Work Experience
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Work Experience LeadMr Julien Lubo |
As part of our careers programme, we provide Year 10 and Year 12 students with the opportunity to take part in Work Experience (WEx).
Participation is not compulsory, but represents the possibility for students to engage in a week long experience that could provide a valuable insight into the world of employment.
Work Experience is an opportunity to experience working life. Harris Academy Purley will do its best to support you with finding a placement. However, many organisations request direct contact from the student. Since placements are incredibly competitive, we strongly advise that you start contacting companies in advance and find a placement yourself. There will be knock backs; no is a common answer, but don't give up! The form at the bottom of the page will help us direct you and support you in finding a suitable organisation to work with for a week.
Work Experience typically takes place over a week in July.
The process
If you wish to take part in the week of work experience, the following steps need to be completed.
- Consider businesses you could approach for a placement
- Complete and return the Work Experience Form by June
- Arrange an interview with your work experience employer
As soon as your form is returned, the Academy will make contact with your prospective employer to confirm the placement and to send them relevant documents.
How to find a placement
A work placement is your opportunity to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work. It can help you decide on your options for after Year 11 and will give you the opportunity to develop and show evidence of vital skills such as self-confidence, communication, independence and a variety of others, depending on what kind of placement you do.
What types of Work Experience can I do? 
Most of you will be expected to find your own placements. Think about what you want to do. What are your favourite subjects? Ask for help making a list of related jobs. If you start looking in time you will be able to find a suitable placement.
English: Newspapers, libraries, press offices, publishers, printers
Maths: Banking, accountancy and finance firms, engineering companies, meteorology
Geography: Environmental services, development organisations, charities, politics
Media: Production companies, broadcasters, radio stations, advertising companies
Art: Museums, galleries, illustrators and publishers, graphic design companies
Family is often a good source for finding placements. Do your parents/guardians do something you are interested in? How about your brothers and sisters or your aunties and uncles? Do you already know anywhere you may like to work? e.g. a shop that you like, or an organisation you pass on the way to school?
Go to www.yell.co.uk and search for a local business in the field of work you would like to do.
Tips for a successful work placement
Successful work placements usually begin with a proactive approach. Start by making a list of around 10 organisations you would like to apply to, then contact them directly to ask whether they offer work experience opportunities. Where possible, call or visit in person rather than relying only on email. Speaking to someone directly shows confidence, organisation and motivation. If visiting is not practical, a phone call is the next best option. You might begin with: “Good afternoon, I’m enquiring about the possibility of a work experience placement with you in July.” If the organisation offers placements, they will explain the next steps.
Competition for work experience can be strong, so it is important to make a positive first impression. Apply early, before other students begin contacting employers, and be ready with the dates you are available. You should also think ahead about travel arrangements: how you will get there, how long the journey will take, how much it will cost, and what time you may need to arrive each day.
Before contacting an employer, be clear about why you want to work there. Consider what a business owner or manager would want to hear from a student requesting a placement. Show genuine interest in their organisation and explain how the experience would help you develop. It is also best to apply for yourself rather than asking for a placement for you and a friend, as employers are more likely to respond positively to students who come across as independent, confident and serious about the opportunity.
Finally, remember that work experience can lead to more than just a one-week placement. If you make a good impression, work hard, and contribute positively, the employer may remember you in future when they are recruiting!
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| Template letter to employers |