Work Experience

WHAT IS WORK EXPERIENCE?

As part of your study programme at college, you will be required to undertake work experience to gain an insight into the world of work. Work experience is unpaid but there are lots of benefits, as you’ll be working and learning alongside people who are very knowledgeable and experienced in the field you might want to go into.

These are the types of work experience you might undertake:

• Work placement - working as a member of the team in a workplace for 1 or 2 weeks

• Industry placement - working as a member of the team in a workplace for at least 45 days. (If you are studying a T-Level qualification then you will undertake an industry placement)

• Work taster visit - a group visit to a workplace to find out about working life 

• Virtual work experience - undertaking virtual work related activities on the virtual work experience site 

• Simulated work environment - undertaking work related activities set by an employer 

• Social action project - undertaking a project to benefit the community 

• Student enterprise - running a student led business 

Your tutor will let you know which type of work experience you will be undertaking.

HOW DO WORK PLACEMENTS AND INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS WORK?

A member of the work experience team will visit your class to talk you through the process. This is a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have. You can either find your own work placement, or tap into the bank of placements that the business engagement team sources.

Once you have a placement confirmed you will arrange a pre-placement visit with your employer so that you can meet the people you will be working with, practise travelling there, and find out important information such as the hours you will be working and what you need to wear. You will then attend your placement on the agreed days. 

You will be using an online platform called Navigate to log your placement. Learn more about Navigate here. 

WHY DO WORK EXPERIENCE?

Work experience gives you the chance to step into an industry and apply your skills in a work setting. 

If you’re studying a T-Level qualification then you must complete an industry specific placement to achieve your qualification. 

For some, work experience is the first time working for an organisation. You'll get hands-on learning in a working environment and will see what is expected of you in a workplace context. 

As well as first-hand experience, your work experience develops the skills you'll be talking about in job interviews or on your personal statement, should you want to go to university. You'll be able to provide workplace examples that will highlight your knowledge and skills.

When applying for jobs in the future, those who have completed work experience can ask the employer for a reference. Students who have shown exceptional work ethic and commitment during their work experience are occasionally offered part-time jobs. This will enable you to continue to develop your skills alongside studying your qualification at college.

HOW TO FIND YOUR OWN WORK PLACEMENT

1. Firstly, make a list of the types of places you'd like to work in. For example, if you are studying a Childcare qualification you may consider nurseries, primary schools or alternative childcare providers.

2. Research relevant organisations for each item on your list. Start local and then branch out to areas you can travel to on public transport. Keep a note of the organisations you find and like the look of.

3. Once you've got a list of organisations, it's time to contact the employer. You'll need to ask whether they offer work placements and provide them with the dates and hours you'll be needing to work. You can access a email template here:

4. When you secure a placement you’ll need to submit the placement details on Navigate, your work experience coordinator or a designated staff member will be able to support you with this.

If work placements are not part of your curriculum and you would like to undertake a placement in your own time. You can join the work placement google chat for support and access to city wide programmes.

To get the most out of your work experience placement you should get involved as much as possible. Ask questions if you are not sure about things, and ask for help if you need it. Above all, HAVE FUN.