Flexible around you
Volunteer on the days and at the times that fit around your summer plans.
Work experience volunteering
Summer work experience placements
Take part in a two-week summer placement in one of our charity superstores across the West Midlands. You’ll gain real workplace experience, build confidence and develop new skills in a supportive environment.
Open to young people aged 14 and over. Flexible hours and days across the summer holidays, so you can fit volunteering around your plans.
About the placement
Your summer. Your experience.
Our summer work experience placements are designed for young people aged 14 and over who want to gain real workplace experience in a welcoming charity retail environment.
Volunteer on the days and at the times that work best for you over a two-week period during the summer holidays. Whether you can spare just a few hours or several days, you'll build confidence, learn practical workplace skills and become part of a friendly team.
Every shift helps raise funds for Acorns Children's Hospice, supporting local children with life limiting and life threatening conditions and the families who rely on our specialist care.
Build new skills
Develop teamwork, communication and customer service experience for your future.
Support your community
Help raise vital funds for local children and families while making new friends.
Recognition
Receive a certificate of completion, with opportunities to gain a reference and continue volunteering.
Choose your store
Find your nearest Acorns charity superstore
Our summer work experience placements are available across seven Acorns charity superstores. Choose the location that's most convenient for you and complete the online application to get started.
Bescot Superstore
Join our friendly team at our Bescot store and gain hands-on retail experience while supporting local children and families.
Apply for BescotErdington Superstore
Learn new skills in a busy retail environment, helping customers, processing donations and creating attractive displays.
Apply for ErdingtonChelmsley Wood Superstore
Become part of a welcoming volunteer team while gaining valuable workplace experience over the summer holidays.
Apply for Chelmsley WoodBlackheath Superstore
Build confidence, meet new people and discover what it's like to work in a busy charity retail store.
Apply for BlackheathPershore Superstore
Develop practical retail and customer service skills while helping raise funds for local children's hospice care.
Apply for PershoreTewkesbury Superstore
Gain real workplace experience in a supportive environment with flexible volunteering around your summer plans.
Apply for TewkesburyHarborne Superstore
Take your first steps into the workplace by volunteering with an experienced team supporting the local community.
Apply for Harborne
What you’ll do
Get hands-on experience in our charity retail stores
During your placement, you’ll take part in real day-to-day shop activities with full support from our friendly team. It’s a great way to try something new and build confidence in a real workplace.
- Welcome and help customers in store
- Support sorting, pricing and displaying donated items
- Keep the shop floor tidy and organised
- Learn how a charity retail store runs day-to-day
- Work as part of a supportive team
Benefits of volunteering
Why take part in a summer placement?
Volunteering is a great way to try something new, build confidence and gain real experience in a supportive environment while helping a local charity.
Build confidence
Grow your confidence by working in a real retail environment with full support.
Boost your CV
Add real experience that helps with college, university and job applications.
Learn new skills
Develop teamwork, communication and practical workplace skills.
Support your community
Help raise funds for children and families supported by Acorns.
Get a certificate
Receive a certificate of completion at the end of your placement.
Future opportunities
You may be able to request a reference for future education or work.
Who can apply?
Eligibility overview
We welcome young volunteers who are keen to gain experience in a friendly, supportive environment.
- Young people aged 14 and over can apply for a summer placement lasting up to two weeks.
- College students aged 16 and over may be able to volunteer beyond two weeks.
- References are required for extended volunteering roles.
How to apply
A simple four-step process
Applying is easy and informal. We’ll guide you through each stage.
Apply online
Choose your preferred store and complete a short application form.
Informal chat
We’ll invite you into the store for a relaxed conversation.
Meet the team
Get to know the store and ask any questions you have.
Get started
Complete the required paperwork and choose your volunteering days.
You can choose your placement days around your summer schedule.
