Work experience

If you are interested in work experience at Devon County Council, please visit the work experience page on the Devon Jobs website to search for live opportunities.

If you have seen a work experience placement advert and would like to express an interest, please complete a work experience placement form. The form shouldn’t take too long to complete, it will ask you for some personal details, information about your skills and why you are interested in the placement.

If you are successful, the work experience placement manager will be in touch with you directly.

If you have an upcoming work experience placement with the Council and have any questions, please get in touch with us by emailing firststep@devon.gov.uk or calling us on 01392 383000 (ask for “apprenticeships”).

Supported internships

Supported internships are an unpaid study programme specifically aimed at young people aged 16-24, who have a statement of special educational needs, or an education, health and care plan, and who want to move into employment, but need extra support to do so.

Our supported internship aims to help develop knowledge, work and life skills, experience, and independence.

Supported internships are for a period of up to 1 academic year, normally working two days per week, plus one day per week ‘learning’ at college, which includes functional and employability skills, including English and maths.

This is facilitated and funded via the further education college. The days of the placement can be flexible.

• How to apply

  Please liaise with your further education college for more information on supported internships. The College will then link with us and other employers regarding placement opportunities.

• What is the nature of the work of a supported intern at Devon County Council?

  A supported intern can be given a variety of tasks to work on, depending on the needs of the business. We will always ensure that new starters settle in well and get to know their colleagues as their workload gradually increases over time to ensure that nobody is left feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed with their work at any time.

  We have had some amazing line managers for our supported internships at Devon County Council.

  Hear from one of Devon County Council’s previous supported interns – Ruben – Commissioning Support Team.

• What further opportunities could a supported internship at Devon County Council lead to?

  Many of our supported interns have progressed into a supported apprenticeship role when their internship ends.

  Find out more about our supported apprenticeship programme.

T-Levels

T-Levels are a 2-year qualification available to 16–19-year-olds, combining classroom study with a 45-day industry placement.

Each T-Level is equivalent to 3 ‘A’ levels and helps young people develop the knowledge, attitude and practical skills to thrive in the workplace.

If you would like to find out more, please visit the Governments T-Level website here: T Levels for students.

Hear from our first T Level student who is placed within our Digital Team:

‘I have enjoyed the course so far; it has taught me a lot about the IT industry and created an accurate picture of what to expect in an IT based workplace.

My placement at Devon County Council has given me some valuable experience which has set me up well moving forward. During my placement I designed and developed a piece of software to be used by the team, this has made my time with them feel productive for both me and the Council.

My placement was approached enthusiastically, and I have learnt a lot of key skills from all members of the team. Overall, it has been a positive and valuable experience.’

T Level Student, Devon County Council

To sign up for a T Level, you will need to contact your local further education college. The T Level coordinators in each college liaise with employers regarding the industry placement element.