Work experience

young apprentices in technical vocational training are taught by older trainers on a cnc lathes machine

What is work experience?

Work experience is a great first step for you to learn about the world of work, gain new skills and support your future learning or career decisions. Placements can vary in length from a couple of days to around two weeks (depending on what is available) and is usually unpaid.

Most work experience is arranged through your school or college, but you can also contact employers directly to see if they offer placements. Well-known businesses, larger charities and public sector organisations often offer work experience, which could either be face-to-face, virtual or both.

How to prepare for work experience (GCSEPod)

The importance of work experience (Cre8tive Resources)

What are the benefits of work experience?

You receive an introduction to the work environment and the expectations of employers.
Increase motivation to continue studying or undertake further training to support your career choice.
Gain an understanding of recruitment processes (for colleges, universities as well as employment).
Develop your self-awareness, confidence, maturity and independence.
Learn practical skills such as communicating with adults, problem solving, time-management and teamwork.
A successful placement could lead to full or part-time employment opportunities in the future.

More information

Block Work Experience is usually delivered over a period of one or two weeks. This is usually done in the summer term of year 10 but can vary depending on the school.
Bespoke Work Experience opportunities are tailored for your specific needs and would need to be negotiated with the employer.
Extended Work Experience often lasts for one or two days per week over an extended period, during the course of a term or the academic year.
Virtual Work Experience can be delivered through videos, presentations, online tasks or by attending live sessions on specific dates.
Work Shadowing offers the opportunity to observe a member of staff for the day to learn about what they do.
Workplace Tasters and Tours offer young people the opportunity to visit a workplace and try out various day to day tasks.

Although it can be great to have time out of the classroom, work experience must be treated as a learning experience that provides you with an ‘experience of the workplace’. Many placements include a diary where you can record the tasks you have carried out. To make your work experience meaningful and effective, you should reflect on it and consider the following:

What activities did I enjoy?
What was I good at?
What do I need to improve?
What did I learn about the career/employer?
Has it helped with my career decision – what more do I need to learn/develop or do to achieve this?
What have I leant about myself?
Is this what I really want to do? If not, how do I progress from here?

How to find work experience