Work Experience

Work experience provides the perfect opportunity to sample a career before making any firm decisions. There are many other benefits to students, including:

• Increasing your understanding of the work environment
• Improving your careers education
• Developing employability skills
• Ruling out career options
• Discovering your strengths, skills, values, motivations and interests
• Meeting new people and build a network of contacts

VIP Week

In June each year, all year 12/lower sixth students take part in our Volunteering & Independent Placement (VIP) Week. This week provides the opportunity for students to gain experiences of workplaces. These experiences should be meaningful and linked to a career aim, area of interest, or gaining employability skills.

Students are encouraged to find experiences that are different to any part-time work they already do. They are tasked with sourcing their own placement, but the Careers Team are on-hand to support with this where needed.

"I learnt quite a lot and have gained experience that has helped me with planning my future."
Samaira Khaled - work experience at Ian Hazard Architect

"My work experience gave me a real insight into how audio engineers set up and prepare for sessions and events in a professional recording studio."
Moses Carpenter - work experience at Beck View Studios

Subject Placements

A number of our Applied General subjects have a work experience unit woven into the course. These students will be fully supported by the Careers Team to find work experience.

The experience can take the form of a traditional face-to-face placement, or a hybrid/remote experience depending on the employer. Experiences should be meaningful and linked directly to students Applied General subjects.

"The experience has been so rewarding watching the children progress with drumming skills throughout the week."
Joe Logue - work experience at St.Martin's Primary School

"I enjoyed the whole experience, particularly working with the public and developing my customer service skills."
Ryan Sollitt - North Bay Railway