Work Experience Programme

Our Work Experience Programme is open to students in Years 10–13.

The two-week programme will run during the first two full weeks of the England school summer holidays and offers a unique opportunity to gain valuable insight into the academic research environment.

Participants will engage in a wide range of activities across the institute, including:

• Hands-on experience with a research project
• Development of writing and communication skills
• Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and platforms hosted at EI
• Open discussions about educational and career pathways in the natural sciences and computational fields

We are committed to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all students can explore and engage with the world of research.

The work experience programme may include:

• Welcome and induction
• Research Project and Report write up
• Lunch with Earlham Institute's director
• Higher education discussion: Degree opportunities and application processes, post university degree options/paths, informal discussions with current EI students
• Science Communication skills: Best practice in presentation skills workshop
• Automation and engineering: Discover the Earlham Biofoundry
• Business Development and Impact and Science Policy: Overview of IP and process of spinouts, societal impact of research and policy advocacy
• Journal club: How to review a primary research paper and reporting findings
• Final presentations and Celebration event

Programme is subject to change depending on availability of staff, the finalised programme will be shared with successful participants prior to starting the programme.

Programme highlights

Research Exposure

Students gain hands-on experience in a real research environment, helping them understand the practical applications of scientific principles and explore what a career in research might look like.

Career Development

Participants interact with a wide range of professionals - including researchers, platform and service providers, technical specialists, and science support staff. These interactions offer valuable insights into potential career paths and further education options, including informal conversations with current students at Earlham Institute.

Personal Growth

The programme supports the development of essential transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking—skills that are valuable in any future career.

Our work experience programme is open to students in Years 10-13. We have two ways you can join us:

Research STEM placements (Year 12 only)

Organised through STEMPOINT, the Research STEM Placements scheme is open to students in the first year of a post-16 science, technology, engineering and/or maths (STEM) course.

Students may be eligible for travel costs to be reimbursed. Applications must include a supporting statement from a teacher.

Applications for Research STEM placements for Summer 2026 are open until 17 March 2026.

Please check eligibility and apply via the STEMPOINT website: https://www.stempoint.org.uk/research-stem

EI Work Experience Programme (Years 10–13)

Students not applying through the Research STEM placement scheme above should apply directly to Earlham Institute, and applications will be open in April.

• Applications must be submitted via an application form, which will be made available here
• Applications must include a supporting statement from a teacher or relevant professional
• Applications are shortlisted by the Advanced Training Team and placements are confirmed by late May.