Work experience
Information for applicants
Oldham Council is one of the largest employers in the Oldham area.
We provide a diverse range of services including Education, Environmental Services, Social Services and Planning just to name a few.
This means that we can offer you a wide range of work experience opportunities to acquire a positive attitude and key skills that all employers are looking for.
Apply for a work experience placement in the Council
If you are in Year 10 or above, you can:
- Talk to your school’s work placement coordinator (they will arrange the application for you through Positive Steps Oldham, make sure it is properly processed, and make sure you get the type of work experience that you are interested in)
- Use the application forms below
If you attend a college or university and are aged 21 or under, you can:
- Talk to your college or university work placement coordinator
- Use the application forms below
If you are not in any formal education, please apply directly using the application forms below.
You can return your application by email, post or fax (return information is printed at the end of each form).
Your personal information will be kept in strictest confidence.
Due to the sensitivity in some work areas (e.g. Social Services) a Criminal Records Bureau check may be required.
In some instances we may be unable to offer a placement however we will endeavour to place as many candidates as possible.
What happens next?
If you are successful in gaining a work experience placement with the Council, in most cases you will be asked to attend an informal meeting with the manager of your placement.
This is to give you the opportunity to see your prospective workplace and find out more about the placement before you start.
It will also allow the manager to prepare an interesting and useful placement programme for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I get paid while on work experience?
No. You do not get paid as your placement is aimed at giving you experience of the world of work and allowing you to sample as wide a range of tasks as possible under the supervision of experienced staff.
How long will my placement last?
This is down to arrangement between you and the manager of the area you will be working in but usually placements do not last longer than 6 months.
What hours and days will I be expected to work?
This is for you and the manager to negotiate.
Will my lunch be provided?
No. You will be expected to provide your own lunch. The facilities depend on where you work. Some work places have a canteen, a microwave or drinks machine. Some have shops nearby and others will require you to bring a packed lunch.
What sort of clothes should I wear?
Your dress and appearance must meet our customer care standards. It should be appropriate to the nature of your work and should be clean, smart and in good condition.
Am I insured while on placement with Oldham Council?
Yes. All candidates on placement are insured just as all other employees. However, you still have a responsibility for behaving in a safe and sensible manner.
What do I get out of my work experience?
You will learn new skills and gain new experience in the world of work.
For example:
- Working in a team
- Going to team meetings
- Information and Communication Technology, including use of computers, email, internet
- Telephone answering and customer care skills
- Taking responsibility and managing your time and workload