‘A placement on an employer’s premises in which
a pupil carries out a particular task or duty, or a range
of tasks or duties, more or less as an employee would, but
with the emphasis on the learning aspects of the experience.’
We regard Work Experience as an experience of the world of
work not necessarily the opportunity to try out specific careers
or jobs.
Most of the secondary schools in the county participate in
the programme with approximately 7,000 – 7,500 young
people per year undertaking Work Experience. This is supported
by over 3000 employers in the county which offer the Work
Experience placements. The Work Experience Team thank all
employers offering Work Experience opportunities, without
your help this vital service would not be possible. If you
would be interested in offering work experience and do not
already do so please contact your local Connexions Access
Point.
Everyone involved in work experience can benefit:
Young people benefit by:
- Finding out what skills and attitudes are needed in the
work place
- Exploring their own skills and qualities
- Developing key skills and undertake other learning activities
- Finding out about different job roles within a company
- Getting a feel for the demands of working life
- Developing motivation about future opportunities
- They may receive an employer report or reference
which contributes to their Record of Achievement or Progress
File
- In some cases there may be employment opportunities (part
time, holiday, etc.)
Employers may benefit by :
- Helping to create a positive image within the community
- Increasing staff commitment, developing motivation and
increasing skills
- Reinforcing good health and safety practices
Increasing knowledge of qualifications and current teaching
and learning methods.
- An opportunity to develop staff, which may help staff
retention
- Contributing to developing the skill base of possible
future employees
- Ensuring the country’s skill base – essential
in meeting future business objectives.
- Work Experience can lead to recruitment opportunities
– both short and long term
Parents/carers and schools benefit
Work Experience can encourage young people increasing their
motivation and participation in school. Possibly giving them
direction for the future
Work Experience procedures
Types of placement:
There are four common patterns:
- Block normally 2 weeks
- Extended normally 1or 2 days for a maximum of 12weeks
- Targeted young people considering specific career options
- Post 16 young people in the 6th form
All the types of placement are arranged via the school that
the young person is attending. Connexions do not arrange placements
directly with young and their parents and carers.
How you can help your son/daughter to get the best
out of work experience:
- Ensure Selection/Own Placement forms are completed accurately
and returned promptly
- Talk to them about the choice of placements they are considering
- Encourage them to be realistic about transport arrangements
- Encourage them to make arrangements for an interview
- Help them to be prepared for the placement by confirming
they know where it is, how to get there and who to see
- If there are any problems let the school and employer
know, e.g. in the event of an illness
- Ask them to explain what they have learnt on the work
experience
Health and Safety:
Connexions staff undertake Health and Safety checks by visiting
the employers who offer work experience. Without these checks
placements cannot take place. It is therefore important that
forms are returned fully completed in time so that these visits
can take place.
Connexions send out letters to employers that have been chosen
by pupils for their work experience. A letter is also sent
to the parents/carers confirming which placement has been
arranged. This letter asks for the pupil to contact the employer
to arrange a pre-placement interview; an important part of
the learning process. It also contains an opportunity description
and risk assessment for the parent/carer’s information.
Cancellations:
If the pupil or parent cancel a chosen placement the school
will be charged £32 to rearrange, if this is possible.
Many schools pass this charge on to the parent/carer.
Contacts:
When organising the placement the first point of contact is
the school. Most schools have a Work Experience Co-ordinator.
If any issues arise during the placement you should contact
the school. In the event of the pupil being absent both the
school and employer should be informed.
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