Description
The British Transport Police (BTP) Work Experience Programme gives young people the chance to learn about policing and the many different roles that help keep Britain's railways safe.
You will meet officers, police staff and volunteers from a range of teams and gain an insight into what life is like in a national police force.
Please note that this is an educational work experience programme. Students will not carry out operational policing duties and will not be placed in active operational environments.
All successful applicants will take part as part of a group and will complete the programme alongside other students.
What You'll Experience
Depending on the location and dates you attend, you may learn about:
- Police officers
- Firearms teams
- Police dogs
- Crime scene investigators (forensics)
- Detectives
- Intelligence teams
- Contact centres
- CCTV
- Custody
- Force Control Rooms
- Volunteers and Special Constables
- The criminal justice system and courts
Activities may include presentations, demonstrations, discussions, case studies and interactive exercises.
What You'll Gain
By taking part, you can:
- Learn about careers in policing
- Understand how BTP keeps the railway network safe
- Develop confidence and communication skills
- Meet people working across different areas of policing
- Find out about future career opportunities
- Build your CV and gain valuable experience
Who Can Apply?
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 14 to 17 at the time of the placement
- Be in secondary school or college
- Have a personal email address
- Be able to travel to the location where your placement takes place
Students who are 18 or older when the placement begins are not eligible for this programme.
University students should not apply for this programme.
2027 Work Experience Programme Dates
Please only apply for dates that you can fully attend. We are unable to offer alternative dates, locations or bespoke placements.
Dates: 23 March 2027, 30 March - 2 April 2027, 31 March 2027, 6 - 8 April 2027, 6 - 9 April 2027, 28 - 30 June 2027, 5 July 2027, 5 - 8 July 2027, 13 July 2027, 26 - 29 July 2027, 26 - 29 July 2027, 26 - 27 July 2027, 27 July 2027, 29 - 30 July 2027, 2 - 4 August 2027, 16 - 19 August 2027, 23 - 25 August 2027, 31 August - 3 September 2027
Before You Apply
Please read the following carefully:
- Parent or Guardian Awareness: Your parent, guardian or carer must know that you are applying for the programme.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): You may use tools such as spellcheck to help you, but we want to hear about you.
- Attendance Expectations: If you are offered a place, we expect you to attend all dates of your placement.
- Travel Requirements: You may need to travel to the programme location and, in some cases, between sites during the placement.
Important Information About Places
Applying for the programme does not guarantee a placement.
We receive a high number of applications each year and places are limited.
Please do not book travel, accommodation or make any other arrangements until you have received confirmation that you have been offered a place.
Successful applicants will be notified in early 2027.
Accessibility and Adjustments
We welcome applications from disabled young people and those with long-term health conditions.
If you need any adjustments to take part, please tell us when you apply.