Work experience

Part of: Volunteering and work experience

Contents

There are many benefits of doing work experience with Trafford Council:

  • gaining valuable new skills, knowledge, and experience
  • developing existing skills and knowledge
  • enhancing your CV
  • supporting the achievement of a qualification
  • getting a reference

All work experience placements are unpaid. 

Who can apply for work experience

You can apply for work experience if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • You are a child in the care of Trafford Council
  • You are a care leaver from Trafford Council or another Greater Manchester council
  • You attend a school, college, or university in Trafford
  • You live in Trafford

Care leavers

Work experience can be an important step towards future employment.

If you are a local care leaver and would benefit from a placement with the Council, speak to your Personal Assistant or email talent@trafford.gov.uk for advice and guidance.

School students 

All our work experience placements for school students for 2026 have been filled. We will reopen applications in early September 2026. To be notified of when applications reopen, email talent@trafford.gov.uk.

We recognise the importance of work experience during secondary education.

If you are studying GCSEs or A‑levels and would like a placement in 2027, email talent@trafford.gov.uk to register your interest.

College students

We work closely with local colleges, including Trafford College.

If you are studying at one of these colleges, please speak to your work experience coordinator about any available opportunities.

University students

We work in partnership with several local universities to offer social work student placements, including:

  • UA92
  • Manchester Metropolitan University
  • The University of Manchester
  • The University of Salford

If you are completing a first or final placement, contact your placement tutor.

We may also consider requests from local university students studying subjects such as Town Planning, Law, or Business and Management. If this applies to you, email talent@trafford.gov.uk. 

Graduates

If you live in Trafford and have recently graduated, you can apply for work experience by contacting us at talent@trafford.gov.uk. 

You can find permanent work opportunities at Trafford Council on Greater Jobs.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Placements for the Duke of Edinburgh Award should be arranged through Volunteering at Trafford Libraries.

Other requests

If you live in Trafford but do not fit into the categories above, we may still be able to help.
Email talent@trafford.gov.uk to discuss your request.