WORK EXPERIENCE Monday 29 th April – Thursday 9 th May (including Bank Holiday Monday) 2013

Why do Work experience? What do pupils gain from it? Independence, Maturity, Self-Confidence, An understanding of real life and Social interaction skills. How important is it to do a career they are interested in for the future? Many young people at 14/15 have very little idea what they hope to do in the future beyond continue their education. The most important part of this program is to experience the world beyond education to see what it is like to work with people of different ages & experience and to try out a career area that may lead to future employment even if only as a part-time job to fund further education. Some do try a career they are interested in but the vast majority enjoy an experience of real life work where the skills they are learning are transferable to many career areas. A successful work experience placement is one where a pupil is prepared to make an effort, show enthusiasm and is willing to work.

How do you secure a placement? Two ways: Either Offline – using a form and approaching an employer Or Online – Searching and using the WEX Database

Offline Placements Points to Remember: To ensure placements are checked forms must be returned at the latest by 4 th February 2013 unless the placement is in a post code area of SO… when 7 th January 2013 applies. However the sooner a form is in the better. The parent must have contacted the employer and asked them to sign the declaration at the bottom that they have Employer’s Liability Insurance and agree to Solent EBP visiting for a Health & Safety check and young person risk assessment. Pupils can have 2 different placements for each week but will require 2 forms to be completed. This is not recommended however. Placements outside Southampton/Portsmouth post codes may be liable to a charge of up to £75 and a cheque covering costs would be required before placement is sent for approval.

Online Placements using the WEX Database Pupils have a personal login which is: Firstname.Surname.Day.Month.Year of birth and a password of school1. When they first log in they are asked to input a new password please input school1 to keep this as their password (too many forget what they change it too) Once logged in they are able to search for placements in a number of different ways. There are a very wide range of offers available but none are guaranteed as all the employers listed have the right to withdraw placements at any time. After searching pupils are expected to apply using the system for 4 placements. They should print a copy of these placements, have a parent/guardian sign to approve them and return to Mrs Illsley. She then approves the placements on the system and Solent EBP start to approach the employers on behalf of the pupil. Solent EBP will send messages direct to the pupil and the school when they have news of placements (both positive and negative). When a pupil is matched to a placement the pupil is asked to accept the placement, print off a consent form and contact the employer for an interview. AT NO OTHER TIME DO THEY CONTACT THE EMPLOYER DIRECT IF THEY ARE USING THIS SYSTEM

Which method should I use? If you know exactly where you want to go then the best method is to approach an employer direct and complete an offline form. If you have no real idea then search the WEX database but you can still approach employers direct as long as you do not apply using the WEX system. Again an offline form is completed. If you would prefer not to phone employers and would rather Solent EBP did this then apply for placements on line using the WEX system. If you choose this method you do need to be patient and be prepared to take any of your options. There is no guarantee of gaining your first choice. This method is not ideal if you are not prepared to be flexible in your placement choice.

Important Dates Deadline for Out of Area Placements 7 th January 2013 Deadline for Online Applications 4 th February 2013 Deadline for Offline Placements 4 th February 2013 Work Experience 29 April 2013 – 9 May 2013

Where can I get help/forms etc? Pupils can see Mrs Illsley during period 5 in R Block careers office Parents can phone the school and ask to speak to Mrs Illsley Visit the college website/VLE for a copy of this presentation and the offline form Forms can also be collected from Reception

Support in Year 10 A detailed preparation booklet that pupils will work through during period 5 with their tutor leading up to the experience A debrief day that also considers future plans Post 16 Careers interviews can be booked with our Careers Service Provider A mock interview and feedback from a prospective employer College Taster days and other specialist visits