What is Work Experience? The term 'work experience' generally refers to a specified period of time that an individual spends in a business - during which they have an opportunity to learn directly about working life and the working environment. Some work experience positions offer people the chance to try their hand at particular tasks, others simply provide an opportunity to watch and learn.

Iain Smith, Chesham Grammar Parent Skills Network October 16 th 2013 Work Experience The government has made it optional so it's up to you to decide:

Context and introduction 1 million recent school leavers are unemployed1 million recent school leavers are unemployed -1 in six 16 to 24 year-olds is a "NEET” -Of these around 185,000 are aged Over 10% of 2012 graduates are skill unemployedOver 10% of 2012 graduates are skill unemployed Way more 2013 graduates are unemployedWay more 2013 graduates are unemployed Lots of graduates end up taking non grad jobs....or staying on in even higher educationLots of graduates end up taking non grad jobs....or staying on in even higher education so its tough to get a job regardless of when you leave full time education so its tough to get a job regardless of when you leave full time education

What do employers think? How many believe that work experience is essential to ensure young people are ready for work? Almost 80%

What do employers think? How many are more likely to hire a young person with work experience over someone with none? 67%

What do employers think? How many have given a full-time job to someone they’ve taken on for work experience? 50%

What do employers think? What percentage of businesses have recruited someone from a graduate placement scheme? only 28%

What else do employers think? Young people with work experience are thought to be more employable because: They understand the work environment better and how to conduct themselves in it (77%)They understand the work environment better and how to conduct themselves in it (77%) They have a better attitude towards work and learning on the job (70%)They have a better attitude towards work and learning on the job (70%) They have a better understanding of industry / know what they are getting into (66%)They have a better understanding of industry / know what they are getting into (66%)

What do employers think? More than 60% of employers think that young people do not understand what employers are looking for

So...what are they looking for? Strong core skills such as numeracy, literacy & communication are more valued than academic qualificationsStrong core skills such as numeracy, literacy & communication are more valued than academic qualifications “The skills almost everyone needs to do almost any job”“The skills almost everyone needs to do almost any job” (Confederation of British Industry) Meaning...in a work context:Meaning...in a work context: -self-management -thinking and solving problems -working together and communicating -understanding business -understanding the working environment -numeracy...literacy...IT....communications

And when you have an interview Make sure you have researched THAT companyMake sure you have researched THAT company Have a good set of stories to tellHave a good set of stories to tell Of course, talk about your qualificationsOf course, talk about your qualifications But also show that you have the skills they are looking for...But also show that you have the skills they are looking for......and how you got them...and how you got them

Conclusion: 2 thoughts Getting your qualifications is really important......but just isn't enough Any work experience is good work experience

Parent Skills Network Academic study and the world of work in partnership