Work experience at the Cavendish Laboratory is not available in research groups.
Other Options
The Cambridge-based Isaac Physics programme hosts a student mentoring scheme and in-person taster days. To inquire about these opportunities please contact contactus@isaacphysics.org. Those interested in practical science should look to dedicated programmes, such as the STFC Work Experience Programme.
Details on general Cambridge University work experience placements can be found here.
Why do we not offer research placements?
Having a part-time job or doing some general work experience (shop, café, library, workshop, garage, …), is really valuable experience for gaining skills such as how to work in a team, working with people, communication, organisation, self-motivation.
There are many misconceptions about a week or two of work experience at somewhere like the Cavendish Laboratory and students aspiring to STEM at university feel under pressure to do this sort of work experience. I have been involved in admissions at Cambridge for a number of years and want to reassure students that finding a work experience placement such as this is really not necessary, super-curricular activities where you can actively engage in academic content at an appropriate level like summer schools, competitions, after-school clubs, Isaac Science are better.
Cavendish Outreach offers many different programmes for students aged 11-19 which are tailored to their age and experience and combined with this University of Cambridge advice about personal statements can help to enhance a UCAS application. For example, if students instead spend a week solving stretching problems on Isaac Science they would be far better placed for university interviews and applications than a week of work experience / shadowing.
In addition to Isaac Science the Cavendish's own outreach events offer opportunities and experiences to many thousands of students rather than just a handful (which is the case for work experience).
I hope that we will see you soon on one of our Isaac events or programmes or outreach events
Prof. Lisa Jardine-Wright OBE, Director of Studies (Physics), Churchill College and Director of Isaac Physics & STEM Smart