Work experience for young people

Work experience is when students spend time in an adult working environment carrying out tasks and duties more or less as an employee, but with the emphasis on learning about the world of work. The variety of placements is limited only by health, safety and security restrictions, insurance cover and by the availability of some types of work. The placement may not necessarily reflect the eventual career choice of the student but should allow a broad experience of the world of work and an opportunity to develop skills for the future.

Please contact your school, college or academy to find out more.

Work experience helps students to:

• understand the world of work
• improve and appreciate their skills and talents
• gain confidence
• accept the importance of school and college work
• gain knowledge of particular jobs or careers.

Work experience is generally organised by a school / college / academy work experience coordinator who will be able to give advice and guidance, and prepare students before their work experience in the following areas:

• Health and safety in the workplace
• Standards of behaviour expected
• What to do if things go wrong
• What to do if ill or unable to attend

The student will also need to contact the employer or attend an interview before the placement can commence. 

Work experience can be quite a challenge! You can help by:

• checking that the placement is going well
• encouraging a mature response to any difficulties
• encouraging perseverance even if the placement is not what they expected
• letting the school know if there is a real problem
• checking that the work experience diary is completed regularly
• informing the school and the employer if the young person is unable to attend.