Delivering a smooth experience and measuring outcomes
Step 1: Effective planning
A successful work experience programme starts with clear planning. Begin by setting clear objectives. What skills and insights should students gain? Collaborate with teachers, employers, and students to establish goals that align with curriculum priorities and student aspirations.
- Create a timeline outlining key milestones for student preparation, selection, and reflection.
- Develop templates for application forms, employer agreements (make them as easy to complete as possible), and feedback surveys.
- Allocate time and resources to manage logistics and health and safety assessments.
Step 2: Engaging stakeholders
Strong partnerships are essential. Engaging employers, parents, and the wider community ensures a breadth of student opportunities.
- Offer employers guidance on how to structure meaningful placements.
- Maintain ongoing relationships to encourage repeat participation.
- Encourage parents to tap into their networks for potential placements.
Step 3: Motivating students
Encouraging students to take an active role in finding and securing their work experience placements can be a powerful learning opportunity. Empower them to research potential employers and reach out with enquiries. This hands-on approach fosters independence, confidence, and essential communication skills – all valuable in future career journeys.
To further support your students, you could offer sessions on:
- key employability skills
- CV writing and crafting compelling cover letters
- mock interview sessions
- workplace etiquette
Once a placement has been confirmed, encourage students to conduct thorough research on their chosen company or industry. Understanding the business’s values, goals, and operations will not only help them make a positive impression but also enrich their overall learning experience.
Step 4: Quality and Impact
To ensure each work experience placement is meaningful, it's essential to monitor its quality and provide ongoing support.
- Before the placement, speak to students and employers where possible, to set expectations and confirm suitable tasks and supervision.
- During the placement, encourage students to keep a reflective journal to capture key learning moments and provide a support contact in case any challenges arise.
- After the placement, gather feedback from both students and employers to measure success, celebrate student achievements with certificates or presentations, and use insights to refine and improve future programmes.
By combining these efforts, you can help students approach their work experience placements with confidence and curiosity, setting them up for success.