a placement, inform your school’s work experience coordinator. There will likely be some forms for the employer to sign (covering insurance, emergency contacts, etc.). The school might handle this directly with the employer, or they might give you the forms to bring to the employer. Make sure all parties (school, employer, and your parents) are on the same page regarding the dates, hours, dress code, and any other expectations. As the date approaches, it can be useful to send a friendly confirmation email to your employer contact, saying you’re looking forward to starting on XYZ date and asking if there’s anything you should prepare or bring. Good communication up front sets a positive impression.

By following these steps, you increase your chances of finding a rewarding placement. It may take effort and possibly a few rejections before you land one – that’s normal. Stay persistent and positive. The search itself is a learning experience in communication and resilience!

Overcoming Common Challenges

Securing and completing a Year 10 work experience isn’t always smooth sailing. You might face a few challenges along the way. Here are some common issues students encounter – and how to overcome them:

Limited Availability of Placements

Not every company is able or willing to take a 15-year-old on for a week. Solution: Cast a wide net and be flexible. Don’t just target the most famous companies; also approach small local businesses where you could still learn a lot. If your first-choice industry isn’t yielding opportunities (say you tried ten law firms with no luck), consider a Plan B industry to explore this time (perhaps a local council office or a charity). Remember, any workplace experience has value – you can always pursue another field later. You can also look into alternative experiences like volunteering or short-term projects to ensure you still gain something meaningful.

High Competition

Some placements are highly sought-after. For example, a placement at a hospital, veterinarian, or a top tech company might have many students vying for a very limited number of spots. It’s not uncommon for competitive programmes (like those at BBC or large corporations) to turn away many applicants. Apply early and put effort into your application. If a placement requires a formal application (with a personal statement or teacher reference), take it seriously – have a teacher or parent review your application to make it strong. Simultaneously, always have a backup plan. Don’t pin all hopes on one opportunity. Apply to multiple places and have a mix of “dream” placements and more readily available ones. Also, look for less obvious options in the field – e.g., if no hospital can take you, maybe a local pharmacy or care home would give relevant experience for healthcare interests.

Lack of Confidence or Nerves

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about stepping into a workplace or contacting employers. You might worry “What if I say something wrong?” or feel shy about being the youngest person there. Practice introducing yourself and explaining what you’re looking for. Remind yourself that professionals generally like to see young people show initiative. For the placement itself, remember that you’re not expected to know everything. Employers know you’re there to learn. If you’re unsure what to do, just ask politely. Also, keep in mind almost everyone is nervous in a new situation – even adults. After a day or two, you’ll get more comfortable. Your confidence will grow each time you challenge yourself like this.

No Personal Connections

As noted, some students feel at a disadvantage because they don’t have family friends in high-powered jobs. Use institutional connections instead of personal ones. That means, lean on your school’s connections – many schools have links to alumni or local businesses. Talk to your careers advisor; let them know you’re eager but don’t know people in your field of interest. They might make a call on your behalf or suggest a company that has helped students from your school before. You can also attend careers fairs, employer talks at school, or local youth career events – these are chances to meet professionals who are specifically volunteering to help students like you. When you do meet such people, don’t hesitate to express interest and ask if their company might host you.

During the Placement Challenges

Maybe you secured a placement but find that you’re given little to do, or tasks are harder than expected. If you’re bored or not being used, take initiative – for instance, you could politely ask your supervisor “Is there anything I could help with or observe?” Sometimes staff get busy and forget to involve you; a gentle prompt can get them to assign you something. If a task is confusing, ask for clarification rather than silently struggling. They prefer you ask questions, which shows engagement. If you make a mistake, don’t panic; just be honest and learn from it. This is all part of the experience. And always remember to stay positive and professional, even if the placement isn’t exactly what you imagined. A good attitude itself is a skill and will leave a strong impression.

By anticipating these challenges and knowing some solutions, you’ll be better prepared to handle them. No work experience journey is perfect, but overcoming these hurdles is part of what makes the experience valuable. You’ll come out more resilient and resourceful.

Making the Most of Your Work Experience

Once you’ve secured a placement, it’s time to prepare for a successful week. First of all, try and get in the right mindset. Research a bit about the company or industry so you have context. Plan your route to get there on time Day 1. Prepare appropriate clothes ahead of time. Get a notebook to jot down observations. Have a list of a few questions you’re curious about – it shows enthusiasm.

During Your Work Experience

Be Professional

Treat this like a real job. Arrive on time (or 5 minutes early), every day. Dress according to the guidance you’ve been given (when in doubt, business-casual is a safe bet, or whatever uniform they suggest). Follow the workplace rules on things like phone use, break times, safety protocols, etc. Use polite language and be respectful to everyone you meet. Professionalism will make people trust you with more tasks!

Ask Questions and Be Curious

You’re there to learn, so don’t shy away from asking questions. If you’re unsure how to do something, ask. If you’re observing someone and curious why they do it a certain way, ask (when appropriate). Most staff will be happy to explain. Just be mindful of timing – if someone looks very busy or the question is sensitive (e.g. about company strategy), use judgment. But generally, your curiosity signals interest. Prepare some general questions to ask different employees you meet, like “What was your career path to this role?” or “What do you find most challenging about your job?” These can lead to great insights and conversations.

Keep a Daily Journal

Take a few minutes each day, perhaps during lunch or after you get home, to write down what you did and anything you learned or found interesting. Note new industry terms, skills you tried, or advice given by employees. This diary will help you reflect and is also handy when you later need to write about the experience (for a school report or CV). It doesn’t have to be long – even bullet points of key takeaways are fine. By the end of the week, you’ll have a nice record of your progress.

Offer Help and Be Proactive

Don’t wait passively if you’ve finished a task and are sitting idle. Proactively let your supervisor or coworkers know you’ve completed the task and ask if there’s anything else you can help with. Look around – is there a stack of papers you could organize, or a simple chore that needs doing? Showing initiative (within the limits of what’s appropriate) will make you stand out. Even making a cup of tea for the team (if that’s normal in the office culture) can be a kind gesture that people appreciate. When you demonstrate that you’re willing to pitch in, you might get more opportunities to try different things.

Network and Build Connections

Use this week to get to know people. Learn their names, ask about their roles, and be genuinely interested. You might be introduced to managers, team members, maybe even the company director. Don’t be intimidated – they know you’re a student. Remember these people can be part of your network. Toward the end of the week, you could ask if they’d be comfortable connecting on LinkedIn (if you use it) or simply ask for an email to keep in touch. Even if you don’t actively network now, just making a positive impression could pay off if you cross paths in the future.

Seek Feedback

Toward the end of your placement, ask your supervisor if they could give you some feedback on how you did. Something like, “Is there anything I could improve on for future?” This shows maturity and willingness to learn. They might point out strengths you didn’t know you had, or give gentle advice on areas to develop. This information is gold – it helps you grow. If asking in person feels awkward, you could also email them after the placement to say thank you and ask for any feedback.

After Your Work Experience:

Reflect on What You Learned

Take some time to think about the week. What tasks or aspects did you like the most? Was there something you found boring or difficult? How did the reality of the job compare to your expectations? Reflecting helps solidify your experience and figure out your next steps. You might realize “I loved working in a team setting” or “Office work was more repetitive than I thought.” These insights will inform your future choices (subjects, activities, maybe other work experiences in different fields).

Update Your CV or Portfolio

Even though you’re still in school, it’s good practice to maintain a simple CV. Add your work experience placement: include the company name, dates, and a couple of bullet points about what you did or learned. For example, “Completed a one-week work experience at Smith & Co Accountants – assisted with data entry, observed client meetings, developed communication and Excel skills.” This ensures you don’t forget details and gives you something official to show for it. If you won any praise or were involved in a notable project, note that too. In the future, this CV entry can grow as you add more experiences.

Keep in Touch (Optional)

If you had a great experience and built a good rapport, consider staying in touch. This could be a holiday email or dropping by to say hello a few months later (if welcomed). Sometimes a Year 10 placement can even lead to a part-time job offer when you’re old enough, or an invitation to come back for another placement in sixth form. Maintaining a professional relationship (even at a distance) can be beneficial. But of course, this depends on the situation – don’t feel obligated, and always be respectful of the workplace’s time.

Get Ahead with InvestIN’s Programmes  

Work experience in Year 10 is just the beginning of your career exploration. If you’re feeling inspired and want to dive even deeper into a field (or try out a new one), consider taking part in specialised programmes outside of school. InvestIN’s Weekend Programmes are a fantastic opportunity to gain insight into some of the world’s most exciting careers – and they’re designed for students like you.

What are Weekend Programmes?

These are one-day immersive career experiences, held on Sundays during term-time (with intakes in November and March each year). They allow students aged 15–18 to step into the shoes of a professional in careers ranging from medicine and law to engineering, finance, science, tech, creative industries and more. Each programme is led by top professionals in that field, so you’re learning directly from the experts. During the day, you’ll get to participate in live simulations and hands-on activities. There are also interactive Q&A sessions where you can ask those burning questions about how to succeed in the field. It’s like a crash-course in a career, beyond what a typical school placement may offer.

Flexible attendance

InvestIN’s Weekend Programmes are offered both in-person in London (at UCL) and live online. So even if you’re not near London, you can join virtually from anywhere (UK or abroad) and still interact fully. They are non-residential one-day events, making them easy to fit into your schedule. For autumn, the November Weekend Programmes are now open for registration, with a variety of career options available. (Likewise, there will be new programmes in spring.)

Choose from 15+ career options

Ever dreamt of being a software engineer, an architect, a psychologist, an investment banker, a fashion designer, or even a crime scene investigator? There’s likely a programme for it. From the Young Doctor Weekend to the Young Entrepreneur Weekend, each is tailored to give you meaningful insight and practical experience in that field. Explore InvestIN’s Weekend Programmes – give yourself the opportunity to try out your dream career in an inspiring, engaging setting. It’s a brilliant way to complement your school work experience with another layer of professional development.

Ready to take the next step?

Visit our Weekend Programmes page to see what’s on offer this November. By investing a day in your future career now, you’re investing in yourself. Spaces can fill up fast, so we invite you to secure your spot and continue your journey of career discovery with us.