When it comes to securing a work experience placement, starting locally is often the most effective and efficient approach. Many excellent employers across Dudley Borough offer meaningful opportunities for young people to gain insight into the world of work, develop key skills, and explore potential career pathways.
Why Start Local?
Sourcing a placement within the Dudley area:
a- Makes travel easier and more manageable.
b- Allows quicker communication between school, student, and employer.
c- Helps speed up the process of placement approval and health & safety checks.
d- Connects students to employers who are actively engaged with local schools and careers programmes.
We encourage students to begin their search within the Dudley Borough, where there are opportunities across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, retail, digital, engineering, hospitality, and the public sector.
Tips for Finding a Local Placement:
Speak to family, friends, neighbours, and local business owners — many placements are found through personal networks.
Walk around your local area and look out for businesses that interest you — don’t be afraid to go in and ask if they offer work experience.
Use online tools such as Google Maps, Yell.com, and local business directories to find companies nearby.
Look out for school communications about employers we regularly work with — we may already have contacts that can help.
Considering Placements Outside of Dudley?
Students are welcome to explore opportunities outside the borough — for example, in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, or Sandwell — especially if they are looking for a specific industry or experience not available locally. However, please note:
Placements outside the local area may take longer to process.
This is due to additional checks and risk assessments that are required to ensure health, safety, and safeguarding standards are met.
If you’re considering a placement further afield:
Allow additional time for processing and approvals.
Be clear on how you will travel to and from the placement.
Discuss your plans with the school careers team as early as possible.