FAQs.
Q – How can my child choose a suitable work experience placement if they have no idea what they want to do in the future?
A – It will be important that they choose something they think they will enjoy – maybe something linked to a hobby or a favourite school subject. The Jobs4u database (see Useful Links) will help them link their interests to jobs. Also use the Case Studies area on this website for inspiration. Remember – work experience helps develop broader skills such as planning, taking responsibility, confidence-building and decision–making.
Q – How will I know my child will be safe?
A – All placements must be health and safety approved for the purposes of work experience. Pupils on work experience are classed as employees for the period of the placement and as such they are covered by the host company´s insurance.
With regard to child protection issues, generally, employers and their employees are only checked for child protection, if they will have regular, unsupervised access to young people. If this is the case then the situation would be risk assessed and a Criminal Records Bureau check initiated.
Use the Health and Safety link in either the Employer or Teacher/Practitioner site for further health and safety and child protection information.
Q – Can we arrange a placement with an employer not on the Health and Safety Approved Employer Database?
A – Any employer taking a child on work experience must be health and safety approved. You can ask your child´s school to arrange for appropriate checks to be made – there may be a cost to you if the employer to be checked is outside of the West of England area. Please make any requests at least eight weeks before the placement takes place (12 weeks for placements outside of the West of England area and 15 weeks for placements in London).
Q – What if my child wants to do a work experience placement in another part of the country?
A – This is fine but the employer must be health and safety approved – see above. You would also have to bear the cost of any necessary transport, accommodation and living expenses.
Q – My child has a disability. How will they be supported on work experience?
A – A young person with a learning difficulty or disability should have some external support from school or supported employment service whilst on a work experience placement. Arrangements should be made for a mentor to offer help and advice in the work place.
Q – What should I do if I have concerns during my child´s time on work experience?
A – Contact the school´s Work Experience Coordinator immediately.