Work experience
Our Work Experience programme is ideal for students who want to gain more experience in the world of work.
This programme is delivered remotely via Waypoint, a platform provided by SixtyLearn, enabling more young people to gain insight into careers at Parliament. This programme gives you the chance to explore Parliament as a workplace, try realistic tasks inspired by real roles, get personalised feedback to help you grow, and learn about the teams that make Parliament happen!
You don’t need to know lots about politics to take part. Parliament is a large workplace with roles in areas such as digital, research, security, heritage, buildings, customer service, communications, finance and more.
When you complete the programme, you’ll receive a certificate that you can add to your CV, mention in applications or talk about in future interviews.
The current programme will be open from 27th July to 31st October 2026. Applicants who miss this application period will have another opportunity to apply when the next programme opens later in 2026 and 2027. This page will be kept up to date.
About the programme
This programme gives you access to:
- an introduction to Parliament as a workplace
- different career pathways you may not have considered before
- realistic tasks based on the work people do at Parliament
- tips to help you talk about the experience in a CV, application or interview
- a certificate when you complete the programme
You’ll explore different pathways, make decisions, complete real activities and reflect on the skills you’ve used. All tasks are based on real workplace situations, so you’ll get a better idea of what our different roles involve.
Programme modules
Welcome and Introduction
You’ll explore different pathways, make decisions, complete real activities and reflect on the skills you’ve used. All tasks are based on real workplace situations, so you’ll get a better idea of what our different roles involve
Explore how teams support debates, committees, the Speaker, and public understanding of Parliament.
You’ll step into a trainee role and help prepare information linked to a parliamentary debate. You’ll see how different teams work together behind the scenes to help Parliament run fairly and smoothly.
Research, analysis and providing information
Find out how Parliament uses evidence, data and impartial information.
You’ll try tasks linked to checking sources, summarising information and writing clearly for someone who needs the facts quickly. This pathway introduces teams such as the House of Commons Library and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
Construction and heritage
Explore how teams look after historic buildings, plan repairs and protect heritage.
You’ll learn about the work involved in keeping the parliamentary estate safe, working and ready for the future.
Security and keeping people safe
Learn how Parliament stays safe while remaining open and accessible.
You’ll try tasks linked to reviewing access requests, spotting risks and communicating information clearly. This pathway introduces the kind of judgement, attention to detail and calm decision-making used in security roles.
Digital and technology
Explore how digital teams support Parliament through user support, accessibility, cyber security, AI, systems and services.
You’ll try tasks linked to digital design, risk, accessibility and prioritising improvements. This pathway shows that digital careers are not just about coding — they also involve problem-solving, teamwork and understanding users.
Application advice and employability skills
At the end of the programme, you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned and how to use the experience in the future.
You’ll get tips on:
- talking about the experience on your CV
- preparing examples for applications and interviews
- understanding different career routes
- Reflecting on the skills you’ve practiced
Who can take part?
This virtual programme is open to young people aged 14 to 18 who are based in the UK.
We welcome participants regardless of disability, faith, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sex, sexual identity, caring responsibilities or socio-economic background.
The programme is online and designed to be accessible on any device, so you can take part from home, school, college or another suitable place.
How to register
Registration is managed through waypoint, the online platform used to deliver the virtual work experience - managed by SixtyLearn.