Work experience
You’ll be given the opportunity to do some work experience at some point during Year 10 or 11. It’s a great chance for you to find out what the world of work is really like. You can:
- pick up new skills, experiences, ideas and understanding of the work place
- learn how to work in a team alongside people who have chosen to work in a specific area
- build your self-confidence and communication skills
- find out what you enjoy and don’t enjoy about particular jobs / careers
- find out what people who’re already doing the job say about it
How is work experience organised?
If possible, your work experience placement should be related to a job / career you’re interested in. Many schools have a list of approved companies who’ve offered placements in the past and - where possible - will arrange a work experience placement for you. Other schools ask students to find their own placements. This could include writing to employers involved in work that interests you, or asking your family or friends if they know of an employer who might offer you a placement. (Your school will check that all the health and safety requirements are in place before you start.)
How can you get the most out of work experience?
- Start off by doing some research to get some ideas about types of work experience you’d like to apply for.
- Plan well ahead to avoid any last minute rush for placements. Try to have a couple of ideas in case.your first choice isn’t available.
- During your placement, you’ll have a log or journal to fill in. Take time to record your experiences. You’ll get the opportunity to discuss and reflect on these with your careers tutor / teacher on your return to school.
- Whether your work experience was related to your career path or not, finding out what you like and what you don’t like are both very valuable experiences.
Check out the following websites:
Jobs4u - Search the database to find jobs and careers that are right for you.
www.direct.gov.uk - Find out everything you need to know about work experience.
