Work Experience

Work experience helps students gain insight into the world of work, develop key employability skills, and understand what different careers involve. It supports informed decision-making about future pathways and strengthens applications for college, apprenticeships, and employment.

For Students

Work experience is your opportunity to spend time in a real workplace, learn new skills, and explore a career you are interested in. It helps you build confidence, communication skills, and an understanding of employer expectations. You are encouraged to choose a placement that links to your future ambitions and to make the most of the experience by being proactive and professional.

Useful websites:

• The Careers & Enterprise Company – Workplace Experiences (Careers and Enterprise Company)

• Barclays LifeSkills – Online Work Experience (Barclays Life Skills)

• NHS Health Careers – Getting Experience (healthcareers.nhs.uk)

  • Speakers for Schools – Work Experience

  • Springpod – Virtual Work Experience

  • Amazing Apprenticeships – Work Experience Resources
  • Success at School – Work Experience Guide

  • RateMyPlacement – School & College Work Experience

  • Young Professionals – Student Opportunities 

For Parents and Carers

Work experience plays an important role in supporting your child’s career development. It provides valuable exposure to the workplace, helping students develop employability skills and make informed choices about their future pathways. Parents and carers are encouraged to support students in selecting suitable placements and ensuring they engage fully with the opportunity.

Useful websites:

• Youth Employment UK – Parents & Carers Careers Advice                                                       Clear guidance for parents supporting careers choices, including work experience and employability skills.

• Amazing Apprenticeships – Parents Hub
  Includes information on apprenticeships, employer engagement, and work-based learning routes.

• Barclays LifeSkills – Work experience and parent support resources
  Includes employer-led insights and resources that parents can use to guide careers conversations.

• https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/
  (The Careers & Enterprise Company – explains Gatsby Benchmarks and employer encounters, including work experience)

• https://www.ucas.com/careers-advice
  (UCAS – includes parent guidance on careers pathways and work experience preparation)

• https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-for-parents/
  (Youth Employment UK – dedicated advice for parents and carers supporting employability and work experience)

• https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/parents-and-carers/
  (Skills Development Scotland – strong parent-focused careers and workplace experience advice