Work Experience

All pupils in Years 10 and 11 are expected to take up the opportunity to complete a block week of work experience.

Pupils are encouraged to find their own placements but help and support is offered by Mrs. Pollard and Mrs. Roberts. 

Dates: April/ May for Year 10 and October for Year 11

How to find your placement:

  • Identify a suitable placement using the WEX data base during Enterprise & Ethics lessons in November/December.
  • Apply though the website or in writing or by telephone.

When you have confirmation that the company can offer you a work experience placement (either in writing or verbal) the details need to be given to Mrs. Pollard straight away.

The placement will be checked for ‘Approved’ status (please see details below) and a parental permission form given to you to take home to your parents.

All work experience placements must go through an approval process which can take up to 8 weeks, therefore it is VITAL that as soon as you have secured a placement, you give the details to Mrs. Pollard. Last minute applications will not be approved in time and youwill not be able to go on the placement.

Frequently asked questions:

Q - What if I find a placement on a date that is not the block time?

A – Please bring the details to Mrs. Pollard in the first instance; every effort should be made to complete your placement during the block week if possible.

Q – Do I have to do a placement in my chosen career field?

A – If you have an idea of your future career plans it may be useful to find a placement in that area, but if you can’t it does not matter.  Work experience is about gaining key skills which are very important whatever career you choose.

Q – Do I have to go on placement in this area?

A – No, it is possible for you to go to a placement anywhere in the country provided your family give permission and arrangements are in place for you to stay with family or friends.

Q – I am really struggling to find a placement, can anyone help?

A – Yes, see Mrs. Pollard or Mrs. Roberts straightaway.

Q – I don’t want to go out on work experience – do I have to?

A – It is quite normal to feel nervous and apprehensive about going on work experience.  If you are worried or concerned about anything please see Mrs. Roberts or Mrs. Pollard. .

Q – I will be working for a week, will I get paid for it?

A – No, work experience is part of your learning and no payment can be made to you.

Q – How will I know what to wear and what time I need to be at my placement?

A - Each student is given an individual work experience pack as part of their briefing before they go out on their placement detailing what to wear, who to report to, start and finish times, lunch arrangements etc.

Q – What if I am ill during my placement?

A – If you are too ill to go to your placement you MUST telephone the placement first thing in the morning to explain your absence.