Experience of Work
“We can’t be what we haven’t seen.”
Students begin their career journeys with very little experience of the world of work and without that experience, it is impossible for them to know what they want to do in the future. It is important that your child experiences as many different work sectors as possible. Experiences of work include all visits to workplaces (and every trip destination is a workplace for someone) as well as all encounters with employers and employees in school. Experience of work also describes the internal work placements offered in school. These experiences of work allow students to work with staff in a slightly different capacity, develop their Essential Skills, and gives them something to refer to on their first CVs and personal statements. All our internal student vacancies are advertised here.
If your child wants to apply for a vacancy, then you could support them by downloading the application form and helping them to complete it. Once completed, they will be invited to an interview and if successful, offered the position giving them a great experience of the application process even if unsuccessful.
Work Experience
“We don’t know what we like until we’ve tried it.”
Work Experience refers to a short placement at an employer away from Maplewell. It is typically no longer than 5 full days in total. A work experience is more valuable if it is local to their home as this gives them the chance to get to and from work more independently. A work experience is a daunting experience and requires students to have the skills to work independently of Maplewell staff under the supervision of an employee at the workplace. Work experiences are valuable regardless of whether the sector is of direct relevance to a child’s aspirations and the process of experiencing a work place they didn’t like provides an important learning experience.
From Year 11 upwards, if students feel ready to complete a period of work experience, then they (with support from their parents) should approach local employers. Once you have identified an employer who is willing to talk to school about a potential work experience, please forward the details and we will contact them to ensure the correct paperwork is in place.
Work Placement
A work placement is where a student spends a significant part of their curriculum time at a workplace under the supervision of an employer or employee. Placements may account for 3 days of curriculum time and last for up to a full academic year. A work placement is the pinnacle of the experiences of the World of Work and are for students who have completed at least one work experience and want to take the final step before entering the world of work.
Work placements are for students in Post-16 who are following the ‘Work Ready’ 2-year programme.
Again, parents should approach local employers to ask about potential placements. Once you have identified an employer who is willing to talk to school about a potential work experience, please forward the details and we will contact them to ensure the correct paperwork is in place.