Following a successful mock interview day where students developed confidence and skills for the workplace, Year 10 students were given the opportunity to take part in a week long work experience placement. The placements took place during the week of 23rd May 2022.
Students arranged the work experience placements themselves, contacting employers independently, sending cvs when requested or attending pre work placement interviews. With covid restrictions still in place in some organisations, which affected the number and type of placements available, resilience and flexibility were very important. Students successfully managed to organise placements in charities, architects, law firms, primary schools, IT departments, engineering companies, hotels, garages, estate agents, retail, universities, colleges and farms amongst others, developing insights into the world of work, employability skills and knowledge about particular careers.
The week was overwhelmingly positive with students commenting that they developed skills in teamwork, organisation, time management, numeracy, IT, communication, customer service and decision making. Highlights identified by students included going in a flight simulator, learning how to use different tools, a trip to London, learning how to make coffee, using computers, building a webpage and attending meetings.
The students should be incredibly proud of themselves with feedback from employers showing how impressed they are with our students and what a credit they are to the school and themselves. Comments such as ‘a joy to work with’, ‘an asset to our class’, ‘a hard-working mindset’, ‘very hands on’ ‘great enthusiasm and initiative’ ‘I could do with her help next week!’ were made by employers, with many offering future opportunities to the pupils in terms of part time jobs, work experience and possible apprenticeships.
We are very grateful to everyone involved in supporting our work experience programme.
Mrs A Hopp, Careers Coordinator