Student Guide to Work Experience

Everything you need to know before during and after your placement.

Work experience is your chance to see what the world of work is really like. Whether you are already thinking about a future career or just want to try something new, this is a great opportunity to learn new skills, build your confidence and experience a real workplace.

⚠️ Important:

Make the most of your placement by getting involved, asking questions and giving everything a go!

What is a work experience placement?

A work experience placement gives you the chance to spend time with an employer and experience what it is like to work in a real job.

You will get involved in different tasks, learn from experienced staff and see how a workplace runs day to day. It is all about gaining experience, building confidence and learning skills that will help you in the future.

How do you benefit from a work experience placement?

Work experience is about much more than spending a week away from school. It helps you discover what jobs interest you, develop valuable workplace skills and prepare for your future.

During your placement you could:

Improve your communication skills by speaking and listening to different people.
Learn how to solve problems and think creatively.
Build your confidence and become more independent.
Work as part of a team.
Discover different job roles within an organisation.
Learn about career opportunities you may never have considered before.

A meaningful work experience placement should have:

Clear purpose & learning outcomes
Two-way interaction
Exposure to a range of roles and people
Real tasks or projects
Feedback & reflection

How to find a work experience placement?

Speak to your Work Experience Coordinator about the placements available and the different ways you can find one. They can help you explore opportunities that match your interests and future goals.

Do not be afraid to ask local businesses yourself too – you never know what opportunities are available!

You can also use the Finding your own placement guide to help.

Before your work experience placement

Before your placement starts, you need to contact your employer and visit if possible.

This helps you:

Find out where you will be working.
Meet the people you will be working with.
Practice your journey.
Feel more confident before your first day.

It is also the perfect time to ask questions such as:

What time do I need to arrive?
Where do I report on my first day?
What should I wear?
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Is there somewhere to buy lunch, or should I bring a packed lunch?
Will I need any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

⭐ Remember

You only get one chance to make a first impression!

Travel

Getting to and from your placement is your responsibility.

Before your placement starts, make sure you:

Know exactly how you are travelling.
Check bus or train times if you are using public transport.
Allow extra time in case of delays.
Have a back-up plan if something unexpected happens, like a cancelled bus or a puncture if you are cycling.

⏰Be on time

It shows your employer that you are reliable.

Health and Safety

Your safety is important.

When you arrive on your first day, your employer should explain everything you need to know to keep yourself and others safe.

This should include:

A tour of the workplace.
Fire procedures.
First aid arrangements.
What you will be doing during your placement.
Any areas or tasks you must not enter or do.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
Meeting your colleagues.
Your working hours and break times.
Welfare facilities such as toilets and staff areas.

🤔 Unsure?

If you are ever unsure about something – ask. It is always better to check than to guess.

Employer expectations

Employers understand that you are there to learn – not that you already know everything!

However, they will expect you to:

Be positive.
Show interest.
Be polite and friendly.
Listen carefully and follow instructions.
Work hard.
Be punctual and reliable.
Dress appropriately and maintain good personal hygiene.

Before you start, spend a few minutes looking at the employer's website or social media pages. Knowing what they do will help you feel more confident and show that you are interested.

Your Expectations

Work experience might not be exactly what you imagine – and that is completely normal.

Depending on where you are placed:

You may spend time watching experienced staff before trying tasks yourself.
Some jobs have health and safety rules which mean you cannot do everything.
You might be asked to help with everyday jobs like organising equipment, filing or tidying.
Most placements follow normal working hours rather than school hours.

👋 Learning

Every task, big or small, helps you learn something new.

Verbal and non-verbal communication

The way you communicate says a lot about you.

Show your employer you are interested by asking questions, listening carefully and using positive body language.

Positive body language

Making eye contact
Sitting up straight
Paying attention
Relaxed posture
Keeping hands out of pockets

Negative body language

Staring
Slouching
Yawning
Crossing your arms or legs
Constantly looking at your watch/phone

Small things can make a big difference.

Mobile Phones & Social Media

While you are at work, your focus should be on your placement.

You cannot use your phone during working hours unless you have been given permission from the employer or on a break.

Your phone may need to stay in your bag, locker or be switched to silent.

Never post photos or videos from your placement without permission.
Think carefully before posting anything on social media.
Inappropriate use of phones or social media could result in your placement ending early.

Pay

Work experience is an opportunity to learn, not paid employment.

Because of this, you will not receive payment during your placement – but the experience, skills and confidence you gain are incredibly valuable.

Working hours

Placements take place Monday to Friday during term time.

You could work up to eight hours in one day, including breaks.

When you contact your employer, they will let you know your exact working hours before your placement begins.

Absences - Your student agreement form will have the employer contact details.

If you are running late:

Contact your employer as soon as possible.
Apologise.
Explain why you are delayed.
Tell them when you expect to arrive.

If you are ill:

Contact your employer as early as possible.
Explain why you cannot attend.
Let them know when you expect to return.
Remember to follow your school's absence procedures too.

📱 Communication

Good communication is an important workplace skill.

Placement reflection

Complete your logbook daily to spend some time thinking about what you have learnt on your placement.

Ask yourself:

What tasks did you do today?
What did you enjoy most about today?
Which learning outcomes were met?
Which essential skills did you develop?
Which personal qualities did you display?
What challenged you today, and how did you handle it?
What surprised you today? If nothing stood out, explain why?
What was the most meaningful part of your placement today, and why?

Even if you decide that career is not for you – that is still a success! You have learnt something valuable about what you do (and do not) enjoy.

💡 Experience

Every experience helps you make better decisions about your future.

Remember

✔ Be positive.

✔ Be willing to learn.

✔ Ask questions.

✔ Be polite and respectful.

✔ Be on time.

✔ Try your best.

✔ Enjoy the experience!

🎯 Your goal

Your work experience could be the first step towards your future career – make the most of it!