The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in partnership with Springpod, has launched its first-ever virtual work experience programme, providing young people across the United Kingdom (UK) with an exciting opportunity to explore careers that help protect animal and plant health to benefit people, the economy and the environment.
APHA is a government agency within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Our work is vital to protecting the nation from animal diseases, plant pests, and emerging biosecurity threats. From supporting sustainable farming and international trade to protecting wildlife and responding to disease outbreaks, APHA plays a critical role in keeping the UK safe and resilient.
Choosing a career can be challenging, particularly when young people have limited opportunities to experience different workplaces or learn about lesser-known professions. Careers in animal and plant health are often overlooked, despite their importance in protecting the UK's health, economy and environment.
Through this new virtual programme, students can gain a unique insight into the wide range of career opportunities available within APHA and discover how they could contribute to tackling some of the most important health challenges facing the UK today. The programme showcases careers in science, laboratory diagnostics, veterinary services, data analysis, inspection, operational delivery, policy and environmental protection, helping students understand how subjects they study at school or college can connect to rewarding careers within a government science organisation.
Register for an account here.
Breaking down barriers to work experienceAccess to meaningful work experience can be challenging for many young people due to geographical, financial, or accessibility barriers. Traditional workplace-based opportunities are not always accessible to everyone, particularly students from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities. Virtual work experience helps remove these obstacles, ensuring students can access high-quality career development opportunities regardless of where they live or their personal circumstances.
Designed to be completed anytime and anywhere, the programme is accessible on a range of devices and can be undertaken at home, school, or college. This flexible approach helps ensure that students from all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, have the opportunity to explore careers in science, government, and environmental protection.
By widening access to work experience, APHA aims to help young people build confidence, develop employability skills, and make informed decisions about their future careers.
What students can expectThe on-demand programme is designed for students aged 13 and over and includes more than 10 hours of engaging content. Developed with input from APHA specialists across a range of disciplines, the programme offers authentic insight into both the Agency's work and the people behind it.
Participants will benefit from:
A welcome introduction from APHA Chief Executive, Richard Lewis An overview of APHA and its diverse range of careers Interactive activities, self-assessments, and quizzes Real-life insights through videos, blogs, and employee experiences Scenario-based challenges based on real APHA activities, helping students explore how the Agency responds to animal disease outbreaks, plant health threats and wider biosecurity challenges Scenario-based challenges that simulate real APHA work Development of key employability skills, including communication and teamwork Practical guidance on applying for jobs in the Civil Service, including Success Profiles and behaviour-based interview techniquesThe programme offers an immersive experience, enabling students to explore what it is like to work within a government science organisation and understand the impact APHA has on society.
As well as learning about APHA's work, students will develop practical employability skills, build confidence, and gain a better understanding of the education and career pathways available to them.
Supporting education, skills and future talentThe Virtual Work Experience Programme supports APHA's strategic ambition to inspire future generations and create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to thrive and fulfil their potential.
Teachers, careers advisers, lecturers, parents, and guardians can use the programme to introduce young people to careers in science, animal health, plant health, environmental protection, policy, and many other specialist fields. It also provides a valuable resource for educators looking to demonstrate how classroom learning can be applied in real-world careers and public service roles.
By showcasing the breadth of opportunities available, APHA hopes to raise awareness of careers that contribute to disease prevention, agricultural resilience, biosecurity, environmental protection, and public service.
Students who complete the programme receive a certificate recognised by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), which they can use to support future applications for employment, education and apprenticeships, providing valuable evidence of learning and personal development.
The programme is already helping students across the UK discover careers they may not previously have considered and explore opportunities that can have a positive impact on society.
Building a more diverse and inclusive workforceAs well as benefiting students, the programme supports APHA's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social mobility. By reaching young people across the UK, APHA is helping to create a broader and more diverse future talent pipeline while increasing awareness of the organisation and its important mission.
By helping more young people discover APHA and understand its role, the programme supports greater diversity, inclusion and social mobility while helping to build a stronger future workforce for animal and plant health professions.
Get involvedThe programme is available now and can be completed at a pace that suits each student.
Whether you are a teacher, careers adviser, parent, or simply passionate about supporting young people, we encourage you to share this opportunity with schools, colleges, and youth organisations.
Whether you are interested in science, animals, plants, protecting the environment, or simply exploring future career options, this programme offers an opportunity to discover where your interests could take you.
Together, we can help more young people discover rewarding careers that make a difference to animals, plants, people, and the environment.
Relevant links:Introductory Video to APHA Virtual Work Experience Programme
Defra and APHA virtual work experience programme website for further details
Sign up to the APHA Virtual Work Experience Programme
APHA – Careers at APHA | Civil Service Careers
Today's students could become tomorrow's scientists, veterinarians, inspectors, analysts, policy professionals and public servants. Sign up today and take your first step towards a career helping to protect animals, plants, people and the environment for generations to come.
https://aphascience.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/05/aphas-free-virtual-work-experience-programme/
seen at 09:49, 5 October in APHA Science Blog.