Enfield Work
Experience

The Government is committed to raising the employability of young people.

As part of that process most students now go out on work experience as they approach school leaving age (usually aged 14-16 in Years 10 and 11).

The aim is to help them to get a better understanding of, and be better prepared for, life in the adult workplace.

Work experience is usually for one or two weeks at an employer's premises. The aim is for students to carry out tasks much as an employee would, but with the emphasis on learning about the job and the company.

Your child will be encouraged to find their own placement. If they can't find their own, there is a bank of registered, checked placements available from the school work experience co-ordinator. However bear in mind that there is no guarantee they will get the placement they want from this pool of placements, especially if it is a popular one.

Viewing Work Placements Online

About 3-4 months before students go out on work experience, the school work experience co-ordinator will give each student a pin number.

Students can then login from any PC with internet access, look at the work placements available and make their selection. This means that if you have internet access at home you can look at the placements with them and help them choose their work experience.

Students can log in and view their placements online here when they have been given their individual pin number.

Pay

Students are not allowed to be paid for their work experience as it is part of their education. Employers may give financial support to cover meal and travel costs if they wish.

The Interview

The student has to phone to arrange for an informal interview before the placement begins. It is important that they do this as soon as possible because the placement isn't confirmed until they have had their interview. If for any reason the placement doesn't go ahead following the interview they will need time to find an alternative.

The interview itself is part of the learning experience for the student (advice on interviews is available here) and also lets them try out the journey and meet the person they will be working with.

How can I help my child?

These are some of the ways you can help your child get the most out of work experience:

Take an interest and help them find a work placement that they would like to do. For help on how to find a placement click here.
Make sure that all forms and paperwork are returned quickly
Help them to understand the goodwill shown by the employer offering the work placement.
Help them to arrange and prepare for their interview with the employer. It helps if they have thought about why they want to work in a particular workplace, and can come up with good reasons, if asked. Video clip examples of good and bad interviews can be seen here.
It also helps if your child has done their homework about the company they are aiming for. The company may have a website where you can find information.
Help your child to be realistic about what to expect. They may well spend some time making the tea or helping with simple but essential administrative jobs such as filing or photocopying.
Remind your child that if they find they don't understand how to do something they should always ask someone.
It is important to leave a good impression: a work experience student who is polite and helpful may be making contacts which will stand them in good stead later on.

Ensure that your child attends the placement regularly and punctually
Please make sure that both the employer and the school are notified if the student is unable to attend their work placement.
Inform the school or Enfield Work Experience of any difficulties experience during the placement.
Talk to them during the placement about what they are doing and how they are getting on and encourage them to complete their diary.

Encourage your child to have a positive approach to the placement, even if it isn't quite what they expected.

Information for

Parents & Carers