Why am I going out on Work Experience?

There are many reasons, perhaps the most important one is to prepare you for, and give you an opportunity to taste life outside school.

You will have an opportunity to:

• To develop a range of personal skills and qualities;

• Work alongside adults as part of a team;

• Take responsibility for your own actions;

• Find out what it is like to go to work;

• Chance to learn what is expected of an employee;

• Opportunity to meet different people in a new situation;

• Meet deadlines.

You will also develop the following Key skills:

• Communication;

• Application of number;

• Information Technology;

• Working with others;

• Improving own learning and performance;

• Problem solving.

What if I do know what to do for my placement?

You must ask your Work Experience Co-ordinator for a self-placement form, which must be completed in full and handed into school  by the required deadline.

What if I don't know what to do for my placement?

You will have some choice and your Work Experience Co-ordinator will advise you.

What if I don't get the choice I really wanted?

Work Experience is all about making the most of opportunities.  Even if you don't get your first choice, you will still have plenty of opportunity to learn about the work place and acquire transferable skills that you will need in ANY future employment.

What if I don't know where my placement is?

Your teacher will give you the address, it is up to you to plan your route and travel arrangements.  You will also be expected to visit the company before the placement to have the agreed form signed.

How will I know what time to get there?

Starting and finishing times vary from job to job so look carefully at your job description.

How will I know what to wear?

Think about the job you are doing. Look at the job description and ask your teacher if you are still unsure.

What if I need special clothing?

Clothing requirements will be on your description.  Your employer will want you to have the correct clothing for health and safety purposes.

What if they don't know who I am?

Your employer will have been contacted either by your school or yourself before you go out on placement. They will be expecting you to call!

What if I can't do the work?

Don't worry, there will always be someone there to help you, just ask.

What if I not sure what to do?

Not all companies are busy all the time so you may occasionally find that you have time on your hands. Ask if there is anything else that you can do.  If not, remember that you always have tasks in your work experience journal to complete.  Remember, you will only get out of the placement what you are prepared to put in.

What if I have a dentist/doctor's appointment?

Try your best to arrange all appointments for when you are not on Work Experience.  Remember that you need to be there every day to earn your Work Experience Certificate.

What if I am sick?

Always let your employer and your school know immediately.  Let the school and the employer know when you expect to return to work.

What if I have a problem?

Speak to your supervisor first, they are there to help you.  If you need to speak to somebody else, ask to telephone your teacher.

What if I can't get my employer to verify my journal?

During your placement your teacher will visit you, mention this problem and your teacher will talk to the employer.  Alternatively your teacher may verify some of the journal for you.

What if I have an accident at work?

You must report this right away.  On your first day you will have been given the name of the person responsible for health and safety.

What if I am late?

Always try to get there on time.  If you have a problem always explain it to your supervisor.

What's in it for me?

You have been given an opportunity, make the most of this and you will discover what life could be like after school.

You will also receive a certificate stating that you have successfully completed Work Experience, a reference from your employer, the possibility of part time work or future employment or training.

All employers will be visited to ensure the necessary insurances and Health and Safety legislation are in place.

 For further information on Work Experience, contact Linda Taylor on 01254 584058 or via email at linda.taylor@lebp.co.uk