The research reported in this work concerned access to experiential learning offered in the form of work-based learning in a science and technology degree programme. The work-based learning comprises work placements within science and technology institutions relevant to the student's discipline of academic study. Access to work placements was enhanced by improving student performance in pre-placement interviews and the study comprised the administration of an intervention, namely the use of trial interviews, to improve performance in pre-placement interviews. The study resulted in the development of a model for trial interviews based on models of competency identified in the literature and by examination of documentation from a variety of multi-national organisations. The data suggests that the students perceive trial interviews enhance performance during pre-placement interviews.