PREPARING FOR WORK EXPERIENCE Learner Journey

Learning Intentions Lesson Aims To help students identify some key ways to be prepared for gaining a placement To identify that there are things to research beforehand and prepare so students are ready When they contact their employer To rehearse how to make a good first impression Key Learning Outcomes By the end of the activity you will: list some information they should research ahead of making contact list some ways they can be prepared before an interview plan appropriate dress and understand how to make a good first impression

Activity 1 You (not your parents/carers) will need to contact an employer to seek a placement by either: Letter/ Telephone call Face to face You will need to be prepared for the request, have done your research and make sure you present the right first image and impression We will plan for this today

Activity 2 Discuss: What would make a confident request for a work experience placement in: 1. An or letter 2. Telephone call 3. Face to face

Activity 3 Get into pairs think about what type of placement you would like and who you could approach write down what you would do as preparation for each method of request. You can: write a script for a telephone call Write a draft /letter you may send Write down things you would say in person

Activity 4 Dos and Don’ts for making a good impression in: /letter Telephone call Face to face meeting

Activity 5 Present your ideas to others in the class

Template letter to an employer requesting a work experience placement Your name Home address 1 Home address 2 Postcode Contact name (HR Manager, Recruitment Manager or Manager) Company Address line 1 Company Address line 2 Postcode Dear Name or Sir/Madam, I am a student from [School name]. I will be completing my work experience from [start date] to [end date] and have chosen to find my own placement. I am hoping that you are able to offer me a placement within your company/organisation. The reason why I would like to complete my placement at (company name) is (Explain why you have chosen to write to them e.g. I am interested in finding out more about….. or I would like to gain experience in….. ) You can also use this section to show what you know about the company: At school I am studying…. Or my hobbies and interests are……… (Tell the company a bit about yourself; include any responsibilities that you have, both in and out of school) I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully or Yours sincerely (if you know the persons name) (sign here) Your name

Don’t forget: Presentation is very important Double check you spellings especially Things that don’t show up on spell Check e.g. names and addresses Get someone to check your letter before you send it Homework sheet