Some placements are more challenging than others
| All work experience is valuable! The skill is being able to articulate to an employer how your experiences are valuable and relevant: Newcastle University |
WHAT IS IT?
Visit this webpage to find out more about what work experience actually is.
WHEN IS IT?
If you are taking Level 3 courses you should seek work experience from 30th June to 4th July unless you are required for field work by one of your subject teachers during this time. If you cannot go during this week arrange it for another time– avoid times when you have exams and 7th July which is Moving On day.
WHY DO I NEED TO SORT IT OUT NOW?
You need to complete a number of forms before you go on your placement. This is because the school needs to ensure that you are going somewhere safe. This is a process that is carried out by an external agency for us and they have to check millions of placements all over the country. If you leave it too late there is not time for the checks and you are not allowed to go!
HOW CAN I ORGANISE IT?
Use this webpage to look for placements– lots of opportunities for some areas of work but nothing for others.
It is a good idea to network widely to find a placement. Ask your family and friends if they know anyone in the area of work that you are interested in getting into.
Ask your teachers if they know of placements. If you have no luck this way you will need to look on the internet for firms that are engaged in work you are interested in and then write, email and telephone them. Lots of companies have work placement schemes– look at this one. Find out about them by ringing up or emailing or searching on their websites.
There is no excuse not to seek a placement. When we provide a reference for you work experience is one of the most important factors that we have to mention. If you have chosen not to take part then your reference will be less positive.
There is lots of good advice here.
Good luck!