One of NCEP’s key targets for 2026 is to improve access to meaningful cultural work experience placements for young people in Northumberland.

We spoke to a number of schools who told us that there are several barriers for children in Northumberland accessing work experience in cultural industry. The Gatsby Benchmarks were updated in September 2025 to reflect the need for meaningful work experiences for all pupils, and by year 11 all pupils should have had a minimum of two weeks experience of the workplace.

With this in mind, we spoke to a range of cultural venues and creative employers, and collected information on existing work experience placements. We also looked for resources to support employers in developing their work experience offering, and gathered information on set work experience ‘weeks’ for larger organisations and schools.

One issue that regularly cropped up from both schools and organisations, was the lack of a single point of access to find out about cultural and creative work experience placements, what they might involve and how to apply. As a result of this, we have now launched the NCEP Work Experience Hub.

This is a place for all cultural careers placements, careers events or useful workshops to help pupils to access a creative career, a list of useful resources for organisations, schools and pupils, as well as a calendar of work experience weeks for both schools and some of the larger cultural organisations.

If you are a cultural organisation or creative employer in Northumberland, and you would like to be included on the Work Experience Hub, please get in touch via hello@ncep.org.uk

Kielder Observatory Work Experience Programme (Ages 16+)

Kielder Observatory offers a unique evening-based work experience programme for students aged 16 and over, providing hands-on experience in science communication, astronomy, and customer service.

During the placement, participants attend five consecutive evenings at the observatory, supporting public events alongside experienced volunteers. Responsibilities may include welcoming and checking in guests, ushering visitors, preparing refreshments, setting up and packing away equipment, and delivering excellent customer service. There may also be opportunities to take part in science communication activities with visitors, as well as occasional remote work or support at other venues or offices.

Applications open in January each year and close on 1 March, with places allocated following a shortlisting process due to high demand. Placements typically take place during the spring and summer months.

Please note that applicants must be aged 16 or over due to late working hours, and will need to arrange their own transport, as the observatory is in a remote location.

For further information, please email admin@kielderobservatory.org

Vindolanda Trust Work Experience Programme (Ages 16–17)

The Vindolanda Trust offers a unique work experience programme for students aged 16–17, providing hands-on insight into heritage, archaeology, and the Roman history of Hadrian’s Wall.

During the placement, students will spend time at both Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda Fort and Museum, with opportunities to get close to live archaeological excavations at Roman Magna and Vindolanda. Participants will assist with post-excavation processes and learn how artefacts are carefully preserved and studied.

The programme also includes behind-the-scenes access to key members of the Trust, offering valuable insight into a wide range of careers within the heritage and cultural sector.

By the end of the placement, students will complete a final project showcasing what they have learned. This helps develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and research, while providing a meaningful introduction to careers in heritage and archaeology.

To apply, please visit the official website below and complete the online application form.

APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2026 HAVE NOW CLOSED.

Alnwick Playhouse offers a carousel-style work experience placement, designed to give students a comprehensive insight into all areas of a busy arts venue.

During the placement, students typically spend half a day in each department, including Front of House, Catering, Technical, Marketing, and Programming. This structured rotation provides a well-rounded understanding of how a theatre operates behind the scenes and in public-facing roles.

Flexible work experience opportunities are also available, including evening and weekend placements. These sessions help students experience the varied working hours often involved in careers in the creative industries.

The Playhouse also offers occasional specialist placements for students with a strong interest in technical theatre roles, such as lighting, sound, and stage management.

For general enquiries, please email info@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

For technical placements, please email technical@alnwickplayhouse.co.uk

Novo Theatre Work Experience Placement (Year 10 and Above)

Novo Theatre offers a week-long work experience placement for students in Year 10 and above, providing a valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a professional theatre company.

During the placement, students will take part in a wide range of activities, including shadowing planning, fundraising, creative, and production meetings. Participants may also conduct online research, contribute to social media content creation, attend site visits or rehearsals, and support events either front of house or backstage.

Students will work closely with both staff and freelance creatives, gaining an understanding of different roles within the theatre industry and exploring potential career pathways in the arts.

To apply or find out more, please email participation@novotheatre.org.uk

National Park Ranger Work Experience (Years 10–13 & Further Education Students)

Work experience opportunities are available for students in school Years 10–13, including home-educated learners, as well as 16–18-year-olds in further education. These placements are ideal for young people interested in environmental careers, conservation, and land management.

During the placement, participants will work alongside National Park Rangers, gaining hands-on experience in a variety of outdoor roles. Activities may include practical countryside tasks, conservation and biodiversity work, Public Rights of Way maintenance, fieldwork surveys, and community engagement activities.

This programme is perfect for students looking to develop practical skills, build experience for future study, and explore career pathways in conservation and environmental management.

To apply or find out more, please email julie.phillips@nnpa.org.uk

Queen’s Hall Arts Centre offers engaging work experience placements, typically taking place over one week in July. This programme provides students with a valuable insight into careers in the creative and performing arts sector.

During the placement, students will gain hands-on experience across all departments, including the Box Office and Technical team. Participants will meet staff from across the organisation, learning about day-to-day roles, responsibilities, and a range of career pathways within the arts.

Flexible work experience opportunities are also available, including evening and weekend placements. These sessions give students a realistic understanding of the varied working hours often required in creative industries.

To enquire about work experience opportunities, please email amanda.gould@queenshall.co.uk

Forum Cinema Hexham Work Experience (Ages 16+)

Forum Cinema offers work experience placements for students aged 16 and over, providing valuable insight into careers in cinema and the wider creative industries.

During the placement, students will gain experience across multiple departments, including Programming, Marketing, Event Management, Finance, and Front of House. This varied approach helps participants understand how an independent cinema operates both behind the scenes and in customer-facing roles.

Placements may not follow a standard 9–5 schedule, and students should be prepared for flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends—reflecting the realities of working in the film and events industry.

To apply, please send a short CV and a cover note outlining your interests, ambitions, current studies, and what you hope to gain from the placement to clare@forumhexham.com

North East Museums Work Experience (Key Stages 4 & 5)

North East Museums offers a range of one-week work experience placements for students in Key Stages 4 and 5. This is an excellent opportunity to explore careers in museums and galleries while gaining valuable, hands-on experience.

During the placement, students will work alongside experienced staff and contribute to a project, while gaining insight into a variety of departments and venues across the organisation. This provides a well-rounded introduction to the day-to-day running of a museum or gallery.

Applications are now closed for the current academic year.

Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year will open in September 2026.

For further information, please email volunteering@northeastmuseums.org.uk

Seaton Delaval Hall Work Experience Placement (Year 10 and Above)

Seaton Delaval Hall offers a week-long work experience placement for students in Year 10 and above, providing a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a historic National Trust site.

Throughout the week, students will rotate across key departments, including Visitor Welcome, Gardens and Landscape, House and Collections, and Programming and Communications. This immersive experience allows participants to play an active role in opening and managing the site during daily operations.

Working collaboratively, students will research and develop a final project based on their interests in the site. This is typically presented as a guided tour or talk, delivered to site staff on the Friday afternoon.

For more information or to apply, please email sdhlearning@nationaltrust.org.uk