Work Experience information for students

Work20experience_clip_image002Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience will run for 2 weeks from: Monday 2 – Friday 13 July 2012

Work experience can be a great help if you’re still wondering what sort of career you want.  A work placement is your opportunity to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work.

Students – Click here to login to the Webview data base and view placements available and select your choices. – Log in datails can be obtained from your form tutor.

Work20experience_clip_image002Year 10 Work Experience

Information for students

Year 10 Work Experience will run for 2 weeks from:

2 – 13 July 2012

Work experience can be a great help if you’re still wondering what sort of career you want.

A work placement is your opportunity to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work.

Students – Click here to login to the Webview data base and view placements available and select your choices. – Log in datails can be obtained from your form tutor.

A two week taster of life in the work place will help you learn about:

  • Punctuality
  • Dress Code
  • Communication
  • Time Management
  • Pick up new skills, ideas and experiences
  • Customer service
  • work as part of a team

CONTACTING POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS

When contacting potential employers, whether it’s over the phone or face to face, you need to speak clearly and say that you are a Year 10 student and would like to speak with the person who co-ordinates work experience.

Each company will vary from Job Titles for example:

  •  Work Experience Co-ordinator (in a large company)
  •  Personnel Manager
  •  Office Manager / General Manager

When you get through to the relevant person, tell them your name and which school you are from and say that you are seeking a placement for the period 2 – 13 July 2012

If you are visiting the company:

 They may want you to: 

  • Write in for a request or send your CV
  • Ask for School to write in, if so see Mrs Woolsey
  • Come in for a brief interview

Always find out who you are speaking to and their title, so you know who to write to.

Employers are much more likely to accept an application from a keen student with a genuine interest rather than from a school contact.

WRITING IN

Send a covering letter requesting a placement together with your CV

  • Always a good idea to show enthusiasm and say that you are interested in that particular field
  • Give your name and the name of the School and whom they should contact if they need to:

Mrs. S. Woolsey

Conisborough College

Conisborough Crescent

LONDON

SE6 2SE

Telephone Direct: 020 8461 9619

If you are unable to find or need further advice on finding a placement, then please come and see Mrs Woolsey during break times or after school in the ground floor office opposite reception. 

    • Think about what you are going to say before entering the building
    • NEVER GO WITH FRIENDS!
    • Be polite, speak clearly and say that you are seeking a work experience placement and would like to know whom you could speak with or contact.
    • Show enthusiasm and say that you are interested in that particular type of work
      During your placement, you’ll be able to find out what skills employers look for when they’re hiring someone to fill a job vacancy.

You will also get the chance to develop your self-confidence and communication skills. This will help you to work better with other people in further or higher education, as well as in your future career.

HOW TO ORGANISE YOUR PLACEMENT

You will be involved in deciding what sort of area you would like to spend your placement in, and what you’d like to achieve in your time there.  Mrs Woolsey will help you organise your work experience placement and make sure all the paperwork is filled out correctly.

Think about the subjects that you are studying and the sort of career you would like to follow in the future.  Then see if the school has any links with a company that closely matches your needs.  If they dont, they may need to set up new links with a company, but this takes time, so make sure that you mention it early when you’re planning your work placement.

If you’re hoping to work in a popular or exciting industry, such as in TV or film, then competition for work experience can be really tough.  You need to make a big impression when you send your request.

The traditional way of asking for work experience is to put together a cover letter and Curriculum Vitae, otherwise known as a C.V. but here are some basics rules:

  • Research the backgroud of each company you apply to.  Showing you know the business might get you to the top of the pile.
  • A cover letter should explain who you are and why you are interested in work expereince at that particular company.
  • Your C.V. is a document that describes your employment background.  Employers decide whether you are suitable for work experience based on your previous jobs and qualifications.
  • Even if you do not have the experience, sell your skills.
  • Examples are: Strong communication skills, Literacy, ICT Skills, Working to deadlines, Fitting in with new teams quickly.
  • See examples of a Cover Letter and Curriculum Vitae
  • BE SAFE! Booklet