Avital introduction to theworld of work

MatthewBoulton College

Sutton Coldfield College

Work experience is avital introduction to theworld of work forstudents, and hasmanybenefits.

It canact as afuturecareertaster andteach you skills that areinvaluabletopotential employers.

Thereare lots of differentways of obtainingworkexperience. Your school or collegemay have links with employersand be able to putyou in touchwithpeoplewho canhelpadvise you on yourapplication

Many well-known largebusinesses operatetheir ownworkexperience programmes.Itcan be agood idea to speaktothe managerorowner,either in person or by phone, before making a formal application.

Don’tlet thefactthata business does not advertiseworkexperience opportunitiesput you offfromasking if they will take you on.Ifyou areinterested in what abusiness does, it is worth contacting themtosee if they wouldoffer you workexperience

Anotherway to gain valuable,real life experience is throughvolunteering. Helpingothersisnot just hugely satisfying,itcan also help you to make friendsand learn newskills.

As well as benefitting thewider community andmakingadifferencetothe organisation,itshouldalso make you feel pretty good aboutyourself.There isawiderange of charitiesand groups thatare always on thelookout forextra pairsofhands,ofall ages,evenif you canonlyspare acouple of hoursa week

When consideringwhere to volunteer,thinkabout what you feel most strongly about andthenresearch the differentcharities andgroupsin that area in thecommunity.Depending on theorganisationyou choose,you could volunteerinthe evenings,atweekends or in theholidays.

If you go to collegeoruniversity,you maybeableto fittimefor volunteering

-A levels

-Access to Higher Education

-Adultpart-timecourses

-Apprenticeships

- School leavercourses

- Universitylevel around your studiesorjob.Opportunities caninclude activities such as befriending, helpingatevents, fundraising, conservationactivities, providing supporttochildren andolder people Youcan make adifferencetothe lives of others, help theenvironment,or help others less fortunateorwithout avoice

As well as volunteering closeto home,you couldalsoconsiderlendinga hand overseas.There aremany charitiesonthe lookoutfor extra help with projects abroad suchasbuilding schools fordisadvantaged people

Volunteering canhelpyou gain confidencebygivingyou theopportunity to trysomethingnew andbuildareal sense of achievement.

It canhelpyou feel part of something outsideofyourfriends andfamilyand you will meet lots of differentpeople. It will make you feel valued andpart of ateam.

By volunteering,you aredoing what you caninorder to improve theenvironmentaroundyou

Through volunteering you candevelopskillsfor theworkplace from organisational andtimemanagementto communicationand theability to work with differentage groups.Itmay also give youaroute to earn qualifications.

Alot of non-profitorganisations will offertrainingtovolunteers,which oftenleads to accreditationtoo

It canalsobeagreat waytoget work experience in yourchosencareer field andget an insightintothe profession

Employerswill be impressedthat you’veshown initiative by getting some hands-on experience l Formoreinformation about volunteeringvisit www.ncvo.org.uk

As well as lookinggood on your UCAS personal statement, if you are consideringgoing to university,itwill help yourCV to standout toobecause it provesyou canthink independently andthatyou’veshowncommitmentby gettingunpaidwork.

Apprenticeship Programmes at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust is one of the largest employers in the City and offers avariety of apprenticeship programmes which provide afantastic opportunity to step into the NHS.

We areheretooffer you the best possible start and the first steps towards ahighly rewarding career in the NHS.

It is part of our commitment to bring moreyoung people and adult learners into our workforce. Not only can young people and adult learners bring new skills and ideas, but they can help us to maintain atalented, well equipped futureworkforce that represents our local community.

If you areconsidering your futurecareer options and are interested in becoming an apprentice in the NHS, please contact our apprenticeship team on; 01902 307999 ext 88220 or visit the website for moreinformation, listen to video casestudies and search for vacancies at https:// www.royalwolverhampton.nhs.uk/jointeam-rwt/apprenticeships/