Work experience is a placement on an employer’s premises in which a student carries out particular tasks, more or less as would an employee, but with the emphasis on the learning aspects.
There are many benefits to providing work experience for the young people of your local community and beyond.
These include:
- Enhanced corporate social responsibility and profile within the local community
- Personal development opportunities for staff
- Reinforcing good health and safety practices
- Influencing the quality of future employees
- Development of recruitment channels
- An insight into the youth market and education developments
- The opportunity to support raised student achievement and aspiration
- The chance to do something different within your work place
By offering work experience placements, you provide students with access to a diverse range of opportunities and experience within the workplace.
Frequently asked questions
Who organises work experience placements?
The main responsibility rests with the Work Experience Co-ordinator at the school/college or with a Work Experience Administrator at Oxfordshire County Council. They will usually make the initial contact with your company, but in some cases the student may make a direct approach.
What is the legal status of students on work experience?
Under health and safety law, students on work experience have the same status as employees. In addition, they are treated as employees for the purpose of insurance against personal injury, provided your insurers have been notified. As such, all employers must have Employer’s Liability insurance in place.
What tasks are students usually given?
The emphasis during the placement should be on “doing” rather than watching, and the more varied the work the better. Discussing what skills the student already has at interview, will give you a better idea of what they are already capable of.
During the placement, students should not be asked to do anything dangerous or use equipment without proper training and supervision. They must not be expected to do work which is unsuitable for young people or which is legally prohibited. Completion of a risk assessment will help you identify and reduce potential risks to a young person in your workplace.
What hours can the student work?
The hours worked should be those appropriate for regular employees under 18 doing similar work. They should not exceed 40 hours per week, nor should they involve unnecessarily unsocial times.
Can the student receive payment for the work they undertake?
By law, students under 16 must not be paid for work done while on a work experience placement. However, employers may contribute towards travel costs and other expenses if they wish.
Further information
Our Business and Skills Bureau can assist with every stage of work experience, with tried and tested strategies and systems for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of every placement. For more information contact the Business and Skills Bureau.
Resources for employers
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