Work ExperienceGuidelines for Parents | 29th June – 3rd July 2015

Brighton & Hove High School GDST

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ER ITA S EST VIA

what is work experience?Work experience is an opportunity for students to spend some time with an employer or other organisation allowing them to experience, as far as possible, the hours, working conditions and regulations they may encounter when they enter the world of work.

why is it important? As part of the curriculum, work experience can contribute to a student’s careers education, personal and social development and the understanding of a specific subject or course which your daughter may wish to pursue in the future. Prospective employers, training and further education providers (including universities) increasingly look for evidence that candidates have completed a satisfactory period of work experience.

the school’s role...• To prepare students before work experience by setting clear guidelines, aims and objectives• To support students to find appropriate placements• To provide guidance to students to enable them to make the most of every opportunity during their placement, for example, through target setting• To ensure that placements are approved in terms of health and safety and insurance arrangements• To monitor students’ progress during placements• To review their experience when the students return to school

how can parents help?choosing and arranging a placement To help identify a suitable workplace you could discuss your daughter’s interests and how these relate to career opportunities. All types of work

can be considered as a placement, but choices have to be realistic and relate to what employers are able to provide. Students should think as broadly as possible - the more flexible they are the greater the chance of getting a suitable placement. Encourage your daughter to focus on the skills she will gain when choosing her work placement. Of course many of these skills will be transferable.

We strongly recommend students try to find their own work experience as this can ensure that they receive their first choice of placement. Details of the employer must be provided to the school as soon as possible so that the necessary health and safety assessment can be carried out. To facilitate this, your daughter will be asked to provide details of her placement to the school by 13th March 2015 at the latest.

before the placement You can help by checking that your daughter has all the details of her placement, such as contact name and address. Travel, meal and dress arrangements should all be considered. Some employers like students to provide a CV or attend an interview before their placement.

during the placement Students can be nervous during the first few days and they may also find the experience tiring, so it helps if you are aware of this. If your daughter cannot attend work on any day due to ill health, please notify the school and employer. If you have any serious concerns regarding the placement you should contact the school.

after the placement Whilst work experience is discussed when students return to school, you can help by stressing the positive aspects of any placement regardless of whether it was an enjoyable experience or not.

and finally...

• We have arranged work experience for over 25 years and we are proud of our many successes. Many students have gone on to gain part and full-time employment with their host companies. However, it is important to remember that all work placements can be a positive experience regardless of outcome.

• Work experience can give students some surprising insights into the nature of work and become an eventual career choice. Most students receive very positive reports from their employer.

• Work experience also allows students to gain more confidence, work with people in a variety of different groups and understand why discipline and rules are important.

• A work placement should prove both enjoyable and productive and we will do everything we can to ensure your daughter has a positive experience.

• If you know any employers who may be prepared to offer work experience, please pass their details to the school. Even if a placement is not suitable for your child, it may be perfect for another student.

If you need more information please contact:

Mrs Lainchbury | T: 01273 280280 | E: l.lainchbury@bhhs.gdst.net