Best Practice and Resources

The resources reviewed in the table below are a sample of those on the market that will support you in organising work experience for 14 - 16 year olds.

You will see there are sections on the following resources:

Paper Based

Title

Description

Price

Publisher (contact)

Be Safe: An introductory Guide to Health and Safety

Information about health and safety in the workplace and workbook that students can complete to record health and safety information specific to their placement.

No charge.

Learning and Skills Council

Tel: 0870 900 6800

Copies can be obtained from the LSC:  Reference MISC/0609/03 or downloaded from www.lsc.gov.uk

Career Management: Work Experience

Support material to help students prepare for, apprecoate and evaluate their work experience. Available in spiral-bound book PDF download or CD-ROM

£25 per pack.

Chalkface Project

Tel: 01908 505151

www.chalkface.com

You can download a free sample from the Internet. 

Careers for KS3

A pack of assignments structured to introduce students to the world of work and help them make career choices.

£25 per pack.

Chalkface Project

Tel: 01908 505151

www.chalkface.com

Collecting Evidence to Show Achievement

A booklet to help students understand how to show there achievements using the Work Experience Certificate Log Book/Log Book Plus.

No charge.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Experiences of Work - for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities

Information for support staff involved in setting up work experience placements, other experiences of work and promoting participation, progression and achievement for young people with learning difficulties

No charge.

Connexions West of England

Mark Perks

Tel: 0117 9074515

Email:mperks@connexionswest.org.uk

Key Skills Log for Learning and Work

Information to support Key Stage 4 Students in developing their understanding and application of key skills

£1.50 per log book + p&p for organisations in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucs.

£3 per log book + p&p for organisations in other areas.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Key Skills Resource Pack

The pack and CD contain photocopiable resources that will help young people develop their key skills.

£40 per pack + p&p for organisations in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucestershire.

£30 per pack + p&p for organisations in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucestershire who use the Key Skills Log Book.

£60 per pack + p&p for organisations in other areas.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Mentor's Record of Young Person's Progress

Information for mentors working with a young person who is taking part in extended work experience. Is cross reference to and can be used in conjunction with the connecions Log Book/Log Book Plus

No charge.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Safeguarding Children in Education

Guideance on safeguarding young people in education establishments. Annex A of this document makes specific reference to the necessary steps to be taken when allowing students to take part in work experience

Annex A of this document makes specific reference to the necessary steps to be taken when allowing students to take part in work experience programmes.

No charge.

DfES

www.dfes.gov.uk

Tasks for Extended Work Experience

A set of photocopiable tasks for young people to undertake during extended work experience.

No charge.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Tips for Success for the Work Experience Certificate Log Book/Log Book Plus.

Information to help young people gain certification using the Work Experience Logbook/Logbook plus

No charge.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Top 12 Skills and Personal Qualities

12 posters produced by Hereford and Worcester Connexions.

£41.95 for 12 posters.

Hamilton Enterprises (Cumbria) Limited

Tel: 01229 480618

Email:Hamilton_Enterprises@btopenworld.com

Work Experience: A Guide for Secondary Schools (2002)

Guideance on work experience targeted at Secondary Schools

No charge.

DfES

www.dfes.gov.uk

Ref. SPD WES 01 02RE

Work Experience and Job Coaching for Students with MLD/EBD

Information for Teachers' Giving links between activities and key skills, aimed at addressing the practicalities of getting students out of the classroom and into the workplace. Available in spiral-bound book as PDF download or CD-ROM

£25 per pack.

Chalkface Project

Tel: 01908 505151

www.chalkface.com

You can download a free sample from the Internet. 

Work Experience Certificate Log Book

A log book which supports students on work experience. Log books are moderated by Connecions West of England. The certificate can be used as evidence towards some ASDAN awards, some OCR, Edexcel, AQA and ABC Qualifications, and the Connexions Key Skills Log

To achieve the certificate students will need evidence to show they have met their targets.  Log books are moderated by Connexions West of England.  The certificate can be used as evidence towards some ASDAN awards, some OCR, Edexcel, AQA and ABC qualifications, and the Connexions Key Skills Log.

75p per log book  + p&p for organisations in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucs.

1.50p per log book  + p&p for organisations in other areas.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Work Experience Certificate Log Book Plus

As Above but geared towards students with special needs

£1 per log book + p&p for organisations in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucs.

£1.50 per log book + p&p for organisations in other areas.

Connexions West of England

David Firmin

Tel: 0117 9074418

Email:dfirmin@connexionswest.org.uk

Work Experience Learning Frameworks and CD-ROM

Guidence which aims to improve the quality of work experience and to ensure specific learning outcomes for students

£60 for set, CD + manual.

£35 for set.

Centre for Education and Industry

University of Warwick

Tel: 02476 523909

Email: cei@warwick.ac.uk

www.warwick.ac.uk/cei

Work related learning and the law:guidance for schools and school-business link practitioners (2004)

Guidance to help schools and school-business link practitioners address the legal issues surrounding work-related programmes

No charge.

DfES

www.dfes.gov.uk

Ref. DfES 0475 2004

Work-Related Learning Toolkit and CD-ROM

Information on work related learning. Section C covers Health and Safety on extended training placements.  Section D covers planning the process.

Contact Leacan.

Leacan

www.leacan.org.uk

'Working - In' Series

A catalogue of career and work experience resources

No charge.

Connexions

www.connexions.gov.uk

World of Work Resources Listing - June 2004

A catalogue of career and work experience resources.

No charge.

Hamilton Enterprises (Cumbria) Limited

Tel: 01229 480618

Email: Hamilton_Enterprises@btopenworld.com

Prospectus of Products & Services provided or brokered for schools by the Education Business Group West of England

A mini prospectus setting out the WRL products and services available from the Education Business Group members..

No charge.

Email: mpartington@connexionswest.org.uk

back to top

Video/CD/DVD

Title Description Price Publisher (contact)

A-Z of Work Experience

A video produced and acted by young people of various abilities. Suitable for E2E and work-related learning. Extensive teacher/tutor notes.

£40 + VAT.

Hamilton Enterprises (Cumbria) Limited
Tel: 01229 480618
Email: Hamilton_Enterprises@btopenworld.com

Check It Out
(Teachers Resource Pack)

A 20-minute video on ‘Risk assessment for young people on work placement. Includes a pack with background information, suggested teaching plans and photo copiable support materials

No charge if you work in the education sector and are preparing young people for work experience.

HSE Books
Tel: 01787 881165
www.hsebooks.com/books

Life Stuff - From the Top

6 x 25 minute programmes for 16-19 year olds about the world of work. Each programme centres on the work of an individual who has reached the top of there profession and will tell the story of their journey from the age of 16 to where they are now and their current working day

£29 for 6 x 25 minute programmes.

Channel 4
www.channel4.com/learning

My Brilliant Career

25 x 5 minute programmes, aimed at young people from 14 upwards, are snapshots of a wide range of jobs, giving some insight into the fast changing world of work.

£29 for 25 x 5 minute programmes.

Channel 4
www.channel4.com/learning

Off Limits - Get Working

2 x 25 minute programmes look at a variety of young people who balance school life with the demands of a job and provide information about an employee's rights and an employers' obligations

£19 for the 2 x 25 minutes programmes.

Channel 4
www.channel4.com/learning

Off Limits - Work Experience

2 x 25 minute programmes provide students with an introduction to work experience, 1 in the style of a documentary and one in the style of a comedy drama.

£19 for 2 x 25 minute programmes.

Channel 4
www.channel4.com/learning

Skills for Work Video Series

Each 20 minute programme demonstrates the use of key skills in the workplace:
Volume 1 - Introduction
Volume 2 - Communication and Working with Others
Volume 3 - Numeracy and IT
Student worksheets are included for different levels of ability.

£19.50 per video.

£50 for 3 videos.

Careersoft Ltd
Tel: 01422 330450
www.careersoft.co.uk

What the Employer Expects (2002)

A 25 minute programme on what an employer will expect from work experience students or school leavers they may emply including giving advice about interviews, the importance of a well-presented application form and problems employers have encountered with young people.

£34.95 for 1 x 25 minute programme.

Tony Jewers Productions
Tel: 01206 734372
www.tonyjewers.co.uk

back to top

Software

Title Description Price Publisher (contact)

Ani-MODS

A computer program in which 3D animated characters tell a story, with interactive tasks and a quiz for the user to complete. Each short module lasts 15 minutes and introduces a topic to the student with curriculum suggestions and follow-up support materials. There are 12 modules. Modules 5-8 deal directly with work experience.

£80 to purchase a site licence for a year.

£35 per module.

Currently there is a special offer for Modules 5-8 of £110.

Careersoft Ltd
Tel: 01422 330450
www.careersoft.co.uk

CID

A careers information database with 850 job details, 7000 photographs and video clips. There are also additional programs to purchase. Suitable for KS3 and KS4 to cover all ability ranges including special needs.

Supplied to schools in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucs through Connexions West of England.

Careersoft Ltd
Tel: 01422 330450
www.careersoft.co.uk

KUDOS

A careers matching program for young people, which in addition to the job records and photographs etc, contains salary and labour market information and live web/email links. There is free access for 5 consecutive users to CareersMatch. Worksheets are available.

Supplied to schools in B&NES, Bristol, N.Somerset and S.Gloucs through Connexions West of England.

Cascaid Ltd
www.cascaid.co.uk

On the Spot Multimedia

A programme which explores 150 jobs in a lively and fun way to help students understand the skills needed to do them. The sounds and colour imagery with spoken job descriptions, is ideally suited to younger students or those with learning difficulties. The programme allows the user to print out the 'On the spot' leaflets for the jobs featured.

£100 + VAT.

High Flyers Publishing
www.highflyerspublishing.co.uk

back to top

Websites

Title Description Publisher (contact)

www.cegnet.co.uk

A careers education website for staff in schools and colleges and their partners. It has the latest news on policy and research in the careers field, teaching resources, helpline, discussion and chat rooms, practical advice on managing careers work, with links to relevant websites. To access the schemes of work go to ‘Teaching and Learning/Schemes of work/KS3 or KS4.’

Cegnet

www.channel4.com/brilliantcareers



A website for young people thinking ahead, exploring jobs and careers. There is an online ‘personality test’ for students, a database of jobs, competitions, articles and CV templates.

Channel 4

www.channel4.com/learning

Available on a new subscription website to support the teaching of Citizenship, PSHE and careers guidance for 14-19 year olds. The site includes extensive notes and worksheets for teachers. A free area of the site demonstrates the material that is available. Log on to www.channel4.com/lifestuff.

Channel 4

www.channel4.com/realdeal


A website for the aspiring entrepreneur, providing a key service to anybody with an initial business idea. It opens up the business world to the uninitiated, providing inspiration, key learning tools and information to help young people turn their business idea into reality.

Channel 4

www.connexions-cd.org.uk


A website from Connexions Cornwall and Devon. Go to ‘Careers/career@ctive’ for quizzes on world of work, job interviews and self-awareness. There are lots of areas of interest on the website, however some relate to Cornwall and Devon only.

Connexions Cornwall and Devon

www.connexionswest.org.uk

A website from Connexions West of England. Go to ‘Careers’ for help with developing a career plan, information on a range of career types and the options for training or studying towards a career.

Connexions West of England

www.connexions-direct.com

Useful information for teachers and students. Go to ‘Jobs4u’ and you will find a database of useful information for students. Go to ‘Career DIY’ and you will find help for careers teachers.

Connexions Service

www.dfes.gov.uk/wrlr/

A website for teachers about work-related learning.

DfES

www.marksandspencer.com



Information about Marks and Start, the new flagship community programme. Go to the link ‘Site Map’, under the heading ‘The Company’ go to ‘Marks & Start.’ It gives the opportunity of work experience to people of different ages and walks of life, helping them to access the world of work.

Marks and Spencer

www.newi.ac.uk

Work experience worksheets.

North East Wales Institute of Higher Education

www.parentcentre.gov.uk

Information for parents about work experience. Search for ‘Work Experience’.

DfES

www.placementsurvivalguide.com



An interactive health and safety website. The student is given information about an aspect of health and safety and this is followed by a quiz. On completion of the quiz a certificate is issued and this can be printed for the student to keep.

Trident from Edexcel

www.studentzone.org.uk

Advice for students about work experience. Go to ‘Careers’ and then ‘Work Experience’.

Eduserv

www.teachernet.gov.uk


A website for teachers about work experience.

Teacher Net

www.thegrid.org.uk/learning


The website provides information about work experience and work-related learning in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire Careers Services

www.wellsway.bathnes.sch.uk



Information on work experience for students, parents and employers. Search for ‘Work Experience’.

Wellsway School

www.youngworker.co.uk


A website produced by ROSPA for students, teachers and employers regarding health and safety on work experience.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

www.youthinformation.com


A website for students. Go to ‘Employment and Training’ for information on being at work, looking for work, training schemes, types of work, unemployment and voluntary work.

National Youth Agency

www.14-19guide.org.uk

A website providing context for the 14-19 Reforms for practitioners and employers. Also, guidelines for implementing learning, child protection, vocational options, etc.

Publisher: Association of Learning Providers.

Wise up to work

A Workplace Hazard Awareness course is a new free training programme for teenagers. It is designed by the Institute of Occupational Health and the Health and Safety Executive and is designed to get young people ready for work experience and their first proper job.

Publisher: Institute of Occupational Health

back to top