Work-based learning programmes

Did you know that working at a museum can give you the opportunity to develop your skills in many different areas? Job roles at the V&A can include:

There are various ways you can get involved. If you are under 25, please see our Young People programmes for links to careers advice and more information about working in the sector.

At the V&A we also offer apprenticeships, internships and work experience opportunities, which you can find out about below.

We actively look for people of all backgrounds who can bring their unique experiences, talents and skills to the industry and beyond.

As an apprentice at the V&A, you will have the opportunity to gain workplace skills, receive training and work towards a recognised qualification.

Our apprenticeship vacancies are not dependent on the time of year. To search current vacancies and sign up to find out about apprenticeship opportunities, please see our vacancies page.

To apply for an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years of age when you enrol. There is no upper age limit. Apprenticeships are open to those at the beginning of their career, and those looking for a career change.

Qualifications

You do not necessarily have to have a pre-existing qualification to apply for an apprenticeship. Each apprenticeship vacancy is offered as part of a study programme relevant to a job role. Some apprenticeship programmes also offer the opportunity to achieve role-relevant qualifications or professional body membership.

Benefits

Apprentices have access to benefits such as employee discounts in V&A shops, free entry to exhibitions with other museums and galleries, our Cycle to Work scheme and other well-being support. Apprentices who are 18 or over and live in a London borough can receive discounted travel for the first year of their apprenticeship with an Oyster photocard. Apprentices are also eligible to purchase a NUS Apprentice extra card.

Eligibility

You do not need a pre-existing qualification to apply for an apprenticeship, however, you can still apply if you have a degree already. To make sure that this is a worthwhile learning opportunity for you, you cannot have a qualification at the same level or higher in the same subject of the apprenticeship.

Equal opportunities at the V&A

We strive to ensure that opportunities to work and develop are open to all. All job applications are treated equally, regardless of age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.

We particularly encourage applications from those with a disability and those who identify as being from a Black, Asian and minority ethnic background, as these groups are currently under-represented in the cultural sector. At the V&A we have a good gender balance – however in certain departments, such as Technology, we welcome female applicants and, in our Exhibitions, or Development teams, we welcome male applicants.

Paid internships are advertised via our website. Search current vacancies and sign up to be the first to find out about internship vacancies.

Owing to the current Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to offer placements at the V&A this year. For similar alerts and opportunities, sign up with our partner organisation, Speakers for Schools. As soon as we are safely able to do so, we will work with our partner organisations to offer future work experience placements. We are constantly monitoring government guidance, so please do visit our page in the future for the latest updates and opportunities.

A great way to build experience into your CV is to volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering and future opportunities, you can subscribe to V&A job alerts.

To discover more about working life at a museum, take a look at some clips from the BBC series Secrets of the Museum, which give you an idea of what it is like to work in a Conservation role:

For any queries, please contact talentandskills@vam.ac.uk