Work experience
Schools in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent offer students the chance to get a taste of real working life through work experience. This is known as a work placement. For most students, their placement(s) will be arranged towards the end of Year 10.
Your son or daughter should think very carefully about the type of placement(s) they would like to apply for and the type of skills they could gain as a result.
The school may ask your son or daughter to try and organise a placement for themselves. and your son/daughter should plan well ahead to avoid the last minute rush for placements.
Sometimes parents and carers can help their don or daughter by finding placements for them. Encourage your son or daughter to ask relatives and family friends about the work they do and whether they can suggest potential placements.
Schools will check out placements to make sure they are appropriate. Your son/daughter will only be allowed to attend a placement with an employer if the employer can demonstrate that they manage Health and Safety effectively.
Work experience can not only offer students valuable experience in a chosen area but can also help develop their confidence and communication skills. When they apply for jobs or courses in the future, work experience can help them along.
Remember, if your son or daughter isn't sure what they want to do or would like to talk about careers ideas they can see a Connexions Personal Adviser in school, who will be more than happy to chat to them about any ideas they may have. You can also speak to your son or daughter's Personal Adviser at school at parents' evenings, or in your local Connexions Centre.
Staffordshire Partnership works with schools and businesses to arrange work experience. Click here to find out more.
