Work experience

Part of: Volunteering and work experience

Contents

Work experience lets you try a job, learn new skills and improve your CV. It is unpaid and can help you get qualifications or a reference.

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

  • Learn new skills
  • Build on the skills you already have
  • Improve your CV
  • Help with a qualification
  • Get a reference

Who can apply for work experience

You can apply if you meet any of these:

  • You are a child in the care of Trafford Council
  • You are a care leaver (someone who used to be in care) from Trafford or another Greater Manchester council
  • You study in Trafford (school, college or university)
  • You live in Trafford

Care leavers

If you are a care leaver and want a placement, speak to your Personal Assistant or email talent@trafford.gov.uk for help.

School students 

School placements for 2026 are full. Applications open again in early September 2026. To be told when they open, 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, speak to your work experience coordinator about any available opportunities.

University students

We offer social work placements with local universities. If you are on a placement as part of your course, ask your placement tutor (the staff member who arranges placements).

We may also consider requests from local university students studying subjects such as Town Planning, Law, or Business and Management. Email talent@trafford.gov.uk. 

Graduates

If you live in Trafford and have recently graduated, email talent@trafford.gov.uk to ask about work experience.

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.