Virtual World of Work

Ideal for 16-to-25 year olds, this step-by-step programme can be used independently or within a community group setting to prepare for joining the workforce.

Welcome to the Virtual World of Work!

In this series of 11 case study films you’ll meet individuals, working in a variety of teams at different levels across the Abbey, who are open and honest about their career journeys. They share the challenges they’ve faced, the lessons they've learned, and offer practical advice and tips.

These real-life stories give you a glimpse into the diverse paths people take in their careers and the skills they use to thrive. Whether you’re exploring your first job or looking for a next step, there’s something here to inspire you and guide your thinking.

Photography of the West Towers of Westminster Abbey with a blue sky behind them

In each of the five themes, hear from different people about their experiences of work as part of structured sessions encouraging discussion and reflection. Each session comes with a support pack, containing an overview and task templates.

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, and whatever your interests, we hope these stories spark new ideas and help you shape your own future.

Photograph looking across at Westminster Abbey and St Margaret's Church, and the surrounding area
Photograph of a woman looking and pointing, with quire lamps in front of her, within Westminster Abbey
Photograph of woman in grey uniform smiling at a customer within Westminster Abbey's Shop
Photograph of male verger wearing a black cassock holding a large church candle and blowing it out within Westminster Abbey

Finding a job that fits

Meet Beverley, Joela and Ben

They’ve each taken different paths to get where they are now  by learning on the job, changing direction, and facing challenges along the way. Their stories aren’t about having it all worked out from the start. They’re about being open, trying things out, and finding what fits. 

Photograph of male employee smiling while on the phone within a Westminster Abbey office
Photograph of a mobile phone recording a video of the Abbey with a person's finger pressing the button to start it
Close-up photograph of conservation cleaning tool being held by a hand wearing a white glove
Photograph of female conservator inspecting materials within the conservation studio at Westminster Abbey

Understanding your skills

Meet Theo and Lucy

They’ve both found careers that make the most of their skills. Theo breaks things down step by step, using both technical know-how and people skills to solve problems. Lucy’s work is about care and attention, as well as soft skills like communication and self-motivation. Their stories highlight how important it is to understand your skills. 

Photograph of an empty Poets' Corner within Westminster Abbey
Photograph of male visitor experience assistant pushing a trolley of multimedia guides through Westminster Abbey
Photograph of male gardener weeding plants within the gardens at Westminster Abbey
Photograph of College Garden, showing purple flowers, grass and park benches, within Westminster Abbey

Picking jobs to suit you

Meet Aaron and Tim

Aaron loves his job because he can bring his whole self to work, balancing relationships with colleagues and his professional responsibilities. Tim, on the other hand, finds fulfilment in a job he truly enjoys, even when life throws you challenges. They show us that picking jobs to suit you can be about finding what you're good at and what brings you joy. 

Photograph of woman standing within Westminster Abbey holding an envelope of information
Close-up photograph of a Westminster Abbey Association leaflet, being held by a person sitting within the Cloisters of Westminster Abbey
Photograph of smiling female security beadle wearing uniform, looking at from the top of the flag tower at Westminster Abbey
Photograph of member of security staff walking and holding a large number of keys at Westminster Abbey

Writing CVs and applications

Meet Tunde and Kirstine

Tunde has worked her way up by building relationships and making the most of her experiences. Kirstine offers solid, practical advice for anyone considering a career in security. Both share how to use applications to tell the story of what you’ve done and how you’ve done it. 

Photograph of tourists queueing to enter Westminster Abbey via the North Doors
Photograph of women wearing a marshal uniform and sunhat welcoming visitors to Westminster Abbey
Photograph of woman standing on the roof of Westminster Abbey looking towards the Houses of Parliament
Photograph of a stone mason at Westminster Abbey working with pointing tools on a new memorial

Thriving in interviews

Meet Florence and Charlotte
Florence uses the STAR method to answer interview questions clearly and effectively. Charlotte opens up about nerves, reminding us that preparation is key to feeling confident in an interview. Thriving in interviews means being ready to talk about what you’ve done and how it’s developed your skills.

Watch all the videos

The programme is supported by a series of videos, which can all be rewatched individually here.

Photograph of a woman looking and pointing, with quire lamps in front of her, within Westminster Abbey

Beverley

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Photograph of woman in grey uniform smiling at a customer within Westminster Abbey's Shop
Photograph of male verger wearing a black cassock holding a large church candle and blowing it out within Westminster Abbey
Photograph of male employee smiling while on the phone within a Westminster Abbey office
Photograph of female conservator inspecting materials within the conservation studio at Westminster Abbey
Photograph of male visitor experience assistant pushing a trolley of multimedia guides through Westminster Abbey
Photograph of male gardener weeding plants within the gardens at Westminster Abbey
Photograph of woman standing within Westminster Abbey holding an envelope of information
Photograph of smiling female security beadle wearing uniform, looking at from the top of the flag tower at Westminster Abbey

Kirstine

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Photograph of women wearing a marshal uniform and sunhat welcoming visitors to Westminster Abbey

Florence

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Photograph of woman standing on the roof of Westminster Abbey looking towards the Houses of Parliament

Charlotte

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Photograph of the West Towers of Westminster Abbey with a grey clouded sky

Why work here?

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Get in touch

Photograph of Ewen, a white male wearing glasses and a patterned shirt, with Gemma, a white woman with red hair and a pale t-shirt, standing in the cloisters at Westminster Abbey

For over 10 years, Westminster Abbey has offered an onsite World of Work day supporting the work of the King's Trust. The team also work with many other community groups, from offering friendly guided tours to working on longer creative projects.

The doors are open and we're ready to welcome you in and help your group uncover the Abbey that will inspire them. Why not get in touch with Gemma and Ewen today to have a chat about your session?