These pathways ensure placements are well-supported, appropriately matched and provide a positive experience for everyone involved.

Depending on your circumstances, you will need to apply through one of the pathways below.

Referral pathways – how they work

We do not accept direct applications for work experience placements. Instead, we work with trusted partners and internal services who support individuals before, during, and after their placement.

Each pathway is designed to:

• ensure you are matched to a suitable opportunity
• provide the right level of support and preparation
• help you get the most out of your experience
• offer guidance tailored to your needs and goals

You can apply through the following routes:

• your school (via BEP Group or Inspire)
• the Corporate Parenting Team (for care leavers)
• B&D Works (for adult residents)
• your university (currently Queen Mary University of London – QMUL)
• Barking & Dagenham College (BDC) to host T Level industry placements

School students (Year 10 to 13)

Referral via Schools (BEP Group & Inspire)

We work in partnership with BEP Group and Inspire to deliver high-quality work experience placements for local schools. These organisations coordinate placements on behalf of schools and ensure everything is planned and supported properly.

What this means for you:

• your school manages the process and submits your placement request
• you will be matched to a suitable department based on availability and interest
• your school and referral partner will prepare you before your placement

What you need to do:

• speak to your Careers Lead or Work Experience Coordinator
• confirm whether your school works with BEP Group or Inspire
• follow your school’s internal process and deadlines

All student placements must be arranged through your school – we cannot accept direct applications from students.

Care leavers

Referral via Corporate Parenting Team

If you are a care leaver, you can access tailored work experience support through our Corporate Parenting Team, who will guide you through the process and help identify the right opportunity, depending on availability.

What this means for you:

• you will receive personalised support based on your goals and interests
• opportunities are designed to build confidence and prepare you for employment
• support continues throughout your placement, not just at the start

What you need to do:

• speak to your Leaving Care Advisor/Social Worker
• discuss your interest in work experience or employment
• your adviser will make a referral and support your application

You will be supported at every stage, including preparation and follow-up.

T Level Industry Placements

We work in partnership with Barking & Dagenham College (BDC) to host T Level industry placements across a range of council services.

T Levels include a substantial industry placement, giving students the opportunity to gain meaningful, real-world experience linked to their course.  Some key details are:

• placements are delivered in collaboration with BDC
• opportunities are aligned to students’ T Level pathways and career goals
• students are supported throughout their placement by both BDC and LBBD teams

All T Level placements are coordinated through Barking & Dagenham College

If you are a T Level student, speak to your course tutor or placement coordinator at BDC to find out more about opportunities with us.

Residents (18+)

Referral via B&D Works

Residents aged 18 and over can access job finding support through the Barking & Dagenham Employability Service, which helps individuals move into employment, training, and skills development.

Work experience opportunities may be available, but these are subject to availability and will be advertised through the B&D Works employability service.

What this means for you:

• you will receive support to identify suitable job or training opportunities
• advisors will support you with CV writing, applications, and interview preparation
• you may be signposted to relevant opportunities, including work experience where available

What you need to do:

• register your interest through the Barking & Dagenham Work Register
• an advisor will contact you to discuss your needs and next steps
• you will be matched to suitable opportunities as they arise

This route is ideal if you are looking to build experience and move into employment.

Register your interest through the Barking & Dagenham Work Register

University Students (QMUL)

Referral via Queen Mary University of London (QMUL)

We currently work in partnership with Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to offer work experience opportunities for university students.

What this means for you:

• opportunities are coordinated through your university’s careers or placement team
• you will receive support in preparing for your placement
• placements are aligned to your area of study and career interests where possible

What you need to do:

• contact the Careers Team at QMUL
• express your interest in work experience with LBBD
• follow your university’s application or referral process

All university placements must be arranged through QMUL – direct applications are not accepted.