Work Experience Opportunities in Melbourne for Year 10 Students
Year 10 work experience is an exciting opportunity for students to explore various industries, acquire practical skills, and begin considering future career paths. Melbourne offers a variety of work experience programs that cater to a range of interests, from animals, art, healthcare, community work, or technology. There are plenty of exciting programs to choose from.
WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION
Zoos Victoria
Zoos Victoria offers a Secondary School Work Experience Program designed to inspire students to pursue careers working with wildlife. Each year, selected Victorian secondary students aged over 15 spend five full days at one of four locations — Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park, Melbourne Zoo, or Werribee Open Range Zoo, gaining hands-on experience in various roles that support conservation.
Applications for 2026 placements open Monday, 4 August, and close 5.00 pm Sunday, 14 September 2025.
MUSEUMS
Melbourne Museum & Scienceworks
Melbourne Museum and Scienceworks no longer offer work experience placements for secondary school students. However, they actively support tertiary students through a variety of opportunities, including internships, higher degree research programs, and scholarships.
Internships
Their internship program welcomes applications from tertiary students for short, unpaid work-based learning placements across diverse disciplines.
Science Communication Works
This four-month program offers tertiary students the chance to learn from science communication experts and engage with visitors at Scienceworks.
Higher Degree Research
Higher Degree Research program welcomes applications from Honours, Master’s and PhD research students for projects with direct links to the Museum’s Collections.
Scholarships and Seed Funding
Scholarships and seed funding opportunities are available to support Higher Degree Research students.
Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI)
Each year, ACMI offers a limited number of work experience placements for Year 10 students. This hands-on, production-focused program, led by the ACMI Education team, provides students with valuable insight and experience within the arts and culture sector.
Over a full working week onsite, participants collaborate with various ACMI teams and departments while working alongside 1-2 peers to complete a filmmaking project.
In 2026, ACMI will run two one-week programs on June 15-19, and June 22-26, 2026.
Applications for 2026 will open Monday 2 February, and close Sunday 15 Feb 2026.
GALLERIES
National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)
The National Gallery of Victoria offers limited work experience placements for secondary students, mainly with the NGV Learn Team and, when possible, other departments.
Work experience is available only during the week of Monday 15 – Friday 19 June 2026, during school term. Applications for 2026 close at 5 pm on 24 October 2025.
PERFORMING ARTS
Melbourne Theatre Company
Melbourne Theatre Company offers high school students the chance to spend a week observing rehearsals at our Southbank headquarters. During the placement, students shadow the Stage Management team to learn how a professional rehearsal room operates. A typical week includes attending production meetings, notating blocking, sourcing props, and assisting the stage manager as needed.
Eligibility: Victorian high school students in Years 10–12 are eligible to apply, with preference given to Year 11 students.
Melbourne Theatre Company is committed to representing diverse stories and welcomes applications from everyone, regardless of race, sexuality, faith, ability, or gender—unless otherwise specified for identified positions.
2026 placement dates
- 9 FEB – 13 FEB: West Gate
- 16 MAR – 20 MAR: Shoelace Chaser
- 30 MAR – 2 APR: The Glass Menagerie
- 13 APR – 17 APR: Shoelace Chaser
- 20 APR – 24 APR: Retrograde
- 18 MAY – 22 MAY: Losing Face
- 22 JUN – 26 JUN: Uncle Vanya
- 24 AUG – 28 AUG: Eliza
- 21 SEP – 24 SEP: Before I Forget (This is an identified position for a First Nations student)
Applications for the 2026 program are now open. Applications for Feb/Mar placements close Mon 8 Dec 2025. Applications for remaining placements close Fri 20 Feb 2026.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne Year 10 Work Experience Program gives students a hands-on introduction to careers in STEM through experiments, seminars, research collaboration, and presentations. Participants experience university life, meet scientific role models, and connect with peers. Students choose their top three science streams, such as Biosciences, Engineering, IT, Physics, and more. They are hosted by academics in their chosen fields and engage with other groups during the week.
Applications for 2026 will open soon.
City of Melbourne – Council
The City of Melbourne offers work experience placements for Year 10 secondary students and tertiary students requiring placements for course completion. Placements focus on observation and learning, providing valuable insights without requiring prior training or experience.
Victorian Parliament – Parliament House
If you are interested in politics, law-making, or other fields, a work experience placement at the Parliament of Victoria offers a memorable opportunity. Placements run Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm, for one week.
Parliamentary Sitting
Experience the law-making process up close by working with staff who support Parliament’s sittings, gaining insight into democratic procedures.
Parliamentary Services
Explore various professional service areas that support Parliament’s daily operations, tailored to diverse interests and career goals.
To be eligible, students must be 15 or older, Victorian residents, and enrolled in a Victorian secondary school.
Expressions of interest for Terms 1 & 2, 2026, will open soon.
Allied Health
Alfred Health offers work experience placements for students in Years 10–12. This program provides students with the opportunity to observe the work of Allied Health professionals within a large public health service. Placement locations include: The Alfred, Caulfield Hospital and Sandringham Hospital.
Please note that Allied Health are not currently offering work experience placements due to COVID-19 restrictions, in line with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines.
• Apply early — spots are limited and competition is high.
• Tailor your application — emphasise your interests and skills relevant to the placement.
• Follow all instructions carefully — incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Include a clear, concise resume highlighting your achievements and relevant experiences.
• Write a thoughtful cover letter explaining why you want the placement and what you hope to learn.
• Ask for advice from teachers, career advisors, or mentors to strengthen your application.
• Be professional and polite in all communications.
• Submit your application before the deadline — late applications are usually not accepted.
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