Work experience

Work experience A future with Lewisham Council

Shape your future with Lewisham Council! Make a real difference in your community.

Local government is more than just a place to work; it's a dynamic community shaping the lives of millions. Beyond essential services like clean streets and social care, local government offers over 200 diverse careers! From social workers to environmental scientists, librarians to data analysts, we offer fulfilling roles across countless fields.

If you're driven to build thriving communities, protect those in need, or pioneer new solutions, you belong here.

Imagine a career where you can make a real difference...

Graphic designers shaping our public spaces, psychologists supporting our well-being, financial experts ensuring stability, legal professionals upholding justice, and tech innovators driving digital progress. Local government is a vibrant hub of talent and expertise.

Getting started

The career guide ‘Working in Local Government' describes the important work that councils do within the places that people live, work, learn, shop, socialise and exercise.

Work experience for students

All 14–16-year-old students (Key Stage 4) in our secondary schools, Abbey Manor College and most special schools do work experience with hundreds of organisations in the borough. The Education Business Partnership (EBP) Team is the dedicated team in the Council who manage the work experience programme. Contact admin.ebp@lewisham.gov.uk or call 020 8314 7921.

Benefits of work experience

Work experience is a valuable opportunity for students to gain practical experience in a real-world work environment. It helps you develop essential skills, explore career options, and build confidence.

• skills development - improves communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills
• career exploration - helps students discover potential career paths and interests
• networking: builds relationships with professionals in different industries
• confidence building - enhances self-esteem and independence
• academic performance - can positively impact school grades
• online platforms: websites like Youth Employment UK can help find work experience opportunities
• networking: reach out to family, friends, or teachers for potential placements

Making the most of work experience

• be prepared - research the company and the role beforehand.
• be punctual and reliable - arrive on time and demonstrate a strong work ethic
• be proactive - take initiative and ask questions
• learn from others - observe experienced professionals and seek guidance
• reflect on the experience - write a journal or diary to document your learning Youth Employment UK has some great tips!

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn! Visit apprenticeships with Lewisham Council to find out more about our London Living Wage apprenticeships.

Summer Internship programme

We offer an 8-week summer internship programme to 2nd year undergraduate students, who reside in the Borough. There are 6 positions available, one in each directorate, and all positions attract London Living Wage pay. Recruitment usually starts in spring for a summer start. For current vacancies please visit our jobs home page.

Volunteering

Build your skills and give back! Visit Lewisham local for volunteering opportunities in the Borough.

Social work students

Studying for your Social Work degree? Find guidance on practice placements.

If you are interested in a placement within Children’s Services, contact: LewishamWorkforceDevelopmentGroup@lewisham.gov.uk.

If you are interested in a placement within Adult Social Care, contact: Felix.Ogundeyin@lewisham.gov.uk.