Asking for Work Experience

But I have no idea what I want to do!

Not a problem. Click on the link below. Register. The password is: sscbc

Take a look. Do the quiz. If that doesn't help, ask your family. Come talk to me. We'll work it out.

You do it - not your parents!

If your parents call, the employer will think you are a child. Do it yourself.. Every year students get jobs, apprenticeships and traineeships out of this.

Four simple sentences

No business wants someone rattling on over the phone or a long winded email. Keep it short. Here are your 4 sentences you can use:

Hi, my name is ..........................

I'm a Yr 10 student at Sydney Secondary College Balmain.

I'm really interested in a career in ....................................

Can I please do a week of work experience with you?

Don't worry about it. It isn't personal. They're just too busy to spend time supervising you. Pick up the phone and ask the next business.

Questions they might ask:

Q. Can you do it on a different week?

A. If it's a career you really want to try out and if you haven't got more than one assessment task that week, yes you can. Come see me and we'll sort it out with the boss, your family and with your teachers.

Q. Do you have insurance?

A. Yes. The Dept of Education has insurance. If they ask for it, I can give them the certificate of currency.

Q. Do I have to pay you?

A. No. You're getting paid in knowledge and experience - no money allowed.

Being nervous is normal

Yes, I'm expecting you to deal with adults in the real world as an adult. You'll be fine. Practice before you do it for real - literally hold the finger phone up to your ear. If you want, come to my office to make your calls or practice. The more you do it, the better and more confident you will become. 

But everyone says no

There are many reasons why businesses can't host you. If you've only heard no, come see me. I'll point you in the right direction. I'll make sure you find somewhere for your two weeks.