Queen Mary’s Sixth Form College recognises that work experience and volunteering are highly beneficial for students’ future aspirations, whether that’s pursuing university, a degree apprenticeship or direct employment. Taking up a work shadowing or voluntary position will help develop your skills, boost confidence and greatly enhance employment prospects.
QMC students at the end of their work experience with BAE Systems.
As a QMC student, you’ll be given the opportunity to carry out meaningful work experience in your first year at College. You may also complete compulsory work experience as part of your course/subject.
QMC is proud to offer students both physical work experience placements, as well as hybrid work experiences. The hybrid approach allows students to complete an industry-led project onsite, while gaining support from the work experience team with vital employability skills for future progression and confidence.
Examples of recent work experience opportunities include a hybrid work experience with BAE Systems (STEM work experience), and our summer NHS volunteering programme (Healthcare work experience) in collaboration with North Hampshire Hospital.
At Queen Mary’s College, we are motivated to ensure that every student has the opportunity to gain valuable insight and experience and develop essential skills needed for their future aspirations. Alongside QMC’s:
The College has developed the following initiatives to help students reach their goals.
The Work Experience Programme At Queen Mary’s College
QMC’s Work Experience (WEX) Programme allows first-year students to get involved in placements across a diverse range of industries, from technology and finance to healthcare, education and the creative arts.
Qmc Work Experience Sam R National Highways
Qmc Work Experience Taylor L Ulysses Ltd
Qmc Work Experience Aiden B Ergo Digital
Qmc Work Experience Carly S Primary School
Qmc Work Experience Josh D Acal Bfi
Qmc Work Experience Leah B Kingfisher Day Centre
Qmc Work Experience Sam M Oyster Design
Qmc Work Experience Lucas H Velocity Gym
Qmc Work Experience Petra Jewellery Team
Qmc Work Experience Oscar M Fortem Financial Ltd
Qmc Work Experience Harry Kg London
Qmc Work Experience Luke M Shaw Gibbs
Here are a list of just some of the places where students have previously completed their placements:
BMW Financial Services
Kier Construction
National Highways
Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Google
IBM
Barclays
We acknowledge that it may not be possible for every student to gain a placement. For these students, our Careers and Progression Team have set up an online training and skills programme through a third-party organisation, which allows them to gain a certificate and learn valuable skills.
Work Experience Benefits for Students
QMC’s WEX programme has proved highly beneficial for students in numerous ways. Five key themes emerged from their end-of-placement feedback:
Professional Growth and Real-World Skills
Students developed essential workplace skills such as teamwork, time management, and responsibility by adapting to professional environments for the first time.
Confidence and Personal Development
Work placements boosted students’ confidence, helping them communicate more effectively, take initiative, and grow both personally and professionally.
Understanding Careers and Future Planning
Experiencing real job roles helped students clarify or discover career interests, informing their educational and professional planning.
Working With People
Students built interpersonal skills by collaborating with colleagues and adapting communication styles, especially in roles involving children or clients.
Overcoming Real-World Challenges
Work experience helped students build resilience by navigating real-life problems, developing problem-solving skills, and stepping outside their comfort zones.
“QMC helped me every step of the way. My teachers and the Careers Team guided me through the application, induction and training process. This opportunity not only strengthened my skillset, but also deepened my passion for healthcare and gave me the confidence to pursue it as a future career!”
-Zahira
The Social Action Project
The Social Action Project at Queen Mary’s College requires all first-year students to pick and support a charity or local organisation in their teams, predominantly through fundraising and/or community service. In its first year (2024), students collectively raised £25,000, followed by over £30,000 in 2025, and more than £25,000 in 2026.
Students Behind Table With Fundraising Banner And Balloons
Students-standing-in-front-of-a-board-smiling
Students Sitting Down Smiling With Food In Front Of Them
A Girl Holding Up A Paper And A Mic
Students Holding Leaflet
Students Picking Up Litter
A Group Of Students On Stage
Students Sat Behind A Table With Balloons On The Side Of Them Raising Money
Students Holding Up A Teacher
People Rowing In A Kayak
Two Girls Smiling
Sweet Bags On Table
Students Smiling Outside Holding Up A Frame
A Group Of Students Stood And Smiling
Students In Cow Suit In The Park
Two People Walking In The Woods
Students Posed Outside A Stadium
Cards On A Table
A Girl With A Microphone In Her Hand With A Thumbs Up
Student Smiling In Front Of Screen
A Person Holding A Cat
Students Smiling With Backpacks On
People Setting Up A Kayak
Students In A Dance Studio
Three People With Litter Pickers Outside
Students Sitting Down Behind Table Raising Money
Students Outside With One Student Doing A Thumbs Up
Students Smiling With Rubbish Bag
Students Smiling Outside In A Park
Students Smiling Outside
Students Standing In A Group Outside
Students Smiling In Front Of A Field
Student Behind A Table Raising Money
Students Smiling In A Green Park
Students Smiling Outside In A Park
A Band Playing Instruments
Three People In A Green Space
Three People Looking Over The Bridge
This project empowers students to make a real difference in the local community and beyond, through social action. They are challenged to delve out of their comfort zone and as a result experience personal growth, developing the skills and qualities they’ll need in the working world such as leadership, collaboration and problem-solving. By working closely with their peers over several days, new friendships also form, contributing positively to students’ social life at College.
“It was great to see all our customers impressed with their cars after the car wash, and to do something impactful and character-building. I thank you for giving me and everyone who took part in QMC Social Action the opportunity to develop our leadership skills, teamwork, dedication and grit.” – Cameron
Getting Ahead
Your experiences and the opportunities open to you at QMC will strengthen your CV, personal statement and cover letter. They will also serve as great references at interviews, giving you a competitive edge and making you a standout candidate to universities including Oxbridge (University of Oxford and Cambridge), Russell Group universities, other higher educational institutions and employers (degree apprenticeship or direct employment).
