This isn’t difficult as long as you are motivated and well organised. But just like searching for a real job you might have to approach more than one employer. Don’t get put off if the first ones you contact say “No”. If you get cracking early you will get the widest choice of placements.
Check with your school how they want you to arrange your work experience placement.
This doesn’t have to be related to the sort of career you think you want. It’s a great opportunity to try something that most people wouldn’t expect you to do like girls going into engineering or plumbing or boys doing primary school teaching or hairdressing. The main thing is to get a good experience of an adult work environment, being there on time, being polite etc.
Think about the sort of environment you might want to experience, for example, office, primary school, shop, factory, forest! Also think about what type of work you want to do, for example, office work, retai, practical work, childcare, food preparation. You should also discuss your placement ideas with your parents/carers so they can give you advice, support and encouragement.
Many pupils want placements in hospitals, modelling agencies, TV/radio studios, football clubs – you might be lucky, but don’t bet on it. You stand a much better chance of being offered a placement if you have friends or family working in these fields. If you are keen – go for it! Approach these early so, if you aren’t lucky, you can still try for something else.
You will be responsible for arranging your own placement with an employer. The sooner you start making enquiries the more likely you are to get the kind of work experience you want.
- Approved Employer Database. This is available through your Work Experience Co-ordinator at school. Check this first, as there may already be employers offering the sort of placement you want.
- Ask parents/carers or family friends. Many work experience placements are arranged by ‘word-of-mouth’.
- Telephone local employers. Before you phone plan what you are going to say and what you need to ask. Have a pen and paper ready to write down what you are told and what you may need to do next.
- Ask to speak to someone about work experience and take the name of the person who you speak to.
- Explain who you are and which school you attend.
- Say why you are interested in the type of work the company is involved in and that you would like to learn more by spending your work experience placement with them.
- Know the dates of your work experience week.
- Know how the employer can get back in touch with you with an answer (telephone, email, letter).
- Be cheerful, polite and clear.
The employer will probably want you to put your request in writing (see below). It takes guts to phone – the employer will appreciate it!
You might have to complete an application form and be interviewed, just as you might if you were applying for paid work.
- Write a letter. Example letter from a pupil to a potential work experience placement This may be hand-written or word-processed but it must be clear and well set out. Include why you want to do work experience with that particular employer and what you hope to gain from it. If the employer asks you for a school letter explaining the work experience scheme ask your teacher/Work Experience Coordinator or refer them to www.experiencesofwork.co.uk
If your school is using the WEX On-line system (this system is currently being used in some schools) you can search for work experience placements that match your skills, abilities and interests. You’ll be able to access detailed information about all placements including job description and location. You’ll also be able to follow the progress of your application and write your CV.
You will need to tell your Work Experience Coordinator the name and contact details of the placement so that they can arrange a health and safety check if necessary.
If you don’t manage to find a placement your teacher/work experience coordinator can help you find one that is already health and safety approved.