A work experience placement within Rhondda Cynon Taf Council offers a unique opportunity to gain a valuable insight into how local government functions and serves its community.
Whether you’re a student, recent graduate or looking to switch careers, work experience with us can provide hands on experience within a variety of departments and enable you to build confidence, develop new skills and gain understanding of how local government supports its residents and businesses.
The benefits of completing work experience:
- Diverse roles: Local councils manage a broad range of services from environmental management and housing to social care and community development. You’ll have the chance to explore different sectors and find areas that align with your career goals.
- Skills Development: Work experience helps develop key personal skills including communication, teamwork, ICT, project management and problem solving. These skills are highly transferable and valued across many industries.
- Contributing to the Community: Councils play a vital role in the wellbeing of local communities. Through your work experience you will gain a greater understanding, and potentially directly contribute to, improving the lives of residents, making your encounter with us rewarding and impactful.
- Professional Networking: During your placement you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals, gaining insight from experts in fields such as planning, finance, education and legal services. Building these connections can enhance your future career prospects.
Who can apply?
Work experience with RCT Council could be an option for:
- Students in secondary or higher education looking for practical experience.
- Recent graduates seeking exposure to the public sector.
- Career changers or those returning to work, eager to explore local government roles.
How do I apply?
Applying for a work experience placement within RCT Council is straightforward. You will need to send us an email outlining what area of work you are interested in, e.g. customer service, planning, sustainability, plus an indication of when you would like to do the placement and any other information you feel would be relevant for us to know.
Please email your requests and as much information as possible with regards to what you are looking for to Work.Experience@rctcbc.gov.uk
Should you secure a work experience placement, a confirmation email will be sent to you with all the information you will need such as:
- The full address and postcode of the placement;
- Date of placement;
- Working hours;
- Appropriate clothing/uniform to wear;
- Where to report on your first day.
Our work experience programme is open to everyone. If there is any support you need to complete the application, or any questions you’d like to ask, please let us know by emailing Work.Experience@rctcbc.gov.uk
FAQ:
Am I paid whilst on work experience?
No. You are not paid as your placement is aimed at giving you experience of the world of work and allowing you to sample as wide a range of tasks as possible under the supervision of experienced staff.
How long will my placement last?
This is down to arrangement between you and the manager of the area you will be working in, but usually placements do not last longer than two weeks.
Will lunch be provided?
No, you will be expected to provide your own lunch. The facilities depend on where you work. Some workplaces have a kitchen area where you can prepare your own food or some have shops nearby to purchase food.
Am I insured while on placement with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council?
Yes. All candidates on placement are insured just as all other employees. However, you still have a responsibility for behaving in a safe and sensible manner.
Any requests for work experience will be dealt with by the Education, Employment and Training Team within RCT Council, and your information may be shared with other Council departments to find you a suitable work placement. If you would like to learn more about how we use your information, please read the ‘Work Experience and Internship Privacy Notice’ and the Council’s data protection pages, or contact Work.Experience@rctcbc.gov.uk
RCT Council may reserve the right to withhold the opportunity of work experience in areas of work where a genuine occupational requirement would deem the placement inappropriate. We are unable to offer a guarantee of acceptance due to the high demand of requests that we receive.
Please note, we are unable to provide placements within Children’s or Adults Services due to confidential nature of the work.