Evry Work Experience Week

Creating Meaningful Work Experience for Young People in Newcastle

We’re proud to share what we’ve done in our latest project. It helps fix a big problem that young people told us about: there aren’t enough good chances to experience work.

We have helped young people try new things, feel more confident, and think about their future. We did this by bringing school students and employers together.

This work shows Evry wants all young people in Newcastle to learn, feel happy and safe, and be ready for what comes next. 

If you would like some work experience, talk to your school’s Careers Lead and ask if your school is part of the Evry programme.

Alternatively, you can email voice@newcastle.org.uk to find out more.

Who Did We Support?

Our project focused on making high‑quality workplace experiences accessible to everyone. This included:

• Young people who are care‑experienced
• Students with SEND
• Pupils from underrepresented communities
• Any young person who may face extra challenges accessing traditional work experience routes

Evry worked with schools, families, and employers to make sure each student got help that was kind, fair, and right for them.

What Did We Achieve?

Working with employers across Newcastle, we created:

✅ 104 new work experience places More chances for students to try different jobs.

✅ 91 placements completed Students learned about jobs, built skills, and felt more confident.

✅ 11 partner organisations Employers worked together to help young people.

These experiences helped young people try:

• new things
• find out what they are good at
• feel ready for the future.

The Difference It Made

The project created: 

• meaningful and positive experiences for students
• moments where they were able to learn, shine, and see new futures for themselves.

Many students told us they now feel:

• More confident
• More motivated
• More excited about their future career
• Better informed about the different pathways available

We are incredibly grateful to the employers, teachers, families and partners who made this possible.

Working Together for Young People

Evry believes that when people in the city work together, every young person can do well. By joining in, your organisation can help create more chances for them.

Top Tips for Finding Work Experience in Newcastle

Start Local

• Approach local businesses, shops, cafés, GP surgeries, charities, and community centres directly.
• Many smaller employers in Newcastle don’t advertise work experience but are happy to help if you ask politely (in person or by email).

Use Council & Local Programmes (16+)

• Work and Thrive is a great place to start for people aged 16+ looking to build skills, confidence, and experience.
  • They can help with tasters, placements, volunteering, and employability support.
  • Often linked to local employers across Newcastle.

Also check Newcastle City Council, youth hubs, and local careers services for jobs and short placements

To find out more about Work and Thrive visit: https://workandthrivenewcastle.org.uk/job-support

Or visit their Instagram is:

(@workandthrivecentral)

Ask Through School, College, or Training Providers

• Teachers, tutors, and training providers often have existing links with employers.
• Colleges and sixth forms in Newcastle frequently support 16–18-year-olds with placements.

 Use Volunteering as a Stepping Stone

• Volunteering counts as work experience and looks great on a CV.
• Try:
  • Local charity shops
  • Community organisations
  • Libraries, museums, or youth groups
• This is especially useful if you have no previous experience yet

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask

• A short, friendly message goes a long way:

“I’m looking for work experience to build my skills and would love the chance to learn more about your business.”

Be Flexible and Open-Minded

• Short placements, part-time hours, or unpaid experience can still be valuable.
• Focus on building skills (teamwork, communication, timekeeping), not just the job title.

Use Social Media and Job Boards

• Follow:
  • Local employers
  • Newcastle-based organisations
  • Youth services and employability programmes
• Check noticeboards in colleges, libraries, and community hubs too.

Get Your CV Ready (Even a Simple One)

• Include:
  • School/college
  • Subjects or courses
  • Any volunteering, clubs, or responsibilities
• Work and Thrive and local youth services can help you write or improve a CV.