Work Experience Information
Thank you for your request to complete a work experience placement here at Secret World Wildlife Rescue (SWWR). SWWR helps care for thousands of wildlife casualties each year. This is only possible through the dedicated support of our volunteers and work experience students, for which we are extremely grateful. Please read through the following information before submitting your application.
Our commitment to Students
SWWR values all of its volunteers and work experience students and believe that they make a huge difference to our work. We hope that you have a rewarding and fulfilling experience whilst with us and we are committed to:
- Treating all volunteers and students with respect and valuing them as individuals
- Providing a safe working environment for all
- Training and educating students to levels suitable for their role/s
Students shall be allowed to carry out any role in SWWR as long as:
- the role fulfils a specified need
- the student has the required skills, capabilities and experience
- there are sufficient resources available to support the student
Recruitment, Induction and Training
Once an application form has been received, applicants will then be informed whether there is a suitable opportunity available for them. If there is, they will be invited to attend an introduction session which includes a tour of the centre and further information about the role. It also allows SWWR the chance to determine a student’s suitability and whether the role fulfils the needs of the student. If students living outside of Somerset wish to complete a block placement, interviews will be conducted via telephone.
Block placements are offered between April and September. Day release placements are offered all year round but due to the seasonality affecting the number of admissions to the centre, we prefer these placements to start in the Spring to provide a more varied and interesting experience as there are few animals on site during the winter months. Deadlines for completion of hours will be taken into consideration and students may be offered the choice to reduce their hours over winter and increase these again once admissions rise. Once SWWR have offered a placement, a half day induction and training session will be arranged which includes general volunteering information, health and safety and animal care specific training (PPE, biosecurity and cleanliness, animal handling, waste management etc) with practical sessions. Once completed, students can start regular shifts, carrying out tasks alongside staff and other volunteers until confident in the role. Students are responsible for complying with all Health and Safety policies, requirements and instructions given during their Induction and training whilst you are volunteering at SWWR. All placement offers are subject to change according to the needs of SWWR. Attendance falling below 80% will be followed up and your placement may be stopped. You must sign in and out when working. A record of the hours you contribute are recorded, in relation to the signing in/out sheets. Figures are shared with your college tutors.
Please note: The volunteering relationship is not legally binding and may be ended by SWWR or the student at any time.
