Work Experience and Volunteering

As part of many of our study programmes, you will get the opportunity to undertake real work experience in your chosen subject area. We work with a variety of employers across London, who provide placements so that you get an understanding of what it is like to work in that field.

Work experience placements are usually unpaid, but sometimes food and/or travel expenses are covered. The benefits of work experience include great networking opportunities, a good reference and developing employability skills. If you’re doing a vocational course then you may do work experience as part of your course. If not, than you can try approaching businesses that you would like to work for and ask if they can offer you a placement.

Volunteering

With studying and socialising, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you and your community. The right volunteering opportunity can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Some university courses and careers require a certain amount of work experience, such as in the early years and care sectors. Even if you can’t secure work experience directly in your related career choice, having any type of work experience which displays key skills such as team work, communication, good attendance and punctuality and customer service can go a long way. 

Remember, for certain jobs, you will need to be DBS Checked. The organisation you volunteer for may organise this for you but make sure you check in advance.