Work Experience

Work experience plays a critical role in helping learners build the employability skills and positive attitudes that employers value. It offers students a firsthand understanding of the skills needed in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, while also fostering a "can-do" mindset. Through work experience, students can identify their strengths and areas for improvement, gaining a clearer sense of their future career goals. This process boosts their confidence in navigating new challenges and working alongside professionals.

In addition to skill development, work experience provides valuable exposure to the realities of the workplace, helping young people understand the demands and expectations of working life. It also opens doors to potential career paths, allowing some to continue in these roles after leaving school. Moreover, work experience often acts as a bridge to further educational opportunities or vocational qualifications, enriching a student's journey toward a successful career. Ultimately, these experiences can guide students in making informed decisions about their professional futures.

Year 10 students will complete work experience from:TBC

We are using Unifrog (www.unifrog.org) to manage the administration of the work experience programme, for example collecting information from the employer about their Risk Assessment and Health & Safety policy, as well as getting agreement from yourselves for the placement to go ahead.

The Process:

1. Agree the Placement: Students need find and confirm the placement with their employer. Details must be entered on Unifrog using the steps below, no later than TBC.

2. Log in to Unifrog: Students log into their Unifrog account via www.unifrog.org. All students have accounts; if they have forgotten their password, they can use the ‘forgotten password’ link on the homepage.

3. Add the Placement: Click on the purple ‘Placements’ button on the homepage.

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5. Select ‘+ Add New Placement’

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7. Complete the ‘Student Initial Form’ including the employer’s contact details.

4. System Notification: Unifrog will automatically email the employer, the parent/carer, and the school to collect necessary information and permissions.

Employer Confirmation of Attendance

Please note that employers will be asked to confirm the student’s attendance each day of the placement.

Additional Information

• Unifrog Guides: Unifrog has created a set of guides to help with placements, availablehttps://www.unifrog.org/placement/guides

• Short Animation: A brief animation explaining the entire process can be found https://www.unifrog.org/placement/guides/how-to-use-the-placements-tool

• Placement Finding Tips: Advice on how to find a placement is also available on Unifrog can be found https://www.unifrog.org/placement/guides/for-students-a-guide-to-placements-work-experience

Next Steps

• An assembly will be held on TBC to introduce the process to students.

• The deadline for completing the ‘Add new placement’ form on Unifrog is TBC.

It's important to remember that work experience may not always align directly with a student's future career path. Therefore, it can be beneficial for your child to focus on gaining experience that will be valuable for part-time work during college or when seeking an apprenticeship. These types of experiences can still offer valuable skills and insights that will help them in their future endeavours, even if the job is not directly related to their ultimate career goal.Mrs. Robb will be overseeing all aspects of work experience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's work experience, please email michelle.robb@notleyhigh.com.

Useful links

Work Experience Template Letter

UK Business Directories

Year 10 Work Experience Top Tips

Work experience is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the world of work, develop valuable skills, and boost your CV. If you take the time to research and arrange your own placement, you’ll increase your chances of working in a field that interests you. Here's how you can find a great work experience (WEX) placement:How to Find a Work Experience Placement:

• Tap into your family network - Family members are often a great source for finding placements. Think about the work your parents, carers, siblings, or extended family do. They may be able to offer you a placement or connect you with someone who can.

• Think about places you already know - Consider places you’d like to work at—whether it’s a shop you visit regularly or a business you pass on your way to school. Walk in and politely ask if they offer work experience opportunities.

• Do online research - If you have a clear idea of what you want to do, search online. Try using directories like Yell. For example, search for "solicitor" in your area, and Yell will show you a list of solicitors in that postcode. There are other business search websites that can help you too, such as Merchant Loan Advance.

• Use Google Maps - Another great tool is Google Maps. Search for businesses, shops, restaurants, cafes, and more near you. It can help you come up with placement ideas and provide contact details for each location.

• Walk around your local high street - You can also pop into various shops and businesses on your local high street to ask about work experience opportunities. It’s a more personal way to approach the businesses and could lead to a placement.

• Explore a range of different businesses - Have you considered places like Boots, Superdrug, pharmacies, hairdressers, garden centres, cinemas, charity shops, libraries, museums, community centres, and churches? Many of these offer work experience placements and can provide useful skills for your future career.

Tips for Success

• Create a list of places to contact - Make a list of at least 10 places you’d like to approach. Call, email, or visit them in person to inquire about work experience opportunities. Be polite and clear in your request. If your first 10 places say no, keep going until you find a yes!

• Don’t ask for placements for you and a friend - Work experience placements are often offered to individuals, not groups. It's best to apply on your own.

• Keep trying, don’t get discouraged - It’s normal to face rejection, but remember—one “yes” is all you need! Some places may not offer placements (like the police or hospitals), but perseverance is key. Keep trying and stay positive!

• Be professional and dependable - If you put in the effort, show up on time, and remain polite and helpful, you'll gain valuable work experience. Not only will you get a positive reference, but you’ll also make connections with people who might hire you in the future.

• Make the most of your work experience - Although it might be challenging at times, remember that work experience is a chance for personal growth and a valuable learning opportunity. Even if the work isn’t exactly what you hoped for, embrace it and you might surprise yourself by enjoying it more than expected.

Work experience is a wonderful way to develop your skills, expand your network, and gain a clearer sense of what careers you might enjoy. Keep a positive attitude, stay persistent, and make the most of every opportunity!

Employers: Can you help?

Year 10 Work Experience Opportunities Notley High School is excited to announce that all Year 10 students will be participating in work experience from  TBC. This invaluable opportunity allows students to gain insight into potential careers, develop their professional skills, and enhance their CVs. 

As part of this process, students are responsible for securing their own placements. However, we understand that some students may not have the necessary contacts or connections, so we are looking to compile a list of local employers who would be willing to offer work experience placements to help those students.

 If you are an employer who would be interested in supporting our students by offering a work experience placement, we would be extremely grateful. Please contact Michelle Robb via email at michelle.robb@notleyhigh.com to let us know if you are able to help. 

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for considering this opportunity to make a positive impact on the next generation.