Work experience
What is work experience
Work experience is an unpaid opportunity for students to experience working life while they are still at school. This may or may not be linked to their programme of study. Good placements take account of student's choices as well as an assessment of what is desirable for each student.
During a placement, a student will be able to find out what skills employers look for when they're hiring someone to fill a job vacancy and have the opportunity to develop self-confidence and communication skills. This will help students to work better with other people in further or higher education, as well as in their future career.
Within schools and colleges, work placements are only available from Years 10 and 11 upwards.
What is Tamar Education Business Partnership’s (Tamar EBP) involvement?
Tamar EBP recognise the growing responsibilities placed upon all employers and acts as a broker to support the schools seeking placements and the companies offering them.
Our organisation will assist companies to ensure that placements, which can be in short supply in particular areas, are distributed equally amongst local schools ensuring appropriate matches are made to suit the employer and student. This one stop shop also avoids companies being inundated with excessive work experience requests and administration.
How does work experience benefit an employer?
- Encourages staff development, including management training through internal supervisory and coaching skills.
- Builds and maintains links with local schools to attract school leavers and reduce potential recruitment costs.
- Helps identify the potential and quality of young people coming onto the labour market.
- Raise career profile opportunities within the workplace, highlighting possibilities within declining industries.
- Assists in the promotion of vocational qualifications, including specialised diplomas, through structured work experience.
- Improves company and community awareness. Work experience presents a positive image amongst students, teachers, parents and employees.
How can you help?
Work experience offers the students of today the opportunity to prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
What do you do next?
Contact the Work Experience Team at Tamar Education Business Partnership about the arrangements in place for your area. They will talk you through the basic procedures either on the telephone or by a visit to your office. A direct contact with the school or local co-ordinating agency should follow as soon as possible.
Safeguarding children on work experience and work related learning [1MB]