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Why Work Experience

Why do students go out on work experience?

Many parents have questions regarding work experience and why it is important.

Here are just some of those reasons.

For Pre 16 students:

Students under 16 undertake work experience for a variety of reasons.

  • It is literally an experience of the world of work for 1 or 2 weeks
  • Students find out what a real working environment is like, along with the application and interview process
  • Work experience is not career related and it is not paid!

The emphasis is on the skills that the student will develop during the placement

  • Communication and social skills - mixing and working with new people
  • Building confidence
  • Gaining independence
  • Developing a sense of responsibility
  • Discovery of new interests and talents
  • Applying their school studies to the 'real world'

For Post 16 students:

At the post 16 stage the majority of work experience placements are arranged to:

  • Support vocational studies e.g. H&S care, business studies, motor vehicle maintenance
  • The student may have to complete a piece of work or gather evidence for their course whilst on the placement; employers are fully briefed about this in advance.

    • Extended Placements

    Students can undertake extended work experience (1 or 2 days a week for up to 1 year) for a variety of reasons. The aim is usually to:

    • Help motivate the student if they are finding school life difficult
    • Increase the student's confidence and self esteem
    • Enable the student to mature and become more responsible
    • Give the student good practical support to aid employability

    If you are able to offer a placement or need more information please contact Claire Price clairep@ebpwb.co.uk