Work Experience

National Museums NI offers a structured one-week work experience programme for post-primary students aged 16 and over.

How Our Work Experience Programme Works

The programme brings together a small group of students for an immersive week of learning, exploration and hands-on activities across our museums and corporate teams. Participants gain insight into the wide range of careers involved in running Northern Ireland's national museums while developing valuable workplace skills.

During the week, students will:

• Meet staff from a range of departments
• Learn about museum collections, exhibitions and public engagement
• Explore careers in the heritage and cultural sectors
• Take part in practical activities, workshops and project work
• Develop skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving
• Present their learning and reflections at the end of the programme

No prior museum experience is required, just curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

Apply for a Place

We currently offer two work experience programmes each year in June and October. If you would like to be considered for a place on one of our work experience programmes, please complete the relevant application form below.

Successful applicants will be contacted with further information about programme dates, locations and arrangements.

Please note, places on each programme are limited and allocated through an application process which may include an informal interview. Application does not guarantee a place on the programme.

June Programme

June 2026 Applications closed

October Programme

Monday 19th - Friday 23rd October 2026

Who Can Apply?

To take part, you must:

• Be aged 16 or over
• Be enrolled in post-primary education
• Have permission from your school and parent/guardian where required
• Be available to attend the full week-long programme
• Have an interest in learning more about museums, heritage, culture or related careers

What Will I Learn?

This programme is designed to help students understand the many different career pathways available within museums and the wider heritage sector. 

You may have opportunities to learn about:

• Curatorial work and collections care
• Learning and community engagement
• Visitor services
• Marketing and communications
• Exhibitions and interpretation
• Retail and commercial activity
• Corporate services and business support

Contact Us

If you are a student, school representative or parent/guardian and have a question about our work experience programme, please email [email protected] to get in touch.

A member of our team will respond as soon as possible. Please include as much detail as you can.