The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra is delighted to offer free administrative work experience to students aged 16-18.
This is a pilot programme that we are running in 2026 that we hope to be able to build on for future years. To be eligible to apply you must meet one of the following criteria:
– Be a Year 12 or 13 pupil at Shireland CBSO Academy
– Be a Year 12 or 13 pupil at a Birmingham State Secondary School (as part of our partnership with the Birmingham Music Education Hub)
– Be a participant nominated by our Birmingham Backstage partnership scheme (CBSO, BRB, The Rep)
Our annual work experience placement week will run from Monday 18th May – Friday 22nd May 2026. Placements offer an insight into the workings of an award-winning symphony orchestra which is also a registered charity. Placements will be based in the Learning & Engagement department but will also offer an insight into other departments when possible: these include Concerts & Artistic Planning; Development; Finance & Resources and our Audiences teams.
Applicants should be in school year 12 or 13, have some interest in arts administration, project management and the classical music industry. Please note that places are limited and we are unfortunately unable to accept every application. A selection process will consider the reasons outlined on the application form. Placements will primarily be based at the CBSO Centre, Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF; however, may also include visits to Symphony Hall, Shireland CBSO Academy, and other local venues where we are hosting events.
To apply, please fill in this online application form: CBSO – Work Experience Application Form 2026 – Fill in form.
Deadline for applications: 12pm Monday 30th March 2026. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 3rd April 2026.
If you have any further questions, please contact Carolyn Burton (CBSO Learning Programme Manager) at [email protected].