Work Placements with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust

Who are the National Paralympic Heritage Trust? 

The National Paralympic Heritage Trust (NPHT) was established in July 2015 to protect and share British Paralympic Heritage.  

We safeguard Paralympic heritage through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement, showcasing the achievements of athletes with disabilities while highlighting the social impact of the Paralympics in promoting inclusion and equality. 

Where is the National Paralympic Heritage Trust?  

The NPHT is based at Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium in Aylesbury. If you drive there’s plenty of free parking on-site, and it’s fully accessible to wheelchair users. 

The closest bus stop is on Guttmann Road. The 165 bus is the only route that stops here. From this stop, it is a 0.2 mile walk over flat terrain to the stadium.  

For information on how to get to the stadium, to help prepare for your visit and to access our visual story, go to our planning your visit page.

What is a Work Placement with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust? 

We are delighted to offer accessible Work Placement opportunities for young people aged 16-25. A Work Placement with the Trust offers a flexible approach, we will work closely with schools, colleges and educational settings to understand the needs of the student and how a Work Placement can be supported. 

We know that an understanding of the working world can be a barrier to finding employment. Through our Work Placement programme we will support young people to overcome barriers to entering the workplace. Young people will have the opportunity to undertake real work activities and adjust to routines and habits of working life that can give an insight into the working world and improve employability prospects for those who will go on to seek paid employment.   

In addition, young people will: 

• Learn more about themselves in a relaxed environment and explore the work environment in a risk-free way. 
• Use their skills in a real working environment and learn how these translate into the workplace. 
• Develop new and transferable skills and exposure to routines. 
• Understand employability skills they have or need to develop. 
• Build confidence, motivation and an increased sense of well-being. 
• Broaden knowledge of the heritage sector and local history which may inform and shape career decisions. 
• Better understand the recruitment process and preparing for interviews. 
• Obtain a certificate and a reference at the end of a placement.  

What can you do on a Work Placement with us?  

• Design: Use creativity to develop marketing materials, assist with website content, and create posters  
• Research: Assist in gathering information, organising data, and helping with historical or project-based research, contributing to the preservation of Paralympic heritage 
• Communications: Create content for social media, write content for newsletters, and assist with external communication strategies 
• Collections: Help with collections care, including monitoring the environment, cleaning and packing objects and checking for damage 
• Event Support: Get involved in planning and delivering events, coordinating logistics, and providing hands-on help during exhibitions or community engagements. 

How often would I come in? 

This could be set to suit you, but typically once a week for around 1 or 2 hours.  

How long would I stay? 

The placement could last for a month, a term or an academic year and we could discuss this with you at the beginning and review regularly, to suit you.  At the end of the placement, you might be interested in joining our volunteer team.  

Is my cost of travel paid for?  

Yes, we can cover all reasonable travel expenses.  

Safety and Well-being 

The NPHT is deeply committed to safeguarding, prioritising the safety and well-being of everyone engaged in their activities. We will make reasonable adjustments to tailor the work environment to your individual needs, ensuring it supports your success and comfort.   

Additionally, our dedicated Volunteer and Trainee Support Manager is available to provide personalised assistance, address any concerns, and ensure a positive and supportive experience throughout your time with the Trust. 

Application Process  

We want to make our Work Placement opportunity as fair and as accessible as possible, mirroring a real-life process of applying for a job. This is the beginning of the learning for a young person. Young people will be asked to provide an expression of interest form for a Work Placement, they will then be invited in for an informal discussion with our team.  

Please email [email protected] to find out more.  

This programme is supported by The Rothschild Foundation, Fairhive Homes Limited Thriving Communities Fund, and Kop Hill Charity.