Work Experience

Explore Creative Careers Together

Work Experience at Portsmouth Guildhall

Curious about what goes on behind the scenes at a busy cultural venue? Our work experience programme gives Year 10–11 students the chance to meet the people who make Portsmouth Guildhall work and try out elements of their jobs.

Running alongside our Schools & Colleges programme, this week-long placement brings together approximately 12–16 students at a time to learn and work as a group. We call this our “cohort” model: you’ll explore the workplace alongside other young people, sharing ideas, asking questions and tackling creative challenges together.

What Will You Do?

Your week will follow a structured programme of practical tasks, activities and conversations with staff from across the organisation, including Front of House, Marketing, Events, Programming and Technical Production.

Members of staff will introduce their roles, set tasks based on aspects of their work and offer feedback on what you produce. You’ll discover how different teams contribute to the Guildhall, develop your own ideas and share your work with others.

There is little work shadowing. Most of your time will be spent taking part in activities and projects, with support from staff and your fellow students.

You’ll be based at The Base, our dedicated youth arts space at Portsmouth Guildhall, supported throughout the week by the Learning & Participation team.

Who Is It For?

The programme is designed for Year 10–11 students completing school Work Experience placements. You don’t need to have decided on a career. This is a chance to explore, find out what interests you and build confidence in a professional environment.

You’ll need to attend every day for the full week and approach the placement professionally. We’ll ask you to join in, respect others, try new things and do your best. In return, we’ll offer encouragement, constructive feedback and meaningful, practical experience.

For information about upcoming work experience opportunities, contact 023 9387 0193 or schools@guildhalltrust.org.uk.

In 2027, we will offer two weeks when you might apply to join a cohort. The first is during the Easter Holidays and so will not be co-ordinated through your school or college. This will be Monday 5^th – Friday 9^th April 2027. The second is Monday 28th June – Friday 2nd July 2027.

(There is limited scope for us to provide advanced work experience placements to students who can prove their initiative and bring industry relevant knowledge and learning. If you think you might be one of those students, and you are studying a related subject at advanced and/or further level; you are welcome to write as speculative email to us.)

Thank you for your interest in Portsmouth Guildhall.