Work Experience Guide

Work Shadowing – A Guide for Students

Students should try to organise their own work experience. Having said this, if all avenues have been exhausted then school can assist in searching for a placement. Obviously it cannot be guaranteed that all students will be able to get exactly what they want but we will do our best in the time and using the resources that we have! Please try and be as realistic and flexible as possible.

Arranging work shadowing can be difficult as often there is strong competition for placements from students from Chauncy and other schools. Often employers respond more positively to students who contact them directly as opposed to school attempting to reserve places. 

Students should remember the following points in particular:

• The real value lies in the general experience of working life rather than the specific job-related tasks.

• It could help in career choice but it is unlikely to lead to a job offer.

• An extremely high standard of behaviour is expected. Reports of misconduct are treated with great concern.

• During the placement, in most respects (except pay) they will be treated as young workers by employers and the school cannot exercise its normal supervisory role. Vetting of employers’ insurance will be coordinated through school. Please note that all placements must have both Employers Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance; the school does not organise insurance. 

This is a superb opportunity for children to gain some valuable skills and experience in the world of work and we are most grateful for parental support. The school has been greatly encouraged by the positive feedback received from employers in recent years. We are fully expecting similar reports this year.

This isn’t difficult as long as you are motivated and well organised. But just like searching for a real job you might have to approach more than one employer. Don’t get put off if the first ones you contact say “No”. If you get cracking early you will get the widest choice of placements.

Step One – Choose the sort of place you would like to go to:

• This doesn’t have to be related to the sort of career you think you want. The main thing is to get a good experience of an adult work environment, being there on time, being polite etc..

• Think about the sort of environment you might want to experience, for example, indoors – office, primary school, shop, factory, or outdoors – forest!

• Also think about what type of work you want to do, for example, office work, retail, practical work, childcare, food preparation.

• You should also discuss your placement ideas with your parents/guardians so they can give you ideas, advice, support and encouragement.

• Visit www.gov.uk/find-a-job . for details of 100s of different jobs.

• Use the school careers software (eg. NATIONAL CAREERS SERVICE). 

Step Two – Finding out what’s available:

• You will be responsible for arranging your own placement with an employer. The sooner you start making enquiries the more likely you are to get the kind of work experience you want.

• Ask parents/carers or family friends. Many work experience placements are arranged by people we know.

• Telephone local employers. Before you phone, plan what you are going to say and what you need to ask. Have a pen and paper ready to write down what you are told and what you may need to do next: Ask to speak to someone about work experience and take the name of the person who you speak to.

• Explain who you are and which school you attend.

• Say why you are interested in the type of work the company is involved in and that you would like to learn more by spending your work experience placement with them.

• Know the dates of your work experience week.

• Know how the employer can contact you with an answer (telephone, email or letter).

• Be cheerful, polite and clear.

• The employer will probably want you to put your request in writing (see below). It takes guts to phone – the employer will appreciate it!

• You might have to complete an application form and be interviewed, just as you might if you were applying for paid work.

• Write a letter. This may be hand-written or word-processed but it must be clear and well set out. Include why you want to do work experience with that particular employer and what you hope to gain from it. 

Step Three – When you have found a placement

Let the Careers Team know by returning your forms and if you don’t manage to find a placement, ask for help.