Work experience

We have teamed up with Springpod, a specialist work-experience platform, to offer an on-demand programme. This means that our programme can be completed on their online platform according to your own pace and schedule within the advertised timeframe.

The programme will include a series of interactive learning modules that provide insight into our research, including how we address global issues. In addition, you will be introduced to the diverse teams and facilities that make up BGS so you can explore the exciting career possibilities within geology. Finally, you will get to complete tasks that replicate the day-to-day responsibilities of BGS team members, giving you a glimpse of their working day. 

2024 application details 

Key dates

The programme will be available from 23 September 2024 to 26 April 2025. You can complete the programme according to your own pace and schedule within this timeframe. 

Who can apply

• Anyone aged 13 or over is welcome to apply, both within and outside of the UK
• You do not need any specific qualifications to participate 

How to apply

Sign up to BGS’s virtual work experience programme

Please note

• Completion of the programme, including registration, is managed via Springpod’s online platform
• Those who apply before the 23 September 2024 live date will join a waiting list and should receive an email notification when the programme is live

Questions?

For any further information or questions about applying, please contact Spingpod (hello@springpod.com).   

Please include the following email subject line: ‘Geology careers with the British Geological Survey’. 

BGS is partnering with some of the research centres within the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to offer an additional, cross-centre virtual work experience programme. Participating institutions include:

• British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
• National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS)
• Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML)

This collaborative programme will be managed by Creative Tuition, a not-for-profit organisation providing personal development support to pupils. The programme will be hosted live on Zoom over two separate working weeks: one week in autumn 2024 (involving BAS and BGS) and another week in spring 2025 (involving NCAS and PML).

Students will engage in both independent and collaborative skill-building challenges, guided by professional mentors from Creative Tuition, Vox Coaching and Zebera Design and Innovation. They will also have the opportunity to interact with professionals from the participating NERC institutes to gain insights into their career pathways and industry contributions. After the programme, eight chosen participants will receive six months of complementary private tuition to support their educational progress. 

Applications 

Key dates

Please note that the 2024 applications are now closed. The next programme is expected to run in the spring of 2025.

Who can apply

UK residents aged between 15 to 18 years old, whether in school, college or currently not studying. 

How to apply

Sign up to the NERC cross-centre virtual work experience programme

Successful applicants will be notified in the week beginning 07 October.

Please note

The programme is limited to sixty applicants. Depending on the number of applications received, a selection process might be necessary to choose successful candidates. 

Questions?

For any further information or questions about applying, please email Creative Tuition Collective (laralalemi@creativetuitioncollective.com). 

Please include BAS/BGS work experience’ in the email subject line. 

Why virtual work experience programmes?

• A virtual format allows us to be accessible to a wider and more diverse audience by removing restrictions associated with our geographical locations, staff availability, varied school schedules and finances 
• Remote working is becoming increasingly important in many job roles, so taking part in virtual programmes helps students learn how to work online 

Will you also offer in-person work experience?

The virtual work experience programmes are the only schemes offered to those under 18 years old due to our policy requirements. 

What resources do I need to complete the online programmes?

The Springpod platform that hosts the BGS programme can be accessed on any digital device with internet connectivity. This includes  computers, laptops, tablets or mobile phones. 

The cross-centre programme is accessible on any digital device with internet connectivity and that is compatible with Zoom software. In addition, some tasks may involve creating posters or presentations, so a Microsoft Office software package (or equivalent) is recommended. 

Why is the cross-centre programme only eligible to UK residents?

This is due to the limited available places and logistical considerations, such as delivering programme materials by post. 

How will personal data be handled?

The UKRI privacy notice, describes how NERC/UKRI research institutes handle personal data. 

Personal data collected by Springpod is handled according to the Springpod privacy policy. 

If you have any comments or concerns about the way your data is collected or used in relation to the programmes, you can:

• email Springpod regarding data handling on the BGS programme (dpo@springpod.com) or refer to section 8 of the Springpod privacy policy 
• email Edna Itotoh regarding data handling on the cross-centre programme (editoto@bas.ac.uk), including ‘GDPR: BAS/BGS work experience’ in the email subject line

BGS currently offers a paid, six-week summer placement scheme for students who meet the following criteria: 

• have the right to work in the UK 
• are at least 18 years old at the time of application 
• meet one of the following conditions: 
  • • finished their A levels (or equivalent) 
    • about to enter university  
    • are currently studying as an undergraduate student in years 1 or 2 of their geography, earth science or environmental sciences (GEES) degree 

If your experience looks a little different from these criteria and you believe you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you. 

As part of this scheme, BGS takes up to four students to participate. This scheme is delivered by BGS at our headquarters (Keyworth, Nottinghamshire) in partnership with the School of Geography, University of Nottingham. 

Before you apply 

Please note that 2024 applications are now closed

Please carefully read the information in this section before you apply. 

• The closing date for applications is no later than 16:00 on Friday 07 June 2024. Applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than Friday 14 June 2024 
• The placement is expected to run for six continuous weeks between Monday 15 July and Friday 13 September 2024 (dates may be subject to change). Please ensure that you are available for these weeks

How to apply 

If you would like to apply for this scheme you will need to send a CV and cover letter (maximum one page) to Dr Keely Mills (EDITeam@bgs.ac.uk). Please ensure all filenames include your surname (for example, Mills-CV.docx, Mills-cover-letter.docx). 

Your cover letter should include: 

• information about you and your experience so far 
• where you see your qualifications taking you 
• why you are interested in a summer placement at BGS 

We will not be interviewing for these positions. If the scheme is over-subscribed, all eligible applications meeting the criteria will be pooled and places allocated using a randomised approach. 

If you have any questions about applying, please contact the EDI team (EDITeam@bgs.ac.uk) 

Download printable BGS Work Experience summer placement scheme 2024 document.

Frequently asked questions 

Can I send my CV and personal details when applications are closed?  

Due to data protection considerations and to ensure equality of opportunities, CVs will only be considered for formally advertised and active applications. Please DO NOT send your personal details, including CVs, for speculative positions.  

Is this a paid placement?

Yes. The four places available for the summer placements are paid. You will be contracted to work 30 hours per week (approximately 09:00 to 15:30). The salary for these positions will be £20 049 (pro rata). For this placement scheme, this roughly equates to an hourly rate of £10.42. 

Hours inclusive of a lunch break total 32.5 hours per week. 

What is the location of the placement?

The placements will be hosted at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire (NG12 5GG). You will spend one day a week based at the School of Geography, University of Nottingham (NG7 2RD). 

Can I work remotely?

BGS values the ability to work flexibly and hybrid working may be an option for small components of this role. Given the nature of the placement, there are several components that will need to be undertaken in person and cannot be completed remotely. 

What would a typical day look like?

Your working day will be six hours. You will be based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth (Nottinghamshire) for four out of the five days in any week. When at BGS, a typical day could involve a two-hour (or more) interactive session with a member of BGS staff to learn about their work and, where possible, to experience and try it out for yourself!

You will then spend four hours of the day working on collaborative or independent projects. We have some projects in mind, but we are also open to your ideas and can support you in developing a project during this time.