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NPL at the Royal Institution of Great Britain

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Careers

Work experience

NPL Academy 2023: 3-7 July 2023

For many years NPL has run a one-week work experience programme called NPL Academy. This is a fantastic way to make sure you get the most out of a week's worth of work experience. We provide current Year 10 to Year 13 aged students with a real taster of work at a National Laboratory. 

Typically, we welcome a cohort of about 30 students every year. There are always more applicants than places, and priority is given to those who can demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in science, engineering and business beyond the classroom. 

The application date for NPL Academy 2023 has passed and we cannot accept any more enquiries for 2023. Please visit this website in December this year for details about our 2024 Academy.   

What happens at the NPL Academy

You are given an introduction to NPL and the type of work we do, followed by a tour of several laboratories. You will take part in group exercises and be allocated a project to work on during your week.

One afternoon is spent on a team exercise and, weather permitting, this will involve building and launching water rockets. The final day is spent polishing a report on the week's work for presentation on the last afternoon to an audience of hosts, peers, teachers and parents. Prizes are given for the best presentations.

Typically, we welcome a cohort of 30–35 students, though competition is intense; there are usually about four applicants per place. Priority is given to those who can demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in science and engineering beyond the classroom and will prioritise those interested in taking part in our apprenticeship programme.

We concentrate our energies into providing a top experience work placement scheme via the NPL Academy, and do not offer additional work experience places.

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