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Year 12 Work Experience

Insight into different industry sectors and careers.
Opportunity to use and apply their skills and knowledge in a professional environment.
Aids the development of ‘employability skills/soft skills’ –such as communication, working with others and problem solving.
Builds confidence and self-esteem by showing you what you can achieve outside school.
Opportunity to network, make contacts, enhance your CV with skills and a reference for your UCAS application.

Start early to get the best placements, many schools are out at the same time so it can get competitive looking for placements.
Research options, select a potential employer and approach them directly. A large number of companies offer work experience.
Use your contacts! Ask family/friends/neighbours/teachers/careers adviser if they have any ideas.
Look at university courses and see which ones require work experience/shadowing e.g. Medicine, Dentistry, Teaching, Nursing, Veterinary
Talk to year 13 – see if there are any placements they would recommend
Use the Internet as much as possible to find them! Try:

Before you accept an offer research the employer, check distance to travel, travel times, eating places, etc.

Find out the name of the contact person for WEX or HR Manager
Contact them by email/letter/ phone
Follow up if no response – it shows you are keen and enthusiastic
Make sure you have a CV available
Have a formal covering letter or email explaining who you are and why you want to work at that company

Talk to Mrs Chamberlain if you need support on careers advice.
If you are interested in any of the placements from last year let her know and she can put you in touch with them.

Be ready to work, work safely and within company rules.
Good time keeping – be punctual.
Follow instructions and ask if you are unsure of anything.
Ask questions, it shows you are interested!
Discuss any concerns as they arise with your supervisor or with Mrs Chamberlain.

Remember that you are an ambassador for Bishop Justus School, out in the local community where people know who you are and who we are.
Be smartly dressed, punctual, polite and well behaved.
Work hard and make an effort to contribute, asking questions where you need to – you are there to learn and to experience!
All students will be issued with a log book to record your work experience. Complete it by Friday 17th July and hand it in to your employer to check, sign and bring it back to school.
The following week, write a thank you email or letter to your employer.