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For people, place, prosperity and planet, we deliver impact with measurement science

Careers

Work experience

Applications for NPL Academy 2026: Now open!

Use the form below to apply for a place until midnight 1 February 2026. 

The dates of Academy will be 6 to 10 July 2026.

For many years NPL has run a one-week work experience programme called NPL Academy. This is a fantastic way to make sure you get the most out of a week's worth of work experience. We provide current Year 10 to Year 13 aged students with a real taster of work at a National Laboratory. 

Typically, we welcome a cohort of about 30-50 students each year. With many more applicants than places, priority is given to those who can demonstrate that they have a genuine interest in science, engineering and business beyond the classroom.

NPL does not provide, or require, payment for participation in NPL Academy and cannot fund travel or subsistence costs. No prior reading or preparation is required for NPL Academy projects.

The NPL Academy was a fantastic week that I enjoyed immensely and would recommend to any young person considering a career in science as it gives you real-life experience

Kate Baxter - NPL Academy alumnus

 

Application form

Deadline for applications: midnight Sunday 1 February 2026. 

  • We will inform successful candidates directly by early March and will share online forms such as risk assessments and photographic permissions between March and June.
  • If you have any personal circumstances that may affect your application or have any questions, please ask your Responsible Adult to confidentially email these to academy@npl.co.uk. 
  • If we experience a high volume of applications, we will prioritise applicants who have not had other work experience opportunities.

Responsible Adult statement: I can confirm that I am 18+*

(maximum of 500 words)
(If you are not, and we need you to use it, we will provide training).
(you may tick more than one option)

What happens at the NPL Academy

Participants will be required to attend our Teddington site (find out more about our site by clicking below). Each day runs from 10.00-15.30. NPL hosts will set a task and mentor a team of students throughout the week, and students will present their work on the final day. Projects might include working on atomic clocks, computer programming, electronics, fibre optics, finance, IT, media, microscopy, project management, prototyping, quality assurance, quantum science, stakeholder analysis.

Find out more about our Teddington site

Email us if you have any questions

Schedule

  • Monday: Induction, team building exercise and demonstrations, meet with mentors.
  • Tuesday: Time with mentors and project work with team.
  • Wednesday: Project work with mentor support in the morning. A cohort challenge onsite in the afternoon.
  • Thursday: Time with mentors and project work with team.
  • Friday: Students write up and practice presentations in the morning. In the afternoon students present to cohort and guests.
 

Early careers at NPL

We are looking for talented scientists and engineers to drive our future vision and support the UK Quantum industry. Join us to make an impact.

Early careers
 

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