Work Experience at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL)
Each year at STFC, we are proud to run a highly successful work experience scheme for Year 10, 11. 12 and 13 students at schools based in the UK. For the summer 2025 programme, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) work experience team will be delivering on-site work experience provision for young people.
Please ensure you know how you will travel to the lab each day, before applying for a placement, or if you will need to stay nearby.
If you have any queries about work experience, please do not hesitate to email us, or watch our introductory video.
How to apply
Applications for placements in 2026 are currently closed. Applications will open in January, and we will update this page with more information during the Autmn term.
For 2026, students will apply for individual projects. The projects from this year (2025) can be found linked below to give you an idea of the types of projects availalbe. These are not the projects that are being offered in 2026:
Once open, applications will close in February 2026. We cannot accept any late applications.
Sample application questions can be found here.
Please note: the RAL Work Experience Programme is for students in Y10 -Y13 (or equivalent) in education at schools based in the UK
More information about the STFC Work Experience programmes can be found here.
‘How to apply’ video
‘Introduction to work experience at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory‘ video 2025. This will be updated in the Autumn term for 2026 placements.
Passcode: 1k!ZdKq=
This short video will give students, their teachers and careers advisers, and their parents a short introduction to the programme, including the benefits, opportunities and how to apply.
This video is a chance for you to find out more about how to write a good application and the different placements available.
0:00 Introduction to STFC and RAL
5:48 Introduction to RAL Work Experience Programme
8:10 Why do work experience?
12:08 Important dates for 2024
13:02 How to apply
17:00 Application form overview
Placement details
Placements will last one to two weeks and can be offered between 15 June and 24 July 2026. Please note: We are unable to offer placements outside of this timeframe.
Students will work individually or in a small group with one or two supervisors on a project relevant to their interests and STFC, which will meet the relevant Gatsby benchmarks.
For 2026, students will apply for individual projects which will be shared, once applications open.
Example projects from previous years can be found here.
More information about STFC sites and departments can be found here.
For further details about our departments, please take a look at our Work Experience YouTube Channel: STFC Work Experience – YouTube.
How to get to Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Science and Technology Facilities Council
Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
Harwell Campus
Didcot
OX11 0QX
Email: ralworkexp@stfc.ac.uk
Directions
Google Maps view of Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.
Full details on transport links to RAL
Accommodation
We cannot provide accommodation for successful students, but you can use the following links to find local accommodation.
Our closest hotel is Ridgeway House (on-site). You can view nearby accommodation here.
For some students, we are able to offer a travel bursary to allow them to attend this scheme. Please email ralworkexp@stfc.ac.uk for more details.
If you are offered a placement, we will provide more details on timings etc. Site hours are normally 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays, but there is some flexibility in this depending on your supervisor and transport.
Please be aware that based on restrictions put in place by the UK Government, students taking part in work experience can only work a maximum number of hours, which is age dependent. We advise that if students have a part-time job, they consult the linked webpage to identify whether part-time work during a Work Experience placement week might lead to the maximum working hours being exceeded. Placement hours can be flexible, so please contact us if you have any concerns about this.
FAQs
How can I edit my application form before or after submission?
Before submission, please use the ‘save and continue’ link to edit your form.
After submission, and before the application deadline (February 2026), you can email us at ralworkexp@stfc.ac.uk with your response code and we will email you a link to edit your application
You will not be able to edit your application after the closing date. You can email us with any changes to your availability.
How many placements are available and are all projects available on all weeks?
This year we have 50 projects available, and projects will usually be offered to multiple students, allowing around 100 placements each year. Most projects will be offered on multiple weeks. If a project is only available on one set week, this will be listed on the project description.
A project I’m interested in says that it’s only for students in Year 12/13, but I’m in Year 10/11, can I still apply for it?
Unfortunately, you will only be eligible to apply for projects of the year group that you’re currently in at the time of application. Projects for older students, may be due to the nature of the placement, or the area of work that the placement will take place in and may only be suitable for older students.
What criteria are you looking for in a good application?
Supervisors are looking for students with a keen interest in their project, along with showing a willingness to learn, ask questions and show enthusiasm. They may also have other requirements, which are listed in the project description.
If I can’t make the dates advertised, can I come for a placement at a different time?
We are unable to offer any placements outside of the listed timeframe.
I’m on my gap year, can I apply for a placement?
No, only students in full-time compulsory education are eligible for this scheme.
Is there accommodation available?
We cannot provide accommodation for successful students, but you can use the following links to find local accommodation.
Our closest hotel is Ridgeway House (on-site). You can view nearby accommodation here.
For some students, we are able to offer a travel bursary to allow them to attend this scheme. Please email ralworkexp@stfc.ac.uk for more details.
What are site hours and will I receive an induction?
If you are offered a placement, we will provide more details on timings etc. Site hours are normally 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Fridays, but there is some flexibility in this depending on your supervisor and transport.
Please be aware that based on restrictions put in place by the UK Government, students taking part in work experience can only work a maximum number of hours, which is age dependent. We advise that if students have a part-time job, they consult the linked webpage to identify whether part-time work during a Work Experience placement week might lead to the maximum working hours being exceeded. Placement hours can be flexible, so please contact us if you have any concerns about this.
All students will be given a Health and Safety induction on their first day.