Upcoming Events

British Airways Work Experience

Applications open: Wednesday 7th January 2026, for an opportunity between April–July 2026 

Work experience programmes at British Airways aim to inspire the next generation of talent by giving students a taste of work and the aviation industry. Work experience can come in lots of different shapes and forms and is a useful stepping-stone between education and starting your career.

You can find out more about British Airways work experience opportunities by clicking here.

Work Experience Insight Days 

Insights Days are 1 day in-person experiences allowing students to gain first-hand experience of working for British Airways. The days include activities, Q&A panels, workshops, tours, guest speakers and more! ​Insight Days are a perfect introduction to Work Experience at British Airways and can open your eyes to the different departments and roles on offer.

To apply, click here and sign up to Speedbird Z as a user. Go to ‘Opportunities’ and review our upcoming Insight Days. Select the Insight Day that appeals to you the most and click ‘Apply’. This will take you to an application form, which will need to be submitted before the closing date

Work Experience Placements 

Work Experience placements allow students to delve deep into specific areas of British Airways and gain an insight into behind-the-scenes activity. Placements are usually 3–4 days long and include activities, tours, employability sessions and project work. Work Experience Placements are an excellent next step after attending an Insight Day where you are able to further your knowledge in your chosen area of the business.

• To apply, click here and sign up to Speedbird Z as a user.
• Go to Modules’ then ‘Work Experience at BA’.
• Complete the initial ‘Work Experience at BA’ task to understand more about the programme and eligibility to apply.
• Complete the ‘Introduction to…’ tasks to learn more about each area of BA that you can do work experience in.
• Further details on how to apply and how to complete your application form are found at the end of each task.

Unifrog Apprenticeship Fair

Wednesday 11th February 2026, 4–6pm 

Solicitor Apprenticeship Application Masterclass

Thursday 27th November 2025, 4.30–6pm (virtual)
Tuesday 13th January 2026, 4.30–6pm (virtual)

Registrations are open for Legal Cheek‘s flagship dual-date virtual event for Year 12 and 13 students considering the solicitor apprenticeship route, in partnership with 24 leading law firms and The University of Law. It kicks off next month with a solicitor apprenticeship application masterclass delivered by 12 leading law firms’ early careers teams covering:

• Researching firms and building commercial awareness
• Making a winning application
• Looking ahead to assessment centres.

There is then a virtual law fair with the firms.

Part Two is on where current solicitor apprentices at 12 leading law firms will share what to expect on a solicitor apprenticeship, in a series of short workshops covering the following topics:

• Perception vs reality
• City living and social life
• Looking ahead to qualification

There is then a virtual law fair with the firms.

For more information and to apply, click here.

Careers with Zurich Insurance (virtual) 

11–12th February 2026, 10–2pm 
Deadline to apply: Tuesday 20th January 2026

During these engaging work experience sessions, you’ll discover the many roles and business areas we have here in the UK, as part of our large global insurance company. You’ll hear directly from industry professionals and from those early in their careers with us.

You’ll also discover the interesting and varied work we do across the financial services sector. It’s a great opportunity to see how insurance could be the perfect match for your strengths and skills. And with so many career choices available, there’s something for everyone!

Virtual work experience is a great way to learn more about the exciting world of insurance and to put your enthusiasm and passion into action. Along the way, we’ll help you develop important skills for your future, such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. You’ll come away with a better understanding of yourself, the different paths into our industry and how you can impress future employers. Insurance is evolving quickly, so this is your ideal chance to get ahead and find out more.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Women in Leadership & Technology Work Experience

16–18th February 2026, 10–3pm
Deadline to apply: Monday 19th January 2026

Oracle is the 3rd largest software company in the world with over 160,000 employees across 75 different countries. This unique experience is tailored to help you explore your future career options in a Global Tech Corporation. Whether you’ve thought about it before, or are just curious about a career in STEM, join us for an insightful 3-day workshop. This programme is run by Oracle Women in Leadership, designed to focus on helping young women in Sixth Form to navigate their career options.

• Discover diverse roles in areas like AI, Sales, HR and Business Development. There is so much more behind the scenes of a tech company than you might think!
• Peer-Led Experience: Our programme is delivered by Oracle interns from prestigious universities, many not much older than you! They’ve built a program that addresses what they wish they’d known at your age.
• Personal Development: We work closely with schools to shape the content around what students like you need most. You’ll get to explore topics and skills relevant to your interests and career goals. You will takeaway a better understanding of where you can see yourself in the future.
• Career Guidance: You’ll walk away with an experience you can talk about on your CV and through interactive workshops, we’ll equip you with the skills to set you up for your first corporate role.

This experience is designed for anyone interested in exploring diverse career paths. No technology background is required! Just bring your curiosity and an open mind, and we’ll take care of the rest.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Virtual Entrepreneurship experience

21–22nd January 2026, 10–3pm
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 24th December

This 2-day virtual experience will show students how to become a young entrepreneur, creating their own opportunities instead of waiting for them. You can learn how young entrepreneurs really start – with no roadmap, no perfect plan, just the right mindset and the willingness to start.

• Day 1 – THE WHY (Entrepreneur Mindset and Clarity)

Figure out what actually motivates you and build your own mission

• Day 2 – THE HOW (Business Skills and Real Strategy)

How to use social media like an entrepreneur: grow, get clients, create income.

To apply, and find out more, click here.

Please note: If students wish to apply for this opportunity, please check with your Head of Year in advance to gain permission to miss lessons on those days.

STFC Apprenticeship Open Evening

Tuesday 20th January 2026, 5–8pm
Information Talks: 5.30pm, 6.15pm, 7pm (last entry: 7pm)

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is home to world-class research in astronomy, physics and space science. It operates cutting-edge facilities across the UK, enabling discoveries that push the boundaries of engineering, technology and science.

An STFC gold-accredited, award-winning Apprenticeship Scheme offers you the chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience with world-leading projects
• Professional development, in a supportive, expert-led environment
• Real impact from day one
• Earn while you learn, with structured training and mentoring

To reserve a place, click here.

Compassionate Careers with St Columba’s Hospice

27–29th January 2026, 9.30–3pm

Are you passionate about helping others? Interested in a career in healthcare? Want to gain real-world insights into the compassionate field of palliative care? Join us for an engaging Remote Work Experience and explore the diverse roles that help provide exceptional care to patients & their families at a critical stage in their lives.

Over 3 interactive days, you’ll work alongside doctors, nurses, therapists, and those behind the scenes who keep St Columba’s Hospice running smoothly. From hands-on patient care to the importance of emotional and physical support, you’ll experience the varied and rewarding world of hospice care.

Whether you’re thinking of becoming a doctor, therapist, or simply want to understand how a hospice operates, this is your chance to learn from experts and discover how you can make a difference!

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Tech-driven retail careers

Thursday 19th February 2026, 10–12.30pm (virtual)
Deadline to apply: Friday 30th January 2026

Are you curious about where a career in retail can take you – from the shop floor to the boardroom? Have you thought about how AI, Cyber Security and Sustainability play a role in the shops where we buy our groceries? Join Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for Retail Reimagined, a unique and inspiring virtual event designed to spotlight the exciting range of careers in the grocery retail sector.

The opportunities within retail are incredibly diverse, and most importantly exciting, offering roles you might not even be aware of! This session will give you practical insights, direct from those leading in the industry today.

As one of the world’s leading technology and consulting companies, TCS partners with top UK grocery retailers such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and The Co-op, using technology to solve real world challenges across the food and goods supply chain. From enhancing customer experiences with technology to improving sustainability, TCS is driving transformation across every part of the retail journey.

• Discover how technology and other innovations are revolutionising what goes on behind the scenes in stores and how your career could drive a more innovative and sustainable future.
• Hear from professionals and industry leaders across the sector as they share their journeys, tips for career progression, and what hiring managers are really looking for.
• Hear practical advice on how to get your foot in the door, stand out in interviews, and understand the skills that matter most in today’s retail world.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Explore the STEM world of defence & technology
16–18th February 2026, 10–3pm (Teams)

At this 3-day remote work experience with QinetiQ, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how it leads in defence, security and aerospace. QinetiQ is a leading global defence and security company that works on science and technology projects, especially for the military, governments and sometimes big companies.

What to Expect:

• Engage with industry experts through live presentations and Q&A sessions.
• Across the 3 days, you’ll work in teams to participate in a project and problem-solving activities that parallel real-world challenges! and have an opportunity to develop key skills, that are invaluable in the workplace
• Discover the different paths into tech and engineering, including apprenticeships, degrees, and early careers support and learn about the diverse career opportunities within QinetiQ.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Horticultural Industry Taster Sessions and work experience 2025

Discover the exciting world of careers in horticulture through a Taster Session at one of the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) gardens. Students can gain first-hand experiences of the workplace though:

• Attending a bespoke taster day
  For further information, click here.
• Shadowing employees during a 1-week work experience placement
  For further information, click here.
• Signing up for regular youth volunteering sessions to gain practical skills and a better understanding of how a public garden and visitor attraction is run.
  For further information, click here.
• In addition, the RHS offers a number of apprenticeship opportunities.
  For further information, click here.

Model Law Commission

September to January 2026 on a range of dates.
Deadline for applications: Friday 5th September

Now in its 13th year, the Model Law Commission is a 3-month long project that provides A’ Level students with the chance to simulate the work of the Law Commission. The pool of students is split into four groups, each tasked with the reform of one of the following areas of law: (1) Family, Trusts or Land Law; (2) Criminal Law; (3) Commercial and Common Law; or (4) Public Law. From October to December, students undertake a five-stage process: research, formulating recommendations, consulting with their peers, reporting on their proposals and devising their legislation. Each year, the Model Law Commission begins with a 2-day virtual conference in London. It is over the course of these 2 days that students are introduced to their respective topics by experts in the field who come from all over the country to speak to them. The students are also visited by individuals from the Law Commission itself who advise on the difficulties in reforming the law and how to write a law reform report. The students then take that information and over the following weeks discuss reform ideas with each other, their Group Leaders and their peers.

The project then concludes with a final in-person report launch event in London in January, hosted by MPs and visitors from the Law Commission. At the event, each student will receive a printed and published copy of their group’s reform report. If you are interested in learning more about the way law works in the UK, the way it is made and changed, then you are strongly encouraged to apply.

For further information, and to apply, click here.

Sellafield work experience opportunity

This is something for Year 12 students to think ahead when applying for work placements in the new year.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organisations supporting scientists and engineers and running experiments around the UK and worldwide. Activities carried out cover a wide range of science, engineering and technology, including materials
science, engineering and instrumentation, particle physics, space science, accelerator-based technologies, information technology and computer
science.

Daresbury Laboratory, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and UK Astronomy Technology Centre offer work experience placements to students each year, many from local schools and around the country. As far as possible they are placed depending on their interests indicated on the
application form.

This website provides more details about the programme in general.

Year 13 NHS Finance Insights placement scheme

The NHS Finance Insights placement scheme offers paid work experience in NHS organisations to individuals aged 18 and above, who do not plan to attend university and come from low-income families.

The scheme aims to attract diverse talent from local communities served by the NHS into the finance sector. It provides a 12-month experience in an entry-level (band 2) finance role, allowing candidates to develop new skills and gain on-the-job work experience. Upon completion of the placement, each candidate should feel well-prepared to apply for NHS opportunities, including apprenticeships or other entry-level roles, and be confident in transitioning to professional working environments.

To find out more about entry requirements and download the scheme brochure, click here.

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