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.
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.