Interested in diving into an exciting career working with marine life? Our work experience placements at Tynemouth Aquarium could be for you. Here, you can check our eligibility criteria, what a typical day would look like at Tynemouth Aquarium and how to send us your application!
Why apply for work experience at Tynemouth Aquarium?
Our work experience placements run all year round for those aged over 18. Whether you’ve always dreamt of a career working with animals, have an interest in marine conservation or are currently studying an Animal Management or Marine Biology course and looking for work experience alongside your studies, our placements at Tynemouth Aquarium are ideal
Application process
The application process is simple – all you need to do is fill in the form at the bottom of this page.
If your application is successful, we’ll be in touch to invite you to an interview consisting of a short presentation followed by some general questions. We’ll then contact you to arrange a start date for your work experience placement if we think you’re a good candidate.
Work experience placement requirements
What will we expect from you during your work experience placement? Here are the requirements:
- Punctuality: The workday starts at 9am and usually ends around 5pm, although this may vary depending on the individual’s placement time frame.
- Correct uniform worn at all times: You’re subject to the same uniform rules as regular staff, which means long hair must be tied back, your uniform should be clean, nails must be clean, short and unpainted, and you must be clean-shaven or have a tidy beard. You’ll need to provide your own blue overalls, star key, and boots. Please note that the aquarium can get cold in the winter, so layers are advised.
- PPE & safety: Tynemouth Aquarium will provide you with any safety equipment or PPE that you need to carry out your duties – the health and safety rules must be adhered to at all times during your placement.
What to expect during your Tynemouth Aquarium work placement
A work experience placement with Tynemouth Aquarium will give you hands-on experience working with animals in a popular visitor attraction. Of course, you’ll get to spend each day with our wonderful marine creatures, but you’ll also learn plenty about the day-to-day running of a busy aquarium.
To kick off your work experience, you’ll be shown around the building before attending a health and safety briefing and being introduced to the team. Afterwards, you’ll have some time to get to know the team and attend the various talks and feeding sessions throughout the day. This is when you’ll get to meet more of the marine animals, like the black tip reef shark in our Aztec Reef exhibit and the harbour seals in Seal Cove!
On day two, you’ll shadow one of our knowledgeable aquarists for the day. You’ll see first-hand what they get up to in their usual roles and get a better understanding of how we keep things running at Tynemouth Aquarium. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask any questions you have about the species and habitats within the aquarium.
During the remainder of your placement, you’ll be expected to perform a range of duties from animal care to cleaning and maintenance. Some tasks may vary depending on experience and are subject to the relevant training.
A typical day might include:
- Food preparation
- Assisting with animal care
- Cleaning and algaeing of tanks
- Keeping the aquarium clean (sweeping, mopping, litter picking)
- Assisting with public talks and feeds
- Assisting with school groups
As well as helping look after our animals, you’re also here to help our visitors have a great day. Interaction with visitors is essential in this role.
Apply now!
Ready to apply for our work experience placement at Tynemouth Aquarium? Simply fill in the form below, and we’ll be in touch if your application is successful!