Paid Internships and Work Experience Open Now

Paid work experience for students: what pays, what does not, and why it matters

Most work experience for school-age students is unpaid — insight days, open days, one-week school placements, and short employer taster programmes are typically unremunerated. Paid work experience generally begins at the internship and spring week level, targeted at university students. However, there are meaningful exceptions at every stage. What is typically paid: summer internships at investment banks, law firms, consulting firms, and large technology companies are almost always paid. Rates at bulge-bracket banks and Magic Circle law firms typically range from £500 to £750 per week. Spring weeks are also generally paid, at rates slightly lower than summer internships. Degree apprenticeships pay a salary from day one — this is one of their primary advantages. Industrial placement years (typically for sandwich-degree students) are paid, usually at a competitive rate. What is typically unpaid: insight days, open days, taster sessions, first-year programmes, and school-level placements are almost always unpaid. Virtual work experience programmes are also unpaid. Some short placements at smaller employers may be unpaid; the legal position for work experience of under four weeks is that national minimum wage requirements may not apply in all circumstances. Your rights: workers on structured work experience lasting more than four weeks are generally entitled to the National Living Wage or National Minimum Wage. Short school placements (up to four weeks) are typically exempt. If you are doing an extended placement, check whether you are entitled to pay.

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