There is a fundamental need for high-quality, and accessible, science-related work experience opportunities for young people exploring post-16 options. Virtual work experience enables this opportunity to be available to more young people than traditional in-person opportunities, by removing geographical barriers, and by providing increased flexibility for those with part-time jobs, or caring responsibilities. It is also more accessible to people who have disabilities.
The first iteration of our genomics, science and data virtual work experience, hosted via Springpod during the summer holidays in 2023, resulted in over 1,450 14-18 year-olds signing up, and us winning a LearnSci Teaching Innovation Award.
In 2024, we extended the course duration, allowing participants to complete it at their own pace. As a result, a further 2,900 young people signed up, with more than 1,000 completing the course.
From lab and data-based roles to communications and management positions, young people gain an inside scoop into life at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. They also complete a series of quizzes and fun activities to help build their understanding of the genomics industry, and can learn from experts during our videos and pre-recorded webinars.
Reaching a diverse audience
Wellcome Connecting Science acknowledges that access to science education and engagement is not equal. We are committed to raising the aspirations of young people through our schools engagement programme, encouraging them to explore careers in science.
Another aim of the virtual course is to reduce stereotypes, such as the stereotype that all biology jobs are lab-based. We also want to encourage a more diverse STEM workforce.
We are delighted to report that in 2024, 64% of participants who signed up to the course were female, and 50% were from ethnic minority backgrounds. Although the course is in English, it is accessible to participants worldwide, and we are eager to expand our reach to English-speaking international schools and countries.
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Our virtual work experience course is going from strength to strength, with so many young people from underrepresented backgrounds engaging with the programme. It is so important that we reduce the barriers to work experience in the genomics sector, to enable as many young people as possible to experience the diverse range of careers available to them.
Francesca Gale, Head of Science Engagement and Enrichment
Connecting people to real staff members
This year, the programme has become even more interactive with the introduction of an ambassador platform. Through this secure platform, participants can chat with staff members from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, gaining valuable insights into their work and career paths.
Participant feedback
Our virtual work experience course has received excellent feedback, achieving an average rating of 8 out of 10.
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This programme has been amazing, it has been really informative and useful. I was surprised to find out quite how many roles there are that are related to genomics but are either not lab based, or not science based at all. This has been a wonderful eye-opener to the field of genomics and all the exciting things that the future holds for it.
Former participant
Find out more and spread the word
Our virtual work experience course is available throughout 2025, aimed at 14-18+ year olds. The course is in English, but it can be completed anywhere in the world.
If you’d like to hear more about our other science engagement activities, you can follow our Engagement and Society team on LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, or sign up to our newsletters.