Here at the Scottish SPCA, we are committed to supporting people of all ages get involved with our work, so it’s great to be able to offer placements again. We even have a new look to the offer too!

*In light of rising Covid-19 case numbers in many areas, we are unable to provide work experience or youth volunteering placements at our rescue centres at this time. We anticipate resuming the youth programme next year and will update our website in 2022.

Work Experience (S4-S6)

Who can apply for a work experience placement?

Any S4-S6 student (aged 14+) with an interest in the work of the Scottish SPCA is welcome to apply for a work experience placement with us.

Our work experience is offered on the basis of three to five consecutive days, Monday to Friday, and will accommodate work experience placements throughout the year.

Any awards or curriculum-based requirements that don’t fit within the three to five day work experience offer will be treated as youth volunteering (see below)

What will I be expected to do during my placement?

You can apply to carry out work experience in one of our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres, where you will undertake a variety of animal husbandry duties under the supervision of our friendly staff.

On these placements, you will have contact with the animals in our care, so it’s important that you let us know about any allergies or other health issues that might affect your ability to carry out the tasks involved.

Alternatively, you may prefer a role in our headquarters in Dunfermline, where we can offer experience of a variety of Head Office functions such as HR, communications, marketing, fundraising and data entry.

When can I complete a work experience placement?

Applications will be available as follows

Work experience placements in our Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centres are offered from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30pm for school age students.

In headquarters, work experience placements are offered Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. All students are entitled to a lunch break of 45 minutes during their day.

What is the recruitment process for work experience placements?

It’s so easy to apply for a placement with us! Click here for further information.

Note: Your placement must be approved by your school and you will require to provide us with details of a relevant teacher or staff member that we can approach to discuss your application with.

Due to their popularity there is limited availability for work experience placements, so please apply at the correct time for you e.g. if you would like to carry out a placement in May, you would need to apply in February

Youth volunteering

We welcome young people to volunteer with us as part of their school curriculum, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Saltire Awards or other award scheme. Our placements are available to age 14+ across all of our locations from April 2021* and can be tailored to suit your specific needs.

*In light of rising Covid-19 case numbers in many areas, we are unable to provide work experience or youth volunteering placements at our rescue centres at this time. We anticipate resuming the youth programme next year and will update our website in 2022.

When should I apply?

Youth volunteering placements are very popular and it will not always be possible to accommodate applicants. The availability of placements is at the discretion of our Rescue & Rehoming Centre managers and other relevant business area managers