Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
Work Experience 2025
Connecting businesses and local schools
Following last year’s successful pilot project, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is partnering with Workplus to offer a coordinated Work Experience Programme for post primary schools in the Borough. It has been designed to make work experience easier for everyone and let local pupils see the breadth of opportunities in their area – from multi-nationals to thriving micro-businesses.
The aim of the project is to connect employers with future talent and build transversal skills in our young people.
Easily connect with local employers and find out about opportunities through the Workplus platform
June 2025
Take part in work experience where employers have committed to offering opportunities
Experience real life process
Experience what it is like to apply for a position and connect with a new employer
Support
Through our built-in chat function, we can support you every step of the way
Help with future choices
Find out about the range of opportunities from different industries that exist locally
Raise aspirations
Find out about employers on your door step and experience what could be your future career
FAQS for pupils
What if I want to do Work Experience with an employer who isn’t taking part in this?
That’s ok, make sure your teacher is aware that you are arranging your work experience separately.
What should I think about when choosing to apply for a placement?
Read about all the opportunities and apply to the opportunities you think you would like to consider as a career.
This can be a good opportunity to confirm or rule out a future career, so if you are on the fence about applying to an opportunity, why not give it a go? At least you will find out either way if it's a career for you!
Make sure you research the employer before you apply, especially the location. There is no point applying to an opportunity that you cannot get a lift/public transport to.
How do I see what opportunities I can apply for?
Opportunities will appear on this page on the 1st April.
How do I apply?
Once the opportunities are live on this page, you can follow the links to see all the opportunities and apply to the ones that interest you. You will have to complete a simple application form and indicate which opportunities you are interested in.
What happens after I’ve applied?
Applications for opportunities will close on 30th April.
Workplus will contact your teacher to let them know which employer you have been matched with.
After this, all the relevant paperwork will need to be completed between the school and the employer.
How do I get to the employer’s office/site?
It is up to you to arrange transport to the employer’s office/site. Please do not apply for an opportunity before you are sure you can get there during the work experience dates of 17-19 June.
What if there are no opportunities that I am interested in?
We would encourage you to read through a number of opportunities to find one that is the best fit for your interests. However, if you really cannot find anything, you may have to talk to your teacher about making alternative arrangements.
Does the work experience have to take place on 17-19 June?
Yes, this is a coordinated work experience programme, and all the employers have signed up to provide opportunities on these dates.
FAQS for teachers
What about the paperwork?
When opportunities close on the 30th of April, Workplus will match pupil applications to opportunities. We will then email you these matches. Paperwork will appear on the platform for the employers to read and sign. You will be able to keep track of progress through the site. Once the employer has signed the relevant paperwork, you can add the school's signatures and download the forms.
What happens after a pupil applies to an opportunity?
Opportunities close on Wednesday 30th April
Workplus will match pupils to opportunities
Workplus will email you those matches
The employer can sign the paperwork within the platform
You access the signed paperwork to download
Can pupils still arrange their own work experience?
Yes, pupils can make alternative arrangements outside of this initiative, however please encourage pupils to read through a number of different opportunities to see if one fits their interests before they make their decision to look elsewhere.
You're doing great work. Let's make sure that schools, pupils and parents know about it. Grow your industry voice in collaboration with other employers
Less admin
We'll guide you through the paperwork so you can focus on giving pupils an awesome experience.
Plant the seed
This could be the start of something amazing as you take a look at the next generation of local talent.
June 2025
Offer a 3-day opportunity for at least one pupil from a school in the Antrim and Newtownabbey borough
Helping choose subjects
Giving pupils the chance to see and develop real-world skills which can inform their career
Support
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council & Workplus will support you every step of the way. You'll also be part of a network of employers that are working together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost?
No! We want the most valuable thing you can bring...your time and expertise!
What about risk assessments and insurances?
You'll be guided through the process and we'll check that you have everything in place.
What's the commitment?
You'll need to attend a 1-2hr employer workshop in early 2025, and then create a 3-day work placement from 17-19 June for pupils based in Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
We've never taken anyone on work experience. Can we get involved?
Absolutely! We have an employer workshop on in early 2025 to help you prepare and learn from other employers.
We can only take 1 pupil.
That's fine. We don't want you to overstretch. Every work experience place is priceless!
We have age restrictions for our work placements.
That's ok. You can specify a minimum age to ensure that you get the right match.
We're not based in Antrim & Newtownabbey. Can we get involved?
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