What is Work Experience?
Work experience will provide students with an introduction in to the world of work through undertaking a work placement on employer premises, carrying out tasks or duties in the role of an employee and learn valuable work skills such as punctuality, communication, commitment and team work.
Prior to work experience students will receive the correct preparation regarding how to find their own placement, arriving, working, lunchtime arrangements, health and safety etc.
In line with HSE guidelines we will check that employers have up to date Employers Liability Insurance at the time of the placement, brief them on work experience and best practice, and undertake health & safety appraisals where necessary to ensure the health, safety and welfare of students.
While on placement students should be monitored by a member of school staff so that they can check attendance and progress.
Year 10 Work Experience
Work experience is an important part of our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme and provides students with a valuable introduction to the world of work.
The work experience programme is launched at the beginning of the academic year during Culture Camp, giving students plenty of time to explore opportunities, consider placements linked to their interests and aspirations, and approach employers.
Students are encouraged and supported to secure their own placement, helping them to develop independence, confidence and important employability skills from the very beginning of the process. Prior to their placement, students receive guidance on approaching employers, workplace expectations, punctuality, communication, professional conduct, health and safety and making the most of their experience.
Using Unifrog
All work experience placements are managed and recorded through Unifrog. Students use the platform to enter the details of their proposed placement, creating a clear and consistent process for students, parents/carers, employers and school.
Using Unifrog allows the school to manage the necessary checks and permissions in one place, while also creating a lasting record of each student's experience within their wider careers profile. This means students can revisit and reflect upon their placement alongside their other careers activities, skills and experiences as they prepare for post-16 education, training and employment.
The Placement
During their work experience, students spend time in an employer's workplace, experiencing the expectations and responsibilities associated with being an employee. Depending on the placement, students may observe different roles, undertake appropriate tasks and work alongside experienced members of staff.
The experience provides an opportunity to develop essential workplace skills including communication, teamwork, punctuality, organisation, resilience, initiative and commitment, while also helping students to make more informed decisions about their future pathways.
The school follows appropriate health and safety procedures when approving placements, including ensuring that the necessary employer information, insurance and risk-management arrangements are in place. Students' attendance, wellbeing and progress are also monitored during the placement.
Year 10 work experience takes place during the spring term and forms an important part of our commitment to ensuring that every student leaves Longdendale with the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence needed to take their next steps successfully.
Why is Work Experience Important?
Work experience is an opportunity for young people to experience working life while they are still in school. It provides students with a chance to...
-
Work with adults as part of a team
-
Practice their skills and develop new skills
-
Learn the importance of transferable skills
-
Gain confidence in their abilities
-
Apply their school-work to the workplace
-
Think more clearly about their future working life
There are 6 key skills that have been identified and it is hoped that each young person will have the opportunity to develop them.
Communication
Listening, speaking clearly, asking and responding to questions, discussing, using the telephone, reading and responding to written material, producing written materials, including the use of diagrams.
Application of Number
Using numbers, collecting and recording data, interpreting and presenting data, handling money accurately, measuring, and estimating.
Information Technology
Using photocopiers / scanners, using computers to search, select, explore and prepare information, processing, developing and presenting relevant information.
Working with Others
Getting along with others, working in a team, taking responsibility, working co-operatively with colleagues.
Improving Own Learning & Performance
Target setting, action planning, manage time, learn from others, working to a planned programme, developing confidence, reviewing and evaluating progress.
Problem Solving
Recognising and describing problems, seeking the right information, making decisions, selecting and carrying out appropriate solutions.
In a sense, work experience is the whole reason students have been attending full-time education – to prepare for adult working life.
Students' Guide
Employer Information
