• You need to think about where you would like to work in the future
• Although your Academy may help you find a placement, and want you to gain experience in an industry that interests you most, it is your responsibility to find a placement
• Do some research about the organisations that interest you most, and if/how they offer work experience
• Keep an open mind
• Discuss your ideas with your parents/carers and ask for their help. Family and friends can be a good way to find a placement
• Ask your work experience coordinator, teachers, staff or advisors for guidance
• Consider the location of your placement, as you may find it difficult to access public transport, or find it difficult to get there
• Many large organisations such as Barclays work in partnership with other organisations and offer their own work experience programme
• Certain sectors such as retail, hospitality, catering and banks offer their own work experience programmes
• You may want to consider approaching public sector businesses, local charities and local private limited companies to find out about work experience opportunities
• Click here to help you find the right resources

• You will need to make the initial contact with the employer – if possible send a CV and letter to prospective employers
• You can email, send a letter, telephone, or visit (if you receive no reply, follow it up at a later date)
• If you send any written communication, check for spellings and grammar
• If you make a telephone call, prepare what you are going to say
• Make a list of the employers you contact and the date
• Speak to your work experience coordinator if you are finding it difficult to find a placement

Where possible, try to find a placement in a job area that you want to learn more about. However, if this is not possible you will still gain a great deal from an alternative placement as the purpose of work experience is for you to gain an experience of the world of work. You will learn valuable transferable skills and knowledge including how to conduct yourself in the workplace, organise travel arrangements, organise your lunch break and communicate with all levels and types of people.

• Any placement gives you a good experience of life skills while also understanding employer expectations.
• After the placement you may decide that it is the type of job you definitely do or do not want to work in – both are good placements as it is starting to help you make decisions.

• You are expected to work the normal hours of the company
• You are not allowed to be paid by the employer
• No travel expenses can be paid by your academy. However, the employer may offer to reimburse you
• No expenses can be made from your academy for equipment, clothes etc
• Placements abroad are not possible. You should speak to your academy for more information

• Make sure the placement is confirmed and let your academy know
• Sometimes you may have to attend an interview
• Complete any necessary paperwork your academy requests
• Your academy will confirm the placement with the employer and may request additional information
• If your academy provides you with any additional information (e.g. hours, dress code, health and safety) it is essential you keep this information safe
• It is good practice just before the placement, to contact the employer to introduce yourself and confirm that they are expecting you and check the details.
• Make sure you know what hours you are expected to work
• Don’t be late – it is better to be early than late!
• Ensure that you are aware of the transport arrangements BEFORE the day
• Do a “dry run” before. Do not leave it to the weekend or day before (you may not be able to get there!)
• If travelling on your own make sure you know how long it will take
• If travelling by public transport make sure you give yourself plenty of time – remember you may have to walk from the train station or bus stop

Health and Safety
Employers are required to provide a Risk Assessment and a copy of their Employers Liability Insurance before you attend the placement.  This is to ensure your health and safety during the placement.  If for any reason, this is not received, your academy will be unable to authorise the placement and you will be unable to attend. Your academy will inform you and a discussion will take place to see the best way forward. Where possible, your academy  will support you to arrange an alternative.  The earlier your placement is arranged, the more time that will be available if this situation arises and your placement has to be rearranged.

• Make sure that you are prepared for your first day
• Do you have all the relevant information: name, address, telephone number, hours, lunch arrangements, dress code, contact name, who to report to?
• Know how you are going to travel
• Know what you are going to wear
• Take your lunch or money
• Remember your Work Experience Diary (if provided)

Don’t be late!

• You should dress appropriately for the job – you will be told the dress code
• Many employers like smart conventional dress but dress for the occupation – don’t wear a suit if you are working on a farm or building site!
• Pay particular attention to shoes and trousers; many do not allow trainers or jeans
• Appropriate jewellery should be worn (in some occupations it is not allowed)
• Avoid short skirts, low cut tops, strappy t-shirts and shorts
• For some occupations, hair should be tied back
• Make sure you know what you are going to wear before the day and remember it is not a fashion parade!

It is important that you give a good impression to the employer as this is a reflection of you as a person and also your academy. The employer may complete a report on your performance and may also give you a reference for employment, further or higher education.  You would also be helping other students with placements in the future.

• You must adhere to the employer’s working conditions including hours and dress
• You have a responsibility in the workplace to adhere to health and safety procedures and take care of yourself, acting in a safe manner
• You should ensure that you are shown basic health and safety procedures when you arrive (e.g. how to exit the building in the event of a fire, fire escapes etc)
• Ensure that you behave professionally e.g. respect confidentiality, be polite to colleagues and customers, do not use your personal mobile whilst you are working, no gum!
• Taking care also applies when you are travelling to and from your place of work
• If you cannot attend for any reason you MUST ring the employer and your academy
• You should take and complete your Work Experience Diary each day (if provided by your academy)
• Speak to the employer about some of the things you need to complete in the diary
• Ask the employer to complete the Employer’s Report at the end of the placement, if you have been given a Work Experience Diary
• Your attendance will be recorded and your school may ring/visit during the placement

• Pay particular attention to the person you are working with to see how their days are structured and the different types of responsibilities they have in their job role
• Observe other people working and look at the job roles within the company
• Ask questions about the jobs that may be available to you in the future
• Gain as much information as you can by asking different people about their qualifications and their route into their job and career
• Look around you at the working environment
• One day you will seek employment so this is your opportunity to see and take part in a variety of work and learn about business and the roles of people within your organisation
• It can lead to an apprenticeship:  if you are interested so ask the employer, if this as a future pathway
• Ask questions and enjoy the experience

• Send a thank you email or card at the end or after your placement.
• Complete your Work Experience Diary if you have been asked to complete by your academy
• Discuss your experience with family, friends and back at school