Need to brush up on your industry experience? Perhaps a dose of work experience or an internship is right for you. 

Perhaps you know what industry you want to work in. Perhaps you even have a particular job role in mind. But the one thing standing in your way seems to be ‘experience’ of that industry. It’s that old nutshell – you apply for an entry level role but the employer wants you to have experience. How do you do that if you are starting out? 

If this sounds like you, or even if you want to try your hand at a new career/industry, then finding a work experience placement or internship could be the right thing to advance your career. Usually unpaid (sometimes not), it will give you valuable insight into the career you are interested in, provide you with concrete experience and give you a chance to flex your skills and knowledge in real-life situations. 
Please accept marketing cookies to watch this video.
Learn about work experience at Softcat

FAQs

Work experience usually lasts for a week or two, but some placements are carried out over a longer period of time, for example, one day a week for six months. Work experience placements usually begin in your time at school but can also be carried out by mature career seekers who are looking to get an insight into a particular career or sector.

Internships, on the other hand, are a chance to gain more practical experience directly related to the course you are studying. They can help students develop technical skills and build confidence. They can vary in length and can be paid or voluntary.

Resources

Resources for Internships

Students
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Marketing and Visitor Experience National Lottery Funded Traineeship

This Trainee role would suit someone who is interested in pursuing a career in marketing and visitor experience within the museum and herita...

download
1 min reading
Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism
Students
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Collections and Interpretation National Lottery Funded Traineeship

This Trainee role would suit someone interested in pursuing a career in collections management and interpretation within the museum and heri...

article
1 min reading
Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Supported Internships

Supported internships help 16- to 24-year-olds with SEND and an EHC plan gain skills, confidence, and experience for paid employment, with s...

article
1 min reading
Students
Career Change

A day to remember!

We kicked off careers fair season in serious style as young people headed to Bucks Skills Show 2025 in their thousands. Check out the highli...

article
3 min reading
Students
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

NHS Choices College: Tailored Education and Supported Internships

Interns spend 1 year learning maths, English and employability skills and attend up to three, 12-week placements with a Choices College Part...

download
1 min reading
Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care
Students

Councillor Shadowing Scheme - Youth Voice Bucks

Buckinghamshire’s Councillor Shadowing Scheme provides young people and local councillors with skills, experience, and insight, by giving ...

article
1 min reading
Public Sector
Students
Graduates

BrigHT Futures @BHT

At school or college and wondering what step to take next? Explore bright futures @BHT

article
1 min reading
Public Sector
Students
Graduates
Career Change

How to start a career in medicine at home

Discover the present and future challenges doctors face by completing an online work experience programme.

article
4 min reading
Life Science, Healthcare and Social Care

slide 2 of 4

slide 2 of 4

Help and support

Not sure what you’re
looking for?

For additional help and
support

Contact Us