Why do a work placement?

Career information: – find out about this career/area – what does each job actually look like. – find out if you want to follow this career/don’t want to pursue this career
Make contacts (NETWORK) – the employer/owner may: – ask you back – agree to give you a reference – help you get a job/other work experience, etc.
Develop your skills– eg improve your communication skills by talking to other workers, customers, etc
Learn about the world of work and the workplace
Consider the pathways to this career – find out how to get a career in this area eg:

– Can you do an apprenticeship?

– What College/University course should you apply to?

– What qualifications do you need?

– What career opportunities are there in the future?

“my week proved to me that I definitely want to follow this career path – it has made me work harder to make sure I get the grades I need”
“I thought I wanted to be a teacher – my work experience made me see that I did not enjoy this type of job”
“my week showed me that the job is not what thought it was – I am now not interested in a career in law and have arranged another work experience in the summer to help me decide what I do want to do”
“I improved my network of contacts – the employer has given me names of colleagues, one who has agreed to offer me another week next year”
“the manager offered me a part-time summer job after my work experience placement”
“I was offered a 4 year apprenticeship following my placement”

FUTURE PATHWAYS