Work Experience

What is work experience?
Work experience is part of the schools’ educational program where students experience working life, often for the first time. It is the short term placement of secondary school students with employers, to provide insights into the industry, and the workplace in which they are located. Students are placed with employers primarily to observe and learn – not to undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise. It is undertaken at the employer’s premises and has enormous benefits for students as it gives them a chance to:

• Work alongside adults as part of a team gaining an understanding of work
• Develop and practice a range of new skills
• Become more independent and confident
• Relate the school curriculum to the workplace
• Increase motivation to continue their study and/or undertake further training
• Explore career options

A teacher will contact the student during their placement and parents are welcome to contact the school if they have any concerns.

What are the expectations of the student?
The emphasis during work experience is always on trying to provide an interesting and valuable placement. To ensure a valuable learning experience, a number of arrangements need to be made. Students are encouraged to:

• Find their own placement, wherever possible. The school, however is able to help the student.
• Fill in the Work Experience Arrangement Form and return it to the school promptly.
• Behave as an employee while on placement, conforming to all the workplace rules and instructions from their supervisor.
• Remember while on work experience students are representing their school, therefore school policies and codes of conduct apply at all times.
• Complete activities set by the school during the placement.
• Understand that the placement may involve confidential and sensitive information which must be kept private.
• Understand that all office equipment, use of telephones, internet and photocopying is for work purposes only.
• Wear the appropriate footwear/protective clothing/ uniform as requested by the employer.
• Seek feedback from the employer at the end of the placement and thank them.

We understand the importance of work experience and the benefits for students. When available, we offer work experience placements for students throughout the year.

Work experience can provide the following benefits:

• Get a feel for the industry/area of work
• Put theory into practice
• Build valuable skills
• Network!

Work Experience gives you a chance to try out a career you’ve been considering before you tie yourself in. You’ll get opportunities to try skills, tour the workplace, and see what the job is really about. Rule out roles that won’t suit your talents or lifestyle, and you’ll also be able to meet and speak with other people working in potential roles you could fill.

Without Work Experience, you will need to rely on the accounts of others or what you think the job will be like. There’s nothing like seeing it for yourself, so before you embark on further study or choose subjects make sure you know what the job could really be like.

Work Experience can change how you view your options.