Work experience

From accountancy to youth work - with over 700 services, the variety of work experience opportunities is vast.

You don't know your dream job exists yet!

When it comes to making decisions about your future career, nothing beats real life experience. 
 
Work experience with us is a fantastic way to gain insight into a particular career. It can also be a valuable way of gaining confidence and experience of working in a team and supporting our community. 
 
We are looking for people who are keen to learn and willing to get stuck in and try new things. You do not need to have had a job before, but a polite and friendly personality is essential. We are particularly interested in applications from those looking to pursue a career in the public sector. 
 
These are some examples of how a work experience placement could be set up: 
 
  • Block work experience: block work experience is when there is an opportunity to spend one or two weeks in a work placement. 
  • Extended work experience: extended work experience is when one or two days a week are spent in a placement over an extended period of time. This is usually for someone who is working towards a qualification. 
  • Taster days: a half or full day to provide an introduction to the workplace or a particular area of work. 
Interested in a placement with us?
Please complete the work experience application.

Who can apply for work experience? 
We welcome work experience applications from anyone, however, there are some people who need work experience for school, education or work scheme. 
 
How do I arrange a placement? 
  • Step 1: Apply for a work experience placement with us by completing our application form.
  • Step 2: You will receive an acknowledgement email once received. Your application will be considered by the placement manager and if there is a placement available you will be contacted. If a placement is not available within your chosen area or role, we will try our best to find something that is suitable for you and get in touch to see what other areas you may be interested in. We will keep your application on file for six months. 
  • Step 3: It will be up to you to contact the placement manager to introduce yourself before your first day and discuss what you will be doing. The placement manager will be responsible for your programme of work and deal with any problems or queries. 
Can I work with my family member? 
You can work with a member of your family who works in the Council, providing their service area has an opportunity. 
 
What is the dress code for work experience? 
The dress code depends on where the placement is, this will be confirmed if you are successful. For example, you may need personal protective equipment, which will be supplied by us.  
 
How will I get to my placement? 
You will be expected to make your own arrangements to travel to and from your placement. 
 
Will I be paid for the work I do whilst on placement? 
No. Work experience placements are unpaid and we are unable to cover any expenses. 
 
How many hours is the placement for? 
This is for you and the line manager to agree. Usually, they will be no more than eight hours a day and will not start before 7am or finish later than 7pm. You will also work no more than five consecutive days out of seven. Regular breaks will be provided throughout the day. 
 
Am I covered by the council’s insurance and health and safety policies whilst on my placement? 
Yes. You are covered by our insurance and health and safety policies. 
 
We take the health and safety of all our people seriously. All department managers are required to assess and address any risks before starting a work placement. 
 
All under 18s that carry out a work experience placement, will need to have had a risk assessment completed prior to them starting with us. This needs to be conducted by the line manager and copies of these will need to be shared with either the parent, guardian and school or college. 
 
Induction, confidentiality and code of conduct 
As part of your induction into your service area, you will need to review our employee code of conduct and sign a work experience confidentiality agreement. 
 
Can I apply for job vacancies whilst on my placement? 
Yes, you can apply for any vacancies with us. 
 
Who can I contact to find out more? 
If you have any queries about work experience please contact recruitment@torbay.gov.uk
 
Top tips when filling in an application form 
  • Check your spelling and grammar. 
  • Check that your personal details are correct, for example, contact telephone number, email address and date of birth. 
  • Information in your application should relate to the service area or role you are expressing an interest in. 
  • If you don’t know what you want to do and select an area because it sounds good tell us why it sounds good and why it interests you. 
  • Read the details and criteria about the service area you are interested carefully. 
  • Fill in all sections carefully and fully, it will be good practice for when you complete applications for jobs in future. 
  • If you attend school or college and require assistance completing your application form, please ask your parent, guardian or teacher for support. 
  • Before you start your work experience try to research the service or role you are working in and get an understanding of the kind of work they do on a day-to-day basis 
On your work experience placement 
  • Take time to discuss with your placement manager what your interests, skills and previous experience are and also what you would like to get out of the placement 
  • Be proactive and work hard on every task, however big or small 
  • Talk to the people working within the team to broaden your understanding and experience and learn about their own career paths and what their role is in the Council 
  • If you don't know what you are doing or you are feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to ask for help from your placement manager or buddy 
  • Listen to and act on any feedback you receive from your placement manager 
  • Finally, keep a record of the work you have done while at the Council, as this may be useful for your CV.