Work Experience
Work Experience in Year 10
Work experience in year 10 is carried out internally.
We welcome in local businesses who deliver work projects to our students. These projects allow students to gain meaningful encounters with local employers and enable them to work on real work situations. Students are also able to explore labour market information and local employment opportunities.
Activities cover a range of employability and social skills as well as how to work within a team and present back to employers. This opportunity enables students to reflect on their skills, interests, strengths and weaknesses. This will support them in their education and career decision making.
Work Shadowing in Year 12
Work experience in industry is a milestone in Year 12. It begins in the autumn, when we launch the process with students, encouraging them to think about how to approach it and what they want to get out of it. We aim for every student to secure a work placement with an external employer.
Yet, it is so much more than just one week on placement - for many, it is the first time they research the world of work and apply for a job or placement. That is why we deliver preparatory sessions looking at how to write letters of application and considering what type of organisation could give them the most relevant experience for their future aspirations.
Our students will find their placement themselves - we offer extensive support but promote independence, rather than simply providing a list of places. Previous successful placements have come from all walks of life, from local manufacturers such as ADAN Hydraulic Motors and local service providers such as Longhurst Social Housing Association, to schools and solicitors. Some are even abroad, such as to the European Central Bank in Frankfurt, Germany.
On placement, we encourage our students to reflect each day on what they have done, and to approach everything with an open mind and can-do attitude. Once back in school, we follow this up by encouraging them to reflect on what they have learned about that industry and what their next steps might be towards a career within it.
Feedback has been incredibly positive, from both students and placement providers.
- "It's helped me to be sure whether or not I was pursuing the right career for me." - student
- "The work had a lot of variety, from working at the IT Service Desk to disassembling laptops, ensuring everything is smooth, to doing heavy lifting." - student
- "I got to experience of many different points of view and perspectives of life. I met new people and learnt how to show sympathy in a way I never have before." - student
- "I enjoyed learning about the local plan, figuring out improvements to the town and gaining an insight into current developments and projects around town." - student
- "I got to work face to face with the vets, which gave me a clear understanding of what the job would include. Also, working directly with the animals was interesting and fun." - student
- "On a Day of Diversity, I spoke to students from Romania, Latvia, Ukraine, Russia, and Sri Lanka. It was a great experience to talk to people my age from different places around the world - very interesting." - student
- "I have been offered a summer voluntary placement at the school." - student
- "I got a job and was offered an apprenticeship." - student
- "I was able to work with patients who were vulnerable. Being able to support them and help them in any way I can was such a rewarding thing to do. From day one, I formed a trusted relationship with patients, which is so important. Having the ability to help someone and make a difference is such an overwhelming feeling." - student
- "Very impressed with [student]'s attitude and would be happy to offer him work in the future." - employer
- "It's been a good experience for us as well. Very useful and both parties thoroughly enjoyed it." - employer
- "It is always a pleasure to host your students." - employer