New Hall Work Experience 2025
During the summer break, a number of New Hall students took part in work experience placements across a range of sectors. We are delighted to showcase just a selection of their experiences here. Work experience provides an invaluable opportunity for students to explore different career pathways, develop new skills, and make more informed decisions about their future options and next steps.
Viviana (Year 10) – Chelmsford Community Radio
“As a local radio station, Chelmsford Community Radio allowed me to meet so many Chelmsfordians, who are very spirited about the community and its local radio station. I was given a fascinating insight into the many aspects of how radio works. This included recording and filming a radio show and discovering just how fulfilling it is to work behind the scenes to provide entertainment for thousands of listeners. My time at work experience also helped me to develop some key skills for the workplace such as collaborating and communication.
During the week, we visited Essex and Herts Air Ambulance where we were lucky enough to watch a preview of the first episode of the new Netflix series, Critical: Between Life And Death, in which they are featured. The show depicts a real life emergency from the perspective of the first responders, the trauma teams and the recovery of each person. It was an eye-opening and humbling experience to see how people are devoted to helping others at the worst moment of their lives.
I also helped co-ordinate a radio show about Chelmsford’s ‘Buzz in the City’ trail, searching for all the bees created by local schools, artists, care homes, and community groups. While searching, we came across our school’s bee ‘Beatrice’ and I spoke about her designs and message in the Tens@2 show, which I hosted with Georgia, who was also doing work experience that week.
Lastly, I took part in a Chelmsford Market Fun Day, where Chelmsford Community Radio was broadcasting. I recorded interviews with businesses and people at the fun day, to be included in the show. I am very grateful towards Michelle Durant at CCR for accepting my placement to work at Chelmsford Community Radio this summer, and fortunate to have had such a great experience.”
You can listen to Viviana’s show via the link below:
Chelmsford Community Radio Show
Francis (Year 10) – AI4Good Incubator 2025
“Over the summer I had the opportunity to take part in the AI4Good Incubator 2025, an international programme run by Teens in AI that brought together teenagers from more than 20 countries online. We were placed in teams of four and given just five days to design a technology solution linked to the theme “Planet in Balance – Land, Sea and Sky”, focusing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14 and 15.
My team (from Ghana, Peru & UK) created an AI-powered app that predicts microplastic content in fish, helping raise awareness of ocean pollution. The experience was hands on and intense. We had to agree on a project idea, research quickly, build a prototype, and pitch our product and business case to judges from Accenture, Intel, and Sage, answering challenging questions along the way.
It was a week of learning how to build responsible AI and come up with innovative ideas to solve real world problems. It promoted teamwork (across time zones), critical thinking, tech development and entrepreneurship.
I was proud that our team’s project won one of the top two prizes and will be mentored to develop our app further. I would recommend the experience to everyone!”
Lulu (Year 10) – RW Blears
“During my work experience at RW Blears, I gained a valuable insight into the world of corporate law and how a legal firm operates. As a 15-year-old student, it was my first opportunity to experience a professional environment and see how solicitors work with clients and colleagues. I observed meetings and was introduced to the processes involved in preparing legal documents, including research and drafting. I also had the chance to shadow an associate, which gave me a better understanding of the day-to-day responsibilities involved in legal work. The team was very welcoming and took time to explain their roles, which helped me see how different parts of the firm work together to support businesses and investors. I also learned about the importance of attention to detail and clear communication in legal work. This experience inspired me to think about future career paths and showed me the dedication required to succeed in law. Overall, my time at RW Blears was both enjoyable and educational, giving me confidence for future opportunities.”
Emilia (Year 10) – CBRE Investment Management
“Over the summer holidays, I completed work experience as outlined in the PSHEE course. Personally, I worked at CBRE Investment Management, where I looked at investment opportunities and how a building can be refurbished in line with modern tenant requirements. I chose this placement due to my interests in economics and geography and my own personal desire to work in the City. From this experience I learnt a number of key skills like independence of working without constant supervision, creativity in approaching tasks in various ways and understanding workplace etiquette and behaviour. I also carried the school’s key ethos of care, trust and respect within the workplace. This placement has had a positive influence on my future career plans. The highlight of my placement was seeing the buildings which were discussed in the investment portfolio in real life and feeling like I was part of a team. The lunches were great too!”
Oscar (Year 12) – QRT Equity Trading
“Over the summer I completed multiple work experience placements. They were all useful, but I found my placement at QRT Equity Trading to be the most beneficial. The reason why this was so important for me is due to the applications for both university and degree apprenticeships, the experience gave me an insight into my aspirations and is also extremely relevant and valued on applications. During this placement I spent time with people on the trading team, understanding each role and how they contribute towards the larger picture. From this work experience, I learnt an array of new things such as important of index funds, why companies capital raise and how this opens the door to new investment opportunities in the form of rights issues. The experience I have had has inspired me to work in an institution such as this, providing me with motivation to excel in my final year at school. If any of you are considering work experience, I could not recommend it enough. It doesn’t matter if you know exactly what you want to do or even if you have no idea, they are brilliant opportunities to gain an insight into an industry and help guide you along a path while also expanding your connections in the industry.”
