A students guide to work experience for 2014 15

cancellation

It is sometimes unavoidable that a company has to cancel. Don’t panic, we will work with you to arrange an alternative placement.

before the placement

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during the placement...

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The school will help you prepare for work experience nearer the time. Things you will need to think about include travel arrangements; what the working hours are; what you should wear and who you will report to.

Be punctual and polite - remember you represent your family and school as well as yourself Observe all rules and regulations Phone both school and employer if you are off sick Complete your diary daily and ask your employer to complete their section before you leave

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after the placement...

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Complete any evaluation work you are given Write a thank you letter to your employer and colleagues

and remember

The majority of students have a fantastic time on work experience and don’t want to return to school. Some move on to work for their companies on either a part or full-time basis.

We want you to enjoy your work experience, so if you are worried or concerned about anything please talk it over with a member of staff.

Work Experience

Guidelines for Students | 29th June – 3rd July 2015

If you need more information please contact: Mrs Lainchbury

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T: 01273 280280

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E: l.lainchbury@bhhs.gdst.net

Brighton & Hove High School GDST

what is work experience?

arranging a placement

Work experience can play a key role in helping you develop an understanding of the world of work.

It will give you an insight into what working is really like. It can also help you think about the options available to you when you leave school.

choosing a placement

Work experience gives you the opportunity to: • Sample working life • Gain more self confidence • Work with people from varied social groups • Find out more about careers you may wish to pursue when you leave full time education • Develop skills which will make you more employable in the future • Discover why things like good timekeeping, self-discipline, rules and regulations are stressed in

school. You’ll find out how important they are at work • See how the school curriculum links into the world of work

is it real work?

The short answer to this is ‘yes’.

• You may be expected to carry out tasks independently; however, sometimes you will be

‘job-shadowing’, learning by watching experienced people and helping them.

• The number of hours worked and the pattern of work can vary from job to job. You should

expect to work the company’s normal working day. You will not be paid for this work.

• Take the opportunity to talk to your colleagues about their jobs, training and qualifications. It

will show you are interested and you will gather useful information. Do your best and where

possible, show that you are a reliable member of the team and willing to learn.

There is a lot of competition for placements so be prepared to be flexible. When considering where you would like to be placed, think about your favourite subjects, your interests both in and out of school and any part-time employment, as well as any career plans you may have. Bear in mind that some placements will be limited so be realistic in your expectations; for example, in a hairdressers you may spend a lot of time sweeping up and making tea. It is important that you consider the skills you will gain from your work experience. Working in a hairdressers will allow you to interact with a variety of customers, improving your confidence and people skills, for example.

finding a placement We will give you support and guidance with how to go about finding a placement Many companies prefer students to contact them directly and give priority to those that write or visit to enquire about a placement. To get ideas look at local company websites We strongly recommend you try to find your own work experience as this can ensure you receive your first choice of placement. When contacting employers remember to state clearly the dates of work experience as well as giving details about yourself. once you have found your placement

You must provide full details of your work placement as soon as possible and by 13 March 2015 at the latest. We will show you how to submit these details on Firefly. We might not be able to authorise your work placement if you miss this deadline as there could be insufficient time for health and safety checks to take place. th

health and safety

The school must have health & safety approval for all placements, without exception. Once your placement is confirmed details are sent for Health & Safety assessment. This ensures that valid insurance and safety procedures are in place at the place of work. A minimum of twelve weeks’ notice is required for these assessments.