Meet the Work Experience Team
Who are the Work Experience Team, and what do they do?
My name is Julie Newman, and I’m the Deputy Head of the Work Experience Team. I oversee the day-to-day running of the team.
We’re a team of seven, including four work placement coordinators who manage work experience across the college and coordinate T Level Industry placements. We also have two administrators, who play a hands-on role in ensuring all employer placements meet regulations, like health and safety requirements.
How does the work experience programme support students?
As part of their study programme, all students must complete 35 hours of work experience. Some courses require additional hours to meet professional licensing requirements. T Level students have a bigger commitment, as they must complete 315 hours of work experience as part of their qualification.
T Level students usually work with one or two employers, while students on other study programmes can try multiple placements.
How do students find a work experience placement?
We encourage students to take the lead in finding a placement. It’s a great way for them to build employability skills – contacting employers, sending CVs, and networking.
Our Work Experience Team works closely with curriculum staff to support students in their search. The Employer Team sometimes passes on business contacts, and tutors – who have strong industry experience – often help by connecting students with opportunities.
What industries do students typically need work experience in?
Our students gain experience in a wide range of industries, from fashion and football to manufacturing and engineering. If we offer a course in it, chances are there’s a placement opportunity available.
How does the team help students prepare for their placements?
Throughout the year, we integrate employability skills into the curriculum. We help students write CVs, provide guidance on using platforms like UniFrog, and offer templates to assist with applications.
What role can parents play in supporting their child’s work experience?
Parents can play a key role by using their own connections to find opportunities for their child in their chosen industry. They can also support their child with CV writing and researching companies, and most importantly, encourage their child to take the process seriously and apply to multiple employers.
Parents can also remind their child of the benefits of work experience, which include:
- First-hand experience of the workplace.
- Insight into different industries.
- Developing new skills.
- Boosting confidence and understanding of work environments.
- Exploring different career paths.
Can parents offer placements?
Yes! Some parents provide placements through their own businesses, though we don’t specifically ask. If you or a family member can offer an opportunity, it could make a big difference for a student.
Do placements lead to future opportunities?
Absolutely! Many of our T Level students receive job offers during or after their placements. Work experience can also be a stepping stone to university or full-time employment in the industry.
What if a student struggles to find a placement?
Our coordinators provide one-to-one support, taking personal circumstances into account. If a student isn’t quite ready for the workplace, we help build their confidence through workshops, guest speaker sessions, and industry projects where they’re mentored by employers.
What advice do you have for parents hesitant about offering placements?
By offering a placement, you’re helping to develop the next generation of workers. It can also benefit your business – many companies find that mentoring a young person is a great way to develop their own staff’s skills.