Work Experience Programme
If you are unemployed and aged between 16 – 65, the Work Experience Programme can help you develop your employability skills and gain experience you need to get a job.
What you can learn through the Work Experience Programme
You can learn more about specific industries and job roles to help you make informed choices about your future, while developing your confidence and motivation.
The Work Experience Programme can help if:
- you want to gain new skills or update your current skills
- are finding it difficult to get a job due to lack of experience
- want a change in career but are not sure what job is right for you
Work experience placements
The Work Experience Programme offers short work experience placements with local employers.
Placements can last between two and eight weeks and will give you the chance to try out various tasks in a real work situation and develop skills needed to help you get a job.
Opportunity Guarantee (for people aged 16-24)
Opportunity Guarantee is a strand of the Work Experience Programme for young people aged 16-24. It builds on the Work Experience Programme with enhanced features:
- work experience placements of thirteen weeks
- a guaranteed interview for a job or apprenticeship when the placement ends
When you are on a Work Experience or Opportunity Guarantee placement you will receive up to £50 per week (£10 per day) for taking part
How to get on the Work Experience Programme
To be eligible for the Work Experience Programme, you must:
- be aged 16-17 and receiving Universal Credit
or
- be aged 18-65
- be receiving Universal Credit or Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support and actively seeking employment
- be actively seeking employment if you're unemployed and not claiming benefits
Taking part in the programme is voluntary and you'll continue to receive your benefit.
Any eligible weekly travel costs and childcare costs will be reimbursed.
If you receive Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support, contact a Work Coach or visit your local Jobs & Benefits office.
If you're eligible, they can help you identify suitable work experience opportunities that could improve your chances of getting a job.
A work coach can also help you develop job-search skills and advise on CV building and interview techniques.
If you are unemployed and not receiving benefits, contact the Work Experience Programme team within the Department for Communities on WorkExperience@communities-ni.gov.uk.
If you would like a work experience placement and have a disability, or are having issues in a placement because of your disability, the Access to Work scheme can help.
Employers and training providers may also advertise apprenticeships or work experience opportunities they may have available on JobApplyNI which lists all current vacancies throughout Jobs and Benefits offices in Northern Ireland.
Work Experience Programme video
This video explains what Work Experience Programme is and how the programme can help if you are unemployed.