The Switch have been providing Work Experience placements for students in Tower Hamlets for over 30 years to provide real life experiences of the world of work and to broaden career aspirations. We help young people see the wealth of opportunities beyond school and help tackle the poverty of aspiration in our area.
After a 2-year break due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, our Work Experience programme returned to the borough where 6 schools, 817 students and 155 employers took part. The pause of the programme significantly impacted the skills development of young people in Tower Hamlets, in its return we focused on placements from 11 sectors, from retail to health and social care to business and finance – this ensured every student could find a meaningful and worthwhile placement in their desired industry.
Our Work Experience programme supports students in finding placements in their preferred industry and prepares them for their placement. We provide guidance to companies on hosting a Work Experience student, as well as ongoing support throughout.
Invest in your future workforce by hosting a Work Experience placement and support students to develop their employability skills, which are invaluable in making informed education and career decisions as well as attaining fulfilling employment. Together we can bridge the gap between education and the world of work to empower young people to discover their best future.
| School | Subject | Year | Confirmed Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Paul's Way Trust | A-Levels | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 26th - 30th January 2026 |
| Morpeth School | BTEC Business Studies | Year 13 (aged 17-18) | 2nd - 6th February 2026 |
| Central Foundation Girls' School | BTEC Health and Social Care | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 2nd - 13th February 2026 (2 WEEKS) |
| Morpeth School | BTEC Health and Social Care | Year 13 (aged 17-18) | 2nd - 13th February 2026 (2 WEEKS) |
| Morpeth School | BTEC Applied Science | Year 13 (aged 17-18) | 23rd - 27th February 2026 (Group 1) |
| Morpeth School | BTEC Applied Science | Year 13 (aged 17-18) | 2nd - 6th March 2026 (Group 2) |
| Mulberry Stepney Green | GCSE'S | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 23rd - 27th March 2026 |
| George Green's School | A-Levels | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 7th - 10th April 2026 (EASTER BREAK) |
| Central Foundation Girls' School | BTEC Health and Social Care | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 20th - 24th April 2026 |
| London Enterprise Academy | GCSE's | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 18th - 22nd May 2026 |
| St Paul's Way Trust | GCSE's | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 1st - 5th June 2026 |
| Stepney All Saints | GCSE's | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 8th - 12th June 2026 |
| Bow School | GCSE's | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 29th June - 3rd July 2026 |
| Bow School | A-Levels | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 6th - 10th July 2026 |
| George Green's School | A-Levels | Year 12 (aged 16-17) | 13th - 17th July 2026 |
| George Green's School | GCSE's | Year 10 (aged 14-15) | 20th - 24th July 2026 (SUMMER HOLIDAYS) |
If you would like to host work experience, please contact the team below:
Phone: 020 4591 0999
I learnt how to be more independent and hard-working in the work environment. I also learnt how to take responsibility for myself and manage time properly.
Student, Bishop Challoner Girls' School, placed at RedCat Digital
The student exceeded my expectations. He was a great fit for our organisation. He asked the right questions, had very good knowledge and demonstrated our company values.
Employer, Computacentre
