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Work experience is avital introduction to the world of work for students, and has many benefits.

It can act as afuturecareer taster and teach you skills that areinvaluable to potential employers.

Thereare lots of different ways of obtaining work experience.

Your school or college may have links with employers and be able to put you in touch with people who can help advise you on your application.

Many well-known large businesses operate their own work experience programmes. It can be agood idea to speak to the manager or owner,either in person or by phone, beforemaking a formal application.

Don’tlet the fact that abusiness does not advertise work experience opportunities put you offfromasking if they will take you on.

If you areinterested in what abusiness does, it is worth contacting them to see if they would offer you work experience.

Another way to gain valuable, real life experience is through volunteering. Helping others is not just hugely satisfying, it can also help you to make friends and learnnew skills.

As well as benefitting the wider community and making adifference to the organisation, it should also make you feel pretty good about yourself.

Thereisawiderange of charities and groups that arealways on the lookout for extra pairs of hands, of all ages, even if you can only spareacouple of hours a week.

When considering wheretovolunteer, think about what you feel most strongly about and then research the different charities and groups in that area in the community

Depending on the organisation you choose, you could volunteer in the evenings, at weekends or in the holidays.

If you go to college or university,you may be able to fit time for volunteering around your studies or job.

Opportunities can include activities such as befriending, helping at events, fundraising, conservation activities, providing support to children and older people.

Youcan make adifference to the lives