All students in Year 10 are expected to take part in the work experience programme as part of their work-related learning education. The aim is to provide an ‘experience of work’ rather than specific job training.
Students get the opportunity to work with an employer for a short, unpaid period of time to find out more about industry and the workplace. They can observe and work alongside people as they go about their daily tasks and experience the disciplines of the workplace, such as attendance, time-keeping, regulations and the importance of teamwork, especially in a job or area of work that they might be interested in.
As a good variety of placements are increasingly difficult to obtain, students are encouraged to use their initiative and find their own placement. They will receive support from assemblies, lessons and the Academy’s Careers Leader in order to achieve this. Family and friends may help by setting up placements within their own organisations.
Work experience benefits students that are unsure about what sort of career path they would like to follow. They get an insight into what employers look for when they want to employ someone and how the subjects they study in school link into certain jobs. It provokes thought about jobs that had not been considered before and the skills and grades needed to plan for the future.
We are always looking for new placements for our students so if any family, friends or employers can offer a placement to one (or more) of our students, or would like to know more about what is involved in providing a work experience placement then please contact the Careers Leader, Mr Krasonis, [email protected].