Work Experience - FAQS for employers
1) What is work experience?
At Key Stage 4, when they are 14-16 years old, the majority of students undertake Work Experience placements. This can either be for a one or two week block or for one or more days a week over a number of weeks.
Most schools use the services of brokers, mainly Education Business Partnerships such as EBP West Berks or another organisation called Trident. Our role as brokers helps to identify suitable placement opportunities, organise the necessary health and safety and insurance checks, and also support the matching and briefing of students.
Work experience is the most important link between employers and schools and colleges. Employers have a vital role to play in making education more work related, developing the skills and attitudes which young people need for the world of work and creating a well trained and motivated future work force.
2) The student will be bored. How will I know what they can do?
Our Work Experience team will work with you to identify suitable tasks for the young person based on their knowledge of other similar environments.
A short pre-placement interview with the student will also help identify their interests and objectives for the placement. The student may have specific information he or she needs for course work, which will need to be discussed. The pre-placement interview will also help them feel more settled when they arrive.
A successful placement should be structured so that:
- There is an initial induction on the first day, which will include a tour of the premises, fire procedures, and other relevant health and safety considerations.
- There is some explanation/over-view given of the work of the company, it's aims and objectives
- There is a named person for the young person to report to during the placement
- There are some " hands on" tasks and guidance as to their completion
- There is some time to observe more complex tasks or an opportunity to see training videos or other training material
- There is time for the student to reflect and record their observations in a logbook
- There is a review session at the end of the placement
Some employers find that a "mixed" placement works well, where the student spends time in different departments. This can give them a better insight into the company. If they can also have short interviews with one or more members of staff in the departments, this will greatly add to their career knowledge. However, in an environment where there are a number of tasks that the student can do, then working in one department might be more appropriate.
Some companies build in a short project to the placement. This could involve research about aspects of the company (e.g. using company brochures, website, interviews etc); it could involve looking at the use of IT in the company and why different methods are used. There are portfolios of projects (produced by Trident), which are linked to certain types of placements, and also projects linked to specific GCSE subjects, especially those in vocational areas.
3) Will taking on a student on work experience add to my insurance premium?
Students on placement should generally be covered by your employer liability insurance at no additional cost, providing you have notified your insurance company about the dates of the placement in advance. However it is understood that companies do have the discretion to charge an additional amount. However research shows that this additional premium is only charged infrequently.
4) Will there be a lot of work/paperwork?
All placement providers have to be checked for health and safety and insurance purposes and records kept of the placements as young people are involved. The bureaucracy is dealt with as efficiently as possible as we are aware of the time pressures faced by employers.
5) What about child protection?
In most cases where the student will be working with a number of adults on a block work experience CRB checks will not be required. However, the employer visitor would discuss with you whether there are policies within the company regarding declarations for staff working with children.
Circumstances where CRB checks are required would be discussed on an individual basis if these are needed, and EBP West Berks would advise on the process. This might be the case with a placement over a longer period, or where the student would be working with mainly one adult.
6) We have very busy periods - does it matter if we cannot help very often?
We will note whether there are times of the year (e.g. financial year end etc) where you would not be able to help. This information would be recorded and you would not be approached during these times. Some companies are able to help on a very regular basis, some only once or twice a year. All help is invaluable and appreciated!
7) Won't duties be very restricted due to health and safety considerations?
Yes, the tasks agreed will need to take into account health and safety and this can sometimes appear restrictive. The initial visit to discuss the placement should include where possible the person with responsibility for health and safety for this reason. Sometimes it will be more appropriate for the young person to observe and have processes explained to him or her, rather than undertake the task himself or herself. In this way they can still gain an understanding.
8) What about risk assessments and insurance?
All employers are asked to complete a risk assessment taking into account the student's age and immaturity. Parents have the right to be made aware of the risks to their sons/daughters. Usually a risk assessment will be sent to the student with the details of their placement. However, there are occasions where the student will be given a copy of the company risk assessment when they start the placement, and in some circumstances the student will be given the risks verbally.
Students are given Health & Safety information and training before they start their placement. Employers are asked to inform EBP West Berks immediately should any accident/incident occur to the student.
All employers taking students on work experience must have full Employers & Public Liability Insurance, without this the placement cannot go ahead. EBP West Berks must see the certificate at the Health & Safety visit.