Work experience

Are you a student with a curiosity for the past, a love of stories, or a passion for people and places? Come and spend time with us and/or Reading Museum, and discover what goes on behind the scenes at two of the UK’s most fascinating museums.

We’re offering work experience placements for enthusiastic and thoughtful students who are keen to explore how museums work – from caring for collections, to engaging with visitors, or even supporting events and exhibitions. Whether you’re interested in history, art, design, education, media, or working with little ones, we offer something for everyone.

This is a great opportunity to:

• Discover careers in the cultural and heritage sector
• Get creative and hands-on with real tasks
• Work with a friendly, supportive team
• Find out more about England’s rural past and present, and your local town

We want to get to know you – your interests, your goals, and how we can help make your placement meaningful and enjoyable.

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from secondary school and sixth-form students looking for a short work experience placement. You don’t need to be an expert in rural life or history – just open-minded and ready to get stuck in.

How to apply

Please complete our Getting to Know You form below. This helps us understand your interests, skills, and goals, so we can create a meaningful experience for you. Please specify which museum you would like to apply for, or if you are open to working across both museums in one period.

We are lucky enough to receive lots of interest in our work experience placements, so we are not always able to accept every applicant. We set closing dates throughout the year and consider applicants based on the information provided in your Getting to Know You form.

For placements this October, please apply by 24 Sep 2025.

If we are able to accommodate you, we’ll be in touch to chat about what kind of experience you’d like to have, and what we can offer. We can offer an informal interview on weekdays after school between 3.30 pm and 5 pm.

So if you’re curious, creative, and ready to learn – we’d love to hear from you!

Getting to Know You

Thank you for your interest in completing work experience with us. The MERL and Reading Museum work in partnership to offer work experience across both museums. This form helps us understand your interests, skills, and goals, so we can create a meaningful experience for you.

Please specify which museum you would like to apply for, or if you are open to working across both museums for your placement.

Please answer the following questions so we can tailor your experience as best we can.