Work Experience Service Offer
Service Details
Key Benefits
- Access to an online database of employers across Sussex
- Work placement health and safety assessments undertaken on behalf of the school
- Ongoing support for work experience coordinators, including database training, three meetings per year and access to guidance and paperwork online
- Management, investigation and collation of data for all reported accidents and incidents that occur during a work placement.
The service is structured around three levels of support:
Wex-1 Work Experience: Health and Safety Assessment and Support
Aimed at those schools who have staffing in place to be able to manage the work experience process and are provided support by the Wex team to manage. This includes access to a database of employers called ‘aspire’ who potentially could offer work experience placements and is also used by the schools to keep a record of work experience placements. The Wex team will undertake Health and Safety checks on employers on behalf of the schools and provide support via one to one training, phone calls and a dedicated e-mail.
Wex-2 Work Experience: Matched Placement Service
Aimed at those schools who would like to offer work experience but do not have the staffing capacity to do so. The Wex Team takes on the role of the school and arranges placements for students who have chosen placements from aspire or who have found their own placement. The school still has responsibility for certain administrative tasks although the bulk of this is removed through the Wex team arranging the placements.
Wex-3 Work Experience: Bespoke Matched Placement Service for vulnerable learners
A more intensive service aimed at those students who need extra support, are disadvantaged or have additional needs. The Wex team will meet with the student to discuss their career aspirations and interests, in conjunction with a named member of school staff, and also communicate with parents/carers.
The Wex team will source an opportunity that matches the student’s interest or develops transferable skills, arrange a pre-visit and ensure the student is prepared for the placement. They can be met on their first day of placement to help with settling in if needed.
The Wex team will complete the required paperwork with the employer and parent/carer/student, undertake daily attendance checks, undertake a monitoring visit and a post Wex discussion with the student.
Testimonials
"Every individual is very helpful and the Team is a 'well oiled engine' that support each other well" - The Turing School
"The team are brilliant - they are always there at the end of the phone or an email to provide support" - King's Academy Ringmer
"The team are all very helpful and responded quickly to any queries. They work very hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly." - St Catherine's College
If you would be interested in finding out more about the Work Experience service, please email workexperience@eastsussex.gov.uk or visit the Services 2 Schools website.