Work Experience - Student Placement

Work Experience with British Transport Police

Are you aged 14 to 17 and curious about policing, looking for an exciting work experience opportunity, or wanting to make a difference in your community?

Discover Policing with British Transport Police:

This programme offers young people the chance to learn about policing and the many different roles that help keep Britain's railways safe. You will meet officers, police staff, and volunteers from a range of teams and gain insight into life in a national police force. Please note that this is an educational programme; students will not carry out operational policing duties or be placed in active operational environments. All successful applicants will participate as part of a group.

What You'll Experience

Depending on the location and dates, you may learn about:

• Police officers
• Firearms teams
• Police dogs
• Crime scene investigators (forensics)
• Detectives
• Intelligence teams
• Contact centres
• CCTV
• Custody
• Force Control Rooms
• Volunteers and Special Constables
• The criminal justice system and courts

Activities may include presentations, demonstrations, discussions, case studies, and interactive exercises. Activities vary between locations and dates.

What You'll Gain

By taking part, you can:

• Learn about careers in policing
• Understand how BTP keeps the railway network safe
• Develop confidence and communication skills
• Meet people working across different areas of policing
• Find out about future career opportunities
• Build your CV and gain valuable experience

Who Can Apply?

To apply, you must:

• Be aged 14 to 17 at the time of the placement
• Be in secondary school or college
• Have a personal email address
• Be able to travel to the placement location

University students should not apply.

2027 Work Experience Programme Dates & Locations

• 23 March 2027: Cardiff
• 30 March - 2 April 2027: London
• 31 March 2027: Forensics, London
• 6 - 8 April 2027: Birmingham
• 6 - 9 April 2027: Manchester
• 28 - 30 June 2027: Birmingham
• 5 July 2027: Glasgow
• 5 - 8 July 2027: London
• 13 July 2027: Cardiff
• 26 - 29 July 2027: London
• 26 - 29 July 2027: Manchester
• 26 - 27 July 2027: Leeds
• 27 July 2027: Forensics, London
• 29 - 30 July 2027: Leeds
• 2 - 4 August 2027: Birmingham
• 16 - 19 August 2027: London
• 23 - 25 August 2027: Birmingham
• 31 August - 3 September 2027: Manchester

Before You Apply

• Parent or Guardian Awareness: Your parent, guardian, or carer must know you are applying. The application should be completed by you.
• Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Applications that appear to be largely written by AI may not accurately reflect your personality.
• Attendance Expectations: If offered a place, you are expected to attend all dates of your placement.
• Travel Requirements: You may need to travel to the programme location and between sites. Please ensure you can arrange travel before applying.
• Group-Based Programme: All successful applicants will be placed within a group.

Important Information About Places

• Places are limited and competitive. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee a place.
• Successful applicants will be notified in early 2027.
• Do not book travel or accommodation until you have received confirmation of your place.

Accessibility and Adjustments

Applications are welcomed from disabled young people and those with long-term health conditions. Please inform us if you need any adjustments.

About British Transport Police

British Transport Police is the national police force responsible for policing Britain's railways and transport networks, helping to protect millions of passengers, railway staff, and infrastructure daily.