Work Experience
Last updated | 27/10/2008
What is it?
A one week placement in the world of work, providing opportunities for young people to learn directly about working life and the working environment. Placements provide opportunities for young people to develop understanding, skills and capabilities in the context of a wide range of experiences offered in the workplace. A good placement enables pupils to make links between what is studied in school and its relevance to the world of work. Schools need to consider how best to integrate provision into the curriculum to ensure effective preparation and follow up the ways in which such activities contribute to pupils' education for work, including the development of core skills.
Who is it aimed at?
Final year of compulsory education - usually S4. Other arrangements may be negotiable subject to availability of resources including suitable workplace opportunities.
What does it involve?
- One week work placement with an employer
- Preparation and debrief of pupils, dependent on individual schools
- Opportunity to develop skills and capabilities in context of a wide range of experiences offered in the workplace.
Curricular Link: Sits within Personal, Social, and Health Education and links to various secondary school subjects.
What are the benefits?
Young People
- Raised awareness of how rights and responsibilities, equal opportunities, health and safety, and care of the environment apply in the workplace.
- Increased motivation towards course work and to reaching attainment levels in line with their potential.
- Make links between what is studied in school and its relevance to the world of work.
- Opportunities to apply knowledge and skills developed in the classroom, in a real working environment.
- Development of important soft skills, personal qualities and understanding essential to a confident move into adult and working life.
- Preparing for working life through direct experience.
- Improved understanding of industry and the working environment, expanding vocational awareness.
School Staff
- Enhanced motivation and improved attainment among students.
- Opportunities for employers to contribute to the school curriculum.
- Enrichment of learning and teaching through alternative learning approaches
- Opportunities for staff to gain insight into Labour Market Intelligence.
- Improved liaison with partners.
- Enhanced school image and local media profile.
- Opportunity to build relationships with local industry.
Partners
- Improved skills among employees, eg interpersonal and interview skills.
- Enhanced relevant skills for next generation of employees.
- Improved employee motivation by developing skills through working with young people.
- Greater awareness in young people of job/career opportunities.
- Enhanced company image.
- Better understanding among business people of current development in school education.
- Promotion of company to potential employees and customers.
- Contact with potential recruits.
For further information please contact:
ecsgeneralenquiries@pkc.gov.uk
