What Are The Work Experience Rules for 15-Year-Olds?

Thinking about your first work experience placement? At 15, it’s a brilliant way to explore careers, gain confidence, and try out real workplace skills. But before you start applying, it’s crucial to know the legal rules that keep you safe and make sure everything runs smoothly.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about work experience rules for 15-year-olds in the UK. From working hours to parental consent, we'll cover the essential information to help you secure a fantastic placement.

 Key Takeaways

• At 15, you can legally do work experience in the UK. It’s usually unpaid and arranged through your school in Year 10.

• Working hours are restricted: up to 12 hours a week in term time and 35 hours a week in holidays, with bans on night work and unsafe tasks.

• Employers need to do risk assessments, offer supervision, and have the right insurance in place before starting work placements

• Choose a placement that matches your interests and future goals, as it will make the experience more valuable

Why Work Experience Matters at 15

Work experience gives you a real taste of different careers. Instead of just reading about jobs online, you’ll see professionals in action and try tasks for yourself.

It also boosts your confidence. Many students come back from placements feeling more capable and ready to take on responsibilities.

You’ll gain practical skills that aren’t always taught in school. These include communication, time management, and teamwork. In a workplace, these skills quickly feel natural.

Most schools arrange work experience placements during Year 10, typically when students are 15. This timing helps you grasp workplace expectations. You’ll also have time to use this experience when choosing A Levels and thinking about future careers. 

Are 15-Year-Olds Legally Allowed to Do Work Experience?

Yes, absolutely! 15-year-olds can legally do work experience in the UK. The law sees work experience as an important part of your education and career development. 

Work experience usually happens during the school year as part of your education. Most schools run a dedicated work experience week in Year 10 when students are 15 or 16.

Remember: work experience is different from a part-time job. Work experience is usually unpaid and focuses on learning. Part-time jobs involve being employed and receiving wages.

Work experience placements are designed to support your learning, not get in the way of it. That’s why they're carefully regulated to ensure your safety and wellbeing. 

What the Law Says About Work Experience for Under-16s

The most important rule is that work experience must not interfere with your education or health. (opens in a new tab)Schools and employers have to make sure placements support your learning (opens in a new tab) rather than disrupt it.

You’ll usually need parental consent before starting any work experience placement. Your school will give your parents or guardians a form to sign.

Employers must complete risk assessments to spot any potential hazards and keep you safe. They have the same health and safety responsibilities for you as they do for all their other staff.

In some cases, the local council must be told about your placement, especially if it happens outside normal school hours. Don’t worry, your school will handle all admin stuff. 

All placements must be properly supervised. You won’t be left to work alone or asked to do tasks beyond your experience level.

Restrictions on Working Hours and Types of Work

As a 15-year-old, there are strict limits on how many hours you can work:

• During term time: You can work up to 12 hours a week. That’s a maximum of 2 hours on school days and Sundays, and up to 8 hours on Saturdays.

• During school holidays: You can work a maximum of 35 hours per week (opens in a new tab), with no more than 8 hours a day.

• Rest breaks: If you work more than 4.5 hours in a day, you must get at least a 30-minute uninterrupted break (opens in a new tab).

These rules make sure work doesn’t interfere with your education, rest, and safety.

You cannot work night shifts. It’s illegal for anyone under 18 to work between midnight and 4 am under any circumstances.

Some types of work are completely off-limits for under-16s. Local council rules usually ban jobs that involve (opens in a new tab):

• Harmful substances or dangerous machinery

• Pubs, bars, and betting shops

• Heavy lifting or physically demanding tasks

• Anything that could expose you to inappropriate content or situations

Your school and employer will make sure your placement only has safe, age-appropriate activities that suit your skills.

How Schools Support Work Experience

Most schools have a careers coordinator or work experience officer who organises Year 10 placements. They handle the admin side, so you don’t need to stress about legal paperwork.

Schools check that employers are suitable and safe before approving placements. This includes making sure the employer has insurance and proper supervision in place.

You'll typically need to fill out a short form about your interests and career goals. This helps your school match you with the right placement. 

Your parents or guardians must sign a consent form before your placement is confirmed. These forms also include emergency contacts and any medical details the employer needs to know. 

Before you start, your school will brief you on workplace behaviour and safety. Many schools also give advice on what to wear and how to make the most of your experience.

Schools often maintain relationships with local employers who regularly take students. This means they can recommend reliable organisations that understand how to work with young people.

How to Find a Suitable Placement at 15

Finding the right placement can feel tricky, but the good news is that there are plenty of options open to 15-year-olds. Here are some choices:

• Retail placements are a great way to learn customer service and see how businesses run. Many shops welcome work experience students and offer structured programmes.

• Office admin placements can teach you useful skills like using software, answering phones, and understanding business communications.

• Primary schools and nurseries are popular if you’re interested in education or childcare. You’ll get a feel for child development and teaching methods.

• Libraries provide a quiet, organised space to explore information management and public services.

• Hospitality venues like hotels or restaurants (not kitchen work) can give you experience of the service industry and teamwork.

When contacting employers directly, write a professional letter explaining why you’re interested and what you’d like to learn. Include your CV and mention any relevant subjects you're studying.

Need help? Check out our guide to writing a cover letter for your work experience.

Choose a placement that matches your genuine interests, not just what sounds impressive. You’ll get more out of an experience that links to your future goals.

And don’t forget to ask around, teachers, family friends, and local contacts if they know about opportunities. Many students find placements through personal connections rather than formal applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 15-year-olds get paid for work experience?

Work experience is usually unpaid because it's considered part of your education. However, some employers may provide small allowances for expenses like travel and lunch.

The focus should be on learning and gaining experience rather than earning money. Paid employment has different rules and restrictions that don't apply to educational work experience.

Do employers need a DBS check to work with 15-year-olds?

Enhanced DBS checks with barred list information may be required for people who supervise children under 16 (opens in a new tab) on work experience placements. However, this depends on the specific circumstances of the placement.

Your school will determine what checks are necessary based on the type of work and level of supervision. Students aged 16-17 on work experience who are supervised and not left alone don't typically require enhanced DBS checks for their supervisors.

Can my child do work experience outside of school hours?

Work experience outside school hours is possible but requires additional permissions and may involve different rules. Your school needs to approve any arrangements and ensure they comply with working time restrictions.

Weekend or holiday placements must still respect the maximum working hours for your age group and maintain proper supervision standards.

Is insurance required for student work placements?

Yes, employers must have appropriate insurance coverage for work experience students. This typically includes public liability insurance and employer's liability insurance.

Your school will verify that insurance is in place before approving any placement. Never start a placement if insurance hasn't been confirmed.

Getting Started with Your Work Experience

Doing work experience at 15 is completely safe, fun, and a fantastic way to explore the world of work. The legal framework exists to protect you while ensuring you gain valuable insights into the working world.

Start planning early to secure the best opportunities. Popular placements fill up quickly, especially in competitive industries or with well-known local employers.

If you're unsure whether a placement is suitable or legal, check with your school's careers staff. They know which employers are reliable and can guide you to opportunities that fit your interests. 

Remember that the goal is learning and exploring, not trying to impress universities or employers. Choose placements that genuinely interest you and align with your potential career goals.

With the right preparation and understanding of the rules, your work experience at 15 can be an exciting stepping stone towards your future career.

References

Young people at work: The law - HSE (opens in a new tab) 

Restrictions on child employment - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab) 

Rest breaks at work: Young workers - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

UK Employment Laws: Hiring Young Workers and Understanding Minimum Age Rules | Sprintlaw UK (opens in a new tab) 

DBS checks: work experience providers | The Key Leaders (opens in a new tab)