Hundreds of young people gain valuable work experience thanks to our partnership with local employers

The council’s work experience team, BEST, has successfully placed over 1,200 students in work experience placements across the borough this academic year. In partnership with 11 local schools and nearly 600 employers, the programme plays a crucial role in helping young people shape their futures and build key workplace skills. 

Connecting students with the right employers takes strong collaboration, but the commitment from the council and local businesses makes it happen each year. These opportunities play a powerful role in helping students explore their interests, make informed career choices, and uncover paths they may never have considered. 

Judi Gasser, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Good work experience is essential for young people to help inform their choices about future studies and employment. London is full of incredible opportunities, and the Council is committed to providing the best possible experiences and insights through our employer network.” 

This year’s programme reflects a clear response to the voices of local young people. As part of the We Are Young Wandsworth Youth Strategy, young residents asked for more opportunities to gain experience and connect with future careers, and the Council listened. The Youth Council and last year’s Youth Mayor made it their ambition to expand access to jobs and placements, and this summer’s programme marks a strong step forward in realising that goal. 

The council connects students with opportunities in a wide range of sectors including health, law, arts, construction, retail, and technology. This success depends on the generosity and enthusiasm of employers willing to invest in the next generation of talent. 

This summer, Wandsworth Council would like to give a special shout out to some of the standout organisations who supported student placements, including: Transport UK London Bus, AFC Wimbledon, Business Launchpad & Tooting Works, Clapham Law, The Royal Marsden, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Hall Chemist, Putney School of Art and Design, St Bede’s Nursery School, JoJo Maman Bébé, Now Construction, and the Co-op. 

The council itself also offered placements across a variety of departments including Arts and Culture, Organisational Development, Procurement, Communities & Partnerships, Youth Participation, Corporate IT, Libraries, and the Leader’s Office. 

Olivia, a student placed with the Council’s Arts and Culture Team, shared her experience, “I was hoping to learn about the different jobs in the creative industry, and I definitely got that insight through my placement. I saw the range of roles involved in putting on events and supporting community arts. 

“I helped at the Key Stage 1 singing event, using my Portuguese language skills which showed me how useful it is to know other languages, even when you least expect it. I also supported a Baked Bean Zumba class in the park in the heat.” 

If you're a local employer and would like to offer a placement or find out more about how you can support Wandsworth’s young people, please contact: workexperience@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk or visit the Wandsworth Lifelong Learning website.