Are you ready to gain real-world experience in a rewarding and dynamic field? Our Adult Social Care work experience program is designed to help you develop new skills, build confidence, and explore exciting career possibilities.
Please note: Applications received will be for placements starting on either 13th July or 20th July 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date on 31st May 2026.
Who Can Apply
* Year 11 students (aged 16+)
* Sixth form students
* College students
What is Adult Social Care?
* Arranging personal care and other support in people’s homes.
* Coordinating support in residential care homes and supported or sheltered housing.
* Helping individuals with daily activities in day centres or supported employment settings.
* Providing aids, technology, and home adaptations for independent living.
Role
Our goal is to support older adults and disabled people to live independently, safely, and with dignity. The work is varied, meaningful, and incredibly rewarding, with roles such as:
* Assessment and Support Planning Coordinators
* Brokerage Assistants
* Social Workers
* Occupational Therapists
During Your Placement, You Could
* Witness how individuals first make contact with Adult Social Care and learn how we promote independence.
* Accompany an Occupational Therapist or Social Worker on visits to complete assessments or review support plans.
* Explore our independent living centre and TEC lounge.
* Shadow our Mental Capacity Act team.
* See how we support individuals transitioning from hospital to home.
We Are Looking For People Who
* Enjoy working with others, including those from diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
* Have a genuine interest in making a positive impact on people’s lives.
* Are eager to learn new skills and expand their knowledge.
Practical Details
* Hours: Monday to Friday with a mixture of full and half days timetabled.
* Meals: If working in the office, you can bring a packed lunch or purchase meals from our canteen. Alternatively, you can visit local food options in Dorchester.
* Travel: Learners are responsible for arranging transport to and from the placement which will be based at County Hall and other council buildings in Dorchester.
* Clothing: Please wear clean, smart‑casual attire.
Further Information
What will be expected of you
During your placement, you will work with experienced staff on real projects and tasks. We expect you to:
* Follow all council rules and health and safety guidelines.
* Take responsibility for your learning and ask for help when needed.
* Follow instructions from your placement manager.
* Attend work at the agreed times during your placement.
* Stay motivated and make the most of this opportunity to show what you can do.
About You
What you will gain from a work experience placement
A work experience placement at Dorset Council can help you in the following ways:
* Confidence: get used to the workplace and build your confidence.
* New skills: learn new skills or improve the ones you already have.
* Networking: meet new people and make professional connections.
* CV boost: show teamwork and customer service skills on your CV.
* References: gain valuable references for future job applications.
* Share skills: use your unique skills to help our team.
About Us
At Dorset Council, we’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work, and visit. Working for us should be no exception. If you want to make a real difference in your community, a work experience placement with us is a great opportunity. Working in local government is rewarding and offers the chance to solve important challenges.
Why work with us?
Local government touches the lives of everybody, everyday. At Dorset Council, we:
* Provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents.
* Have ambitious aspirations and are excited about our future.
* Care deeply about Dorset and all the people who live here.
* Know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success.
Join us at Dorset Council and start making a difference in your community today.
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