Student Services (Sixth Form)

Every student needs to complete a work placement. Everything you need to know about when and how is here. Take a look around.

Our Work Placement coordinator is Jenny Villamayor. She's can help with advice to support you in finding and getting ready for a placement that meets your career progression plans.

Jenny's based in Student Services across both sites:

Mon - Strode's - 9.30am to 2.30pm

Tues - Strode's - 8.30am to 5.30pm

Weds - Windsor - 9.30am to 2.30pm

Thu - Strode's - 8.30am to 5.30pm

Fri - Windsor - 8.30am to 2.30pm

Drop-in sessions

If you have any questions or need some 1:1 guidance about your work placement or Navigate, pop-in to see Jenny at one of her drop-in sessions:

STRODE'S MA27 - Every Tuesday 12.00 - 12.45

WINDSOR W126 - Every Friday 12.15 - 1.00

Quick links:

STRODES: Important dates for Work Placements

WINDSOR: Important dates for Work Placements

Send an email to Work Placements

Need to know

Essential information to know about our work placement programme and the process.

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Strode's students - key work placement dates

Windsor studentrs - key work placement dates

Finding a work placement

Tips and information about how to start looking for and finding the right work placement for you.

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Get ready for your work placement

You've found a work placement, now it's time to prepare. Make sure you're prepared for day 1 and that you've completed all the pre-placement steps.

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Using Canopy

Stuck on how to get things done in Canopy? Check out these how to guides that show you the where and how.

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Advice for parents/carers

Guidance for employers

External information and advice about work placements

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We've put our most common questions below. You can also view/download a more comprehensive list here

What are work placements?

Also known as work experience, it's an opportunity for you to spend time getting real-life experience of the workplace and what it means to be an employee. It also gives you a hint of what it would be like to work for a specific company or industry you're interested in.

Do I have to do a work placement?

Yes. All students are expected to take part in some form of work placement while they're at College. We talk to students during the first few weeks of the academic year about when and how to organise one.

Can I choose my own dates for my work placement?

What date should I organise my work placement for?

There are set dates depending on what course you are on. We will talk to you in the first few weeks of the academic year about when so you have time to organise one for yourself.

A Level and mixed programme students: You will be informed of the available dates to do your placement. Placements are expected to be in person and a minimum of 5 days.

If students, parents or carers are unsure of when placements are happening, please email placements.sixthform@windsor-forst.ac.uk and we will confirm for you.

Can I do a work placement with a friend or family member?

We do not encourage work experience placements with family and friends for several reasons, one of which is that working in an independent environment is one of the most effective ways of ensuring you receive a valuable and enriching placement experience. Work placements must also comply with certain health and safety requirements such as risk assessments and insurances.

This may not be possible if working with a friend or family member. If you think a friend or family member could offer you appropriate work experience please discuss with the Placement Coordinator.

Will I still get financial support while on my placement?

If you receive free school meals, or a bursary for travel/materials, this will continue during your placement. You will need to speak to the Financial Support team or the Placement Co-ordinator to confirm how adjustments are made during placement weeks.

Will I get paid for my placement?

Students should not expect to receive a wage for their work placement. Employers may however choose to provide students with some remuneration for their time with them.

Can I do my work placement at my part time job?

We do not encourage this however there could be exceptions and we would only consider applications for those involved in a substantially different role during the placement week. For example, if your current role is as a Sales Assistant in ASDA, you could look at exploring a role in the finance department if you aspire to be an accountant.

I don't know what type of job or sector I want to work in

If you don't have a career path in mind, don't worry! Use this as an opportunity to try something new. All work placements are worthwhile even if they help you rule out jobs you are not interested in.

Does the college have any work placement opportunities or employer contacts?

Yes, the college does have some links with local employers who are willing to offer students work placement opportunities. This is an area which continues to grow for the college. If you need some assistance and ideas of the types of employers to contact please visit Jenny Villamayor - Placement Advisor in Student Services who can provide you with a list of current employers.

What happens if I can't find a work placement?

It is part of your study programme to do a work placement. If you're having problems securing one, contact either the Work Placement Co-ordinator, the Careers team or your Tutorial (Core Studies) Tutor for support and guidance on the sorts of placements you may want to explore, making applications, etc.

Can I do a virtual work placement?

In-person work experience is the norm. You are welcome to carry out additional virtual work experience in your own time and record it as an activity in Navigate. Virtual experiences can help you gain skills and knowledge.

I am a parent or carer and I think I may be able to offer a placement - who do I contact?

If you think that you would like to offer a placement to our students or if you have a contact that you would like to share with the College, please contact Jenny Villamayor on the contact details above and she will be happy to discuss this with you further. We are grateful for all possible opportunities for our students to experience the in the workplace.

What are the benefits of work placements?

Work experience can give students an understanding of the working environment and provides the opportunity to explore different career options. It can also bring the curriculum to life by showing how subjects can be applied and valued in the workplace. In particular it can enhance the delivery of vocational subjects and develop a wide range of skills through hands-on activities.

Do I require a DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service)?

It is unlikely you will need a DBS to undertake your work placement unless you are working in areas such as a nursery, school or care home.

You must confirm with your work placement employer if you need a DBS, this is to allow time for this to be processed. If you do require a DBS, the college may reimburse students for the cost of the DBS if you are in receipt of a bursary and/or the placement is linked with your subject. Please check the DBS process with the Placement Coordinator.

If you still have questions or aren't sure of anything, please contact the Placement Co-ordinator

Tap to send an email to Work Placements

Tap to call the Work Placement team

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