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Work Experience

There is no getting away from it - at some point everyone will have to enter the world of work. In order to start preparing you for this you will at some point in your school career, have the opportunity to partake in a work experience arranged through the Trident scheme. The scheme is mostly aimed at Year 10's or in some cases Year 11's (after GCSEs) and normally involves a two-week placement in a place of work. The Trident Trust have got thousands of contacts with local industry in and around your area and will help you apply for a placement. Alternatively, if you have a particular area that you are interested in (e.g. working with animals), you can try and set up your own placement. If you have links with family or friends who have their own business, you could also get a placement there.

You are not just restricted to completing work experience as part of Trident; you can take it upon yourself to get some extra experience in the school holidays. Later on, once you are at college it might be really important that you get as much experience as possible depending on what course or career you are interested in. For example if you want to become a teacher you would have to show that you were committed and have experience of working with children before you were accepted onto a teacher training course.

UP for It's Volunteer and Work Experience Officer, Alice Hickman explains that work experience is a really valuable experience. Firstly it gives you a chance to see if the job is for you. Secondly, you are able to work alongside professionals who are happy to share their knowledge and experience. Finally, providing you make a good impression you will have some useful contacts and hopefully a reference. They might even be so impressed, they may offer you a part-time job, an apprenticeship or a job when you finish studying.

Alice quotes:

"Lots of students use work experience to try out careers that they have in mind, to see if a certain job is right for them before making a commitment. It is really great way to improve your CV. It will also give you great life skills; improve your confidence, communication and ability to work as a team."

Top Tips to make the best of your experience

Be organised

Do not leave it to the last minute to sort out your work placement. Imagine how disappointed you would be if that dream job had already gone, to someone who was a little more organised.

Be prepared

Do your research; this could just be Googling the company to see the sort of work they do or you might be able to speak to someone who already works there.

Get an interview

It might seem very daunting but will be great practice for the future. It will give you the chance to meet the team you will be working with and find out what will be expected of you.

Treat it like a real job not just a break from school

Be punctual, wear appropriate clothes, treat the people around with respect and be sure to follow the procedures set out by your employer.

Record your experience

Write down what you get up to and the skills that you have learnt so that when you have to apply for jobs or college you have something to include on your CV.

ASK

Remember it's always better to ask than to make a mistake. No one will think less of you for admitting you need help, in fact the opposite may be true. By asking for help you will show that you are diligent and trying your best.