The Observatory Science Centre (OSC) offers a limited number of work experience placements. Please read the information on this page before you contact your school / college work experience co-ordinator.

A placement is beneficial if you are interested in leisure, tourism, marketing, graphics, retail, teaching and science / astronomy.

You will shadow members of our team across a variety of departments giving you opportunity to gain valuable skills and an insight into different career paths.

OSC has been vetted, inspected and authorised by East Sussex County Council.       

If you wish to check any information with them, please contact via email: workexperience@eastsussex.gov.uk

Dates of work experience placements. It is only possible to offer a placement during East Sussex school term dates.  As an educational charity we are unable to provide the required levels of support at any other times.

The most suitable times of year for work experience are:

·        Mid September to mid-November (excluding half-term)

·        March or April (excluding Easter)

·        May to mid-July (excluding school holidays)

How long is a placement? You need to be available to attend for 5 consecutive days Monday to Friday. Exceptions / absence during the week would need to be supported via information provided from your school / college.

Will I need to attend an interview? We do not require students to attend an interview for work experience. Your work experience co-ordinator will help you decide if this is a suitable placement for your interests.

You are welcome to contact us to arrange a pre-placement visit if this will help you before your agreed placement begins.

We reserve the right to decline / end a placement if a student turns out to be unsuitable.

How many students can you take? We accept a maximum of two students per week; but not if they attend the same school / college.

What are the arrival / departure times? 9.30 am – 4 pm. OSC cannot be accessed via public transport.

Students cannot be dropped off earlier than 9.30 am, but collection time can be flexible if agreed in advance.

Will you provide a reference after the placement? We do not provide a reference following work experience.

Do I need to be interested in science? OSC is a popular tourist attraction featuring science / astronomy and a placement can be beneficial if you are interested in leisure, tourism, marketing, graphics, retail, teaching and science / astronomy.

You must have an aptitude to be in a location where there will be visitors of all ages and abilities as you will shadow our team in many areas – except catering and money handling.

Can my parent / guardian contact you? We can only take requests direct from your school / college and we will not discuss placement requests with parents / guardians.

I am definitely still interested in a work experience placement. What do I do now? Speak to your work experience co-ordinator and give them our contact details or use the enquiry form below.

j.harris@the-observatory.org