Work Experience and Employability Training
Work Experience
Work Experience takes place in Term 6 of Year 10 and in Term 3 of Year 12.
Throughout the year, many other work experience opportunities are available to students from Year 9-13, many of which are virtual, so that students can take advantage of these opportunties outside of the formal set placements days. Opportunities for work experience are regularly advertised on Google Classroom.
The Value of Work Experience
Work experience placements are designed to:
Gain an insight and to provide first-hand experience of a working environment and specific industries.
Develop skills and help students develop essential employability skills sought by universities and employers, such as:
Communication and Teamwork
Time Management and Organisation
Problem-Solving
Professionalism and Confidence
Clarify your interests and aspirations, helping you confirm a career path or discover new possibilities
Offer valuable content for your CV, UCAS Personal Statement, and job/apprenticeship applications
Year 10 Work Experience
Takes place two days at the start of July.
Introduction to the workplace; gaining a general experience of an industry or sector of interest.
To understand the link between school subjects and jobs, and to develop basic workplace expectations (e.g., punctuality, dress code).
Often involves shadowing and assisting with basic tasks. Placements can be general to explore a wide field.
Year 12 Work Experience
Takes place two days at the start of February. Please note: Some highly specific placements may be longer.
Specific career exploration; linking directly to students' A-Level/BTEC subjects and university/career pathway interests.
To gain in-depth experience, network with professionals, and develop advanced skills relevant to a chosen field.
Often involves a greater level of responsibility and project work to mirror an entry-level role. Virtual work experience (VWEX) may also be an option.
All students are required to complete their Unifrog Placements Tool when they have found a placement and it has been initially verbally agreed. This ensures that the student, the employer, the parent/guardian and the school have completed the relevant information. Placements cannot begin until formal approval is granted.
Please see below some useful websites:
VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE
https://www.springpod.com/virtual-work-experience/search
https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice/virtual-work-experiences
https://barclayslifeskills.com/virtual-work-experience/
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/how-to-develop-your-soft-skills
https://alliedhealthmentor.org/nhs-healthcare-careers-virtual-work-experience/
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cv
https://www.ukcybersecuritycouncil.org.uk/qualifications-and-careers/careers-route-map/