Work Experience
Work Experience Programme: Discover A Future Career
Our work experience program offers a valuable opportunity for students to explore a career and gain insight into the workings of local government. We view this program as a vital investment in the local community and the future talent of Exeter.
Who Can Apply?
The annual programme is designed for young people with a connection to the city. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Age/Education: The individual must be 15, 16, or 17 years old and currently a full-time student in Year 10 or Year 12 at a school or college.
Local Connection: The student must be a resident of Exeter or have a strong connection to the city (for example, by attending an Exeter school or college).
What the Experience Involves
Placements are structured to be both inspirational and developmental, ensuring students receive a meaningful introduction to local government roles. Participants will:
- Shadow and Learn: Spend time with experienced Council officers, observing their daily duties and responsibilities first-hand.
- Tackle a Project: Work on a small, focused project to make a real contribution to a specific department.
- Build Confidence: Gain exposure to a diverse range of roles and services delivered across the Council.
- Practice Interview Skills: Participate in a mock job interview, complete with constructive feedback, to prepare them for future employment applications.
Crucially, placements focus on observation and learning, and never involve filling staff vacancies or undertaking menial, repetitive tasks.
Key Programme Details
|
Attribute |
Details |
|---|---|
|
Duration |
Up to two weeks (10 working days) |
|
Timing |
Annually, typically at the end of the Summer Term (late June/early July) |
|
Working Hours |
Monday to Friday only. Maximum of 7 hours per day and 35 hours per week (usually between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM). |
|
Application |
Places are limited and advertised annually on the Council’s public website and other channels. |
Safety and Supervision
The Council’s top priority is ensuring a safe and positive experience. Strict guidelines are followed:
- Always Supervised: Students will never work alone or as a lone worker, regardless of their age.
- Trained Supervisors: Supervisors working with students under 16 must hold a clear Enhanced DBS check.
- No High-Risk Work: Students will not be involved in any high-risk activities, such as working with dangerous machinery, harmful substances, collecting refuse, or visiting residents' homes.
How to Apply
The annual call for placements generally begins early in the new calendar year. Interested individuals should:
- Check the Council’s Website: Available annual Work Experience placements are advertised on the Council's website when the programme is launched.
- Submit an Application: Follow the instructions provided to apply for one of the available roles. Tip: Applicants may request to work in a specific department if they have a particular career in mind.
- Selection: If the programme is oversubscribed, a selection or assessment day may be used to determine successful applicants.
- Before Placement: Successful applicants must provide a signed authorisation letter from their school/college and ensure their parent/guardian is aware of the placement details.