Do You Get Paid for Work Experience?

Wondering whether you'll get paid for work experience? You're not alone. Most students are curious about whether they'll earn money whilst gaining valuable workplace skills.

The short answer is: probably not. But don't let that put you off! Work experience offers benefits that go way beyond a pay packet.

Key Takeaways

• Most school work experience is unpaid, though some employers might cover your lunch or travel.

• You’re more likely to get paid for longer placements or internships, especially if you’re over 16.

• UK law says standard school placements don’t qualify for minimum wage. They’re mainly about learning, not earning.

• Even without pay, work experience gives you skills, contacts, and stories you can use in future applications.

What Is Work Experience?

Work experience is a short-term placement where you spend time in a real workplace to learn about different careers and industries. 

Most work experience happens during school or college. It's usually arranged through your school and lasts anywhere from one week to several weeks.

Here's what work experience typically involves:

• Shadowing professionals to see what they do day-to-day and learn about different roles and responsibilities

• Helping with small tasks like filing, answering phones, or basic admin

• Observing workplace routines and team meetings

• Learning about company culture and industry practices

Think of it as a taster session for the working world. You get to explore careers you're interested in without any long-term commitment. This will help you make more informed decisions about your future education and career choices.

Why Do Students Gain Work Experience in Year 10 and Year 12?

Many schools encourage work experience because it offers real benefits for your future:

• Career exploration is the biggest advantage. You can test-drive different jobs to see what suits you. Maybe you think you want to be a lawyer, but after shadowing one, you discover marketing appeals to you more.

• Skills building happens naturally during placements. You'll develop soft skills that aren’t easy to pick up in class, like communication, workplace etiquette, and confidence in professional settings.

• CV improvement is another plus. Universities and employers love seeing work experience on applications. It shows you're proactive and have real-world awareness.

Most schools organise work experience in Year 10 (age 14-15) and Year 12 (age 16-17) because these are key decision-making times for students choosing GCSEs, A Levels, or career paths.

Is Work Experience Usually Paid?

No, most schools and colleges organise work experience placements that are unpaid.

This is completely normal and expected across all industries. Some employers may choose to offer lunch or travel expenses, or even a small wage, but it’s not required. 

Employers understand that work experience students are there to learn, not to contribute significant work output. You’re there to explore careers, build skills, and gain insight into the workplace. 

UK government guidance on work experience (opens in a new tab) confirms that if you’re on a placement arranged as part of your UK school or college course, and it lasts no longer than one year, your employer doesn’t have to pay you under employment law.

When Can You Get Paid for Work Experience?

Most school work experience placements are unpaid, but there are a few situations where you might receive payment:

• Summer schemes run by big companies sometimes offer payment. These are competitive programmes lasting several weeks.

• Employer-led programmes occasionally provide wages, especially when recruiting future apprentices or employees. In this case, you may be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. 

• Longer-term placements, spanning several months, may include payment, particularly for students aged 16 and above.

• Higher-level internships for college students or gap year students often come with wages or stipends.

The key difference is usually the duration and your age. Shorter placements (1-2 weeks) are almost always unpaid, whilst longer commitments may include payment.

What the Law Says About Pay and Work Experience

UK employment law has clear rules about when students must be paid.

You're classed as a "student on placement" rather than a "worker" during standard school work experience. This means normal minimum wage rules don't apply.

However, if you're doing the same work as paid employees and contributing genuine value to the business, you might be entitled to payment.

The (opens in a new tab)UK government's minimum wage guidance (opens in a new tab) explains that "Students doing work experience as a required part of a UK-based further or higher education course are workers who are exempt from the minimum wage, as long as the total time of their placement does not exceed 1 year."

For students over 16, the rules can be more complex. If your placement looks more like an internship with real responsibilities, you might qualify for minimum wage.

When in doubt, your school's careers team can advise on the legal aspects of your specific placement.

The (opens in a new tab)ACAS guidance on work experience (opens in a new tab) clarifies that "Someone doing work experience has the right to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. This is unless they're a student on a placement as part of a further or higher education course in the UK" and they have to do the work experience as part of their course.

Are Unpaid Placements Worth It?

Absolutely! The benefits of unpaid work experience often outweigh the lack of immediate payment.

• Real-world insight is invaluable. You'll discover what jobs actually involve beyond what you see on TV or read online.

• Professional contacts can open doors later. The people you meet might offer references, advice, or even future job opportunities.

• Skill development happens quickly in workplace settings. You'll improve your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

• University applications become stronger with work experience. Admissions tutors love students who show initiative and career awareness.

• Career clarity helps you make better choices about subjects and future paths. It's much cheaper to discover you don't like a career through work experience than after three years at university!

Remember, many successful professionals started with unpaid work experience. It's an investment in your future rather than immediate income.

Volunteering is another brilliant option if you can't find work experience placements. It's a pretty safe bet to include on your CV. Even though volunteering isn't paid, most volunteer roles have similar requirements to traditional workplaces. You'll need to be committed, turn up on time, and complete your tasks properly.

This makes volunteering one of the best things to put on your CV if you don't have loads of paid work experience. Plus, it shows you care about making a difference in your community.

Tips for Making the Most of Any Work Experience

Want to maximise your work experience? Here's how to impress and learn effectively.

1. Arrive on time every day. Punctuality shows professionalism and respect for the opportunity.

2. Ask thoughtful questions. Show genuine interest in the work and industry. People love sharing their expertise with enthusiastic students.

3. Take initiative with small tasks. Volunteer for jobs that others might avoid. It demonstrates your work ethic.

4. Keep a daily journal. Write down what you learned, people you met, and tasks you completed. This information is gold for future applications and interviews.

5. Dress appropriately. Follow the company dress code and err on the side of being slightly overdressed rather than underdressed.

6. Stay off your phone. Give your full attention to the experience. Social media can wait.

7. Follow up professionally. Send thank-you emails to your supervisors and stay connected on LinkedIn if appropriate.

8. Reflect on the experience. Think about what you enjoyed, what challenged you, and how it affects your career thinking.

These habits will serve you well throughout your career, not just during work experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 15-year-old be paid for work experience?

Generally no. Students under 16 aren't covered by minimum wage legislation, and standard school work experience is educational rather than employment.

However, if a 15-year-old takes on significant responsibilities that genuinely help the business, payment might be considered. This is rare for typical week-long placements.

What's the difference between work experience and an internship?

Work experience is usually shorter (1-2 weeks), organised through schools, and focused on observation and learning.

Internships are longer (several weeks to months), often sought independently, and may involve more substantial work contributions. Internships for students over 16 are more likely to be paid.

Can I ask to be paid for work experience?

You can ask, but it's unlikely to change anything for standard school placements.

Most employers budget for unpaid work experience students. Asking for payment might seem presumptuous, especially for short placements.

If you're in a longer placement (over a month) or doing significant work, a polite conversation about expenses or small payments might be appropriate.

Final Thoughts

Most school and college work experience isn't paid, and that's completely normal.

Don't let the lack of immediate payment put you off this valuable opportunity. The skills, contacts, and career insights you'll gain are worth far more than a week's wages.

Work experience is an investment in your future. It helps you make informed decisions about your career path and gives you a head start in the competitive job market.

Take part enthusiastically, learn as much as possible, and remember that the experience itself is the real reward. Many successful careers started with unpaid work experience that opened doors to amazing opportunities.

Your future self will thank you for taking advantage of these learning opportunities, even without immediate payment.

Our careers section has loads more advice about exploring different career paths. 

References:

• Employer guides to work experience - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) 

• Work experience - Pay and hours for young workers - Acas (opens in a new tab) 

• Minimum wage: work experience and internships - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)