Work Experience

Work experience will help you to understand what it might be like to work in a particular job.

At school / college

Most York schools offer you a one or two week work placement during Years 10 and 11 through 'York Trident'.

You may also gain some work experience as part of a course, eg a diploma in engineering will offer a minimum of 10 days work experience.

If you are taking a work-related course or a young apprenticeship work experience will be a major part of your course work.

Part-time work

This could be during the holidays, at weekends, or before/after school or college.

How do I find part-time work, or get work experience?

Often part-time work isn't advertised. So, its a good idea to make contact with places you would like to work. Call in, write or email. You may be asked to leave a CV, or contact details, so take copies just in case.

If you are taking an advanced level course and need relevant work experience to improve your chances of getting onto a competitive course, (eg law, medicine, physiotherapy) try to make contact with local employers and speak to family members who can help.

What will I gain?

• Useful experience
• New skills
• An opportunity to explore a future career in more detail
• Contacts and experience that may help you to get a course or job in the future
• Self-confidence and improved social skills
• Money (for part-time work)

Interview

We speak to Miriam, 14, of Woldgate College, who recently completed a work placement in York.

I recently went on work experience at a communications agency with a graphic design department called "Stone Soup". I was really pleased with the placement as I had wanted a placement linked with graphic design as I aspire to be a graphic designer/photographer. The placement really gave me an insight into the design industry and how it works. It was much less large scale than I thought with less staff at the agency than I first imagined.

This was a positive as working with a smaller group of people means that I got given work that challenged me and got one-on-one advice and help from people there. I don’t think there was anything negative about the experience as overall it has widened my knowledge of design practices and also the fields that link with graphic design like administration and account handling.

As well as this it also gave me the experience of working a full day (9.00–5.30), which is more tiring than I first thought.

The experience has overall been a positive one and I now know what working in a design agency is like and can choose a good job in future.

Volunteering

Volunteering means giving up some of your free time to help others, without payment (although expenses may be paid).

Hints and tips

• Remember, you can ask your Connexions Personal Adviser, or school/college for advice.
• For work placements at school/college, speak to your work experience or careers coordinator.
• There are rules and regulations about the hours you can work.