Local Head Of LVS Ascot Sixth Form Urges Berkshire Students To Secure Work Experience Now
10 May 2017
Students at sixth forms across Berkshire are being advised by a local Head of Sixth Form to leap into action now to obtain valuable work experience this summer. Dr Paul Hodges, Head of Sixth Form at independent all-ability school LVS Ascot, says that students should be arranging their placements over Easter if they have not done so already and that such placements are gathering increasing importance not just with employers but also for universities as well.
Dr Hodges said: “It is a great idea for young people to gain work experience, especially if they are thinking of applying to university as it provides a degree of professional credibility that will really boost their UCAS application. It is important that students gain genuine value and skills from any work experience placements – it will also give them a good idea as to whether a career in a chosen profession really suits them”.
In a report published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), 66% of employers said that work experience is a critical or significant factor in their recruitment, something LVS Ascot takes seriously with a specific work experience week for Year 12 students, a LinkedIn page that allows parents to offer work experience placements to other students in the Sixth Form and careers advisers available to help with finding the most suitable placements for students. Inspiring placements in the last two years at LVS Ascot have included Facebook’s UK headquarters, Longcross Studios and even working for MPs the week after the Brexit vote.
Here are Dr Paul Hodges’ top tips for securing that all-important work experience placement:
Where to start?
Use your existing network of connections such as family, neighbours and family friends. These people may be able to put you in contact with the human resources department of a company. If you already have a good idea of an organisation you would like to work with, do a web search for their contact details.
Make sure it is relevant and interesting
Think carefully about the career you want to pursue in the future and try to get work experience in that industry. Most employers are happy to be approached and it is often easier to undertake work experience in your local area. Most work experience placements last five days and this can seem like a very long time if you are not really interested in the profession.
Do some research
Make sure the company can offer a varied experience. You should find out the aims and values of the company, the profile of its customers, the nature of the work and also who you will be reporting to during the placement.
Ask for help
The careers advisers at LVS Ascot and sixth form team are available to help with finding the most suitable placements for our students. LVS Ascot has a specific work experience week for Year 12 students and also a LinkedIn page that allows parents to offer work experience placements for other students in the Sixth Form.
Getting in touch
It is really easy to ignore an email so it is always best to telephone the company and ask for the person who organises work experience. Making the call can be a bit daunting and you need to plan what you want to say and write it down beforehand. Have a pen and paper to hand in order to make a note of names and important information. Speak clearly and be polite – introduce yourself and your school before explaining that you are interested in work experience. You should explain briefly why you are interested in the company and the work that they do. The employer may ask for a CV so be prepared to create one that is tailored to the placement.
During the work experience placement make sure you do the following:
Be organised and get involved
Try to make a good impression by being in the right place at the right time and show enthusiasm for the tasks you are given. Employers won’t really know what you are capable of so show initiative and their confidence in you will grow.
Keep a note of what you learn
It is useful to note down any skills you learn or the skills required for a particular job – for example time management, the ability to manage your time and work as a team. Reference these skills and achievements when you write your UCAS personal statement or CV.
Ask questions
Be prepared to ask relevant questions while on your placement as this will help you to understand different aspects of the business. It also shows that you are keen to learn more and are interested in the company. Most people will happily talk about their roles and their career path.
Say thank you
It’s always a good idea to be polite and send a thank you letter following your placement. If a potential employer remembers you for the right reasons they may offer you a position in the future.
Reflect
Reflect on your placement – is it really the right career for you? If you didn’t enjoy the experience, try to work out which components you liked or disliked. This should help you to focus your career path and consider alternatives.
Photo: LVS Ascot student Megan Jenkinson (2nd left) at Facebook’s UK headquarters with LVS Ascot teacher James Paterson and two members of the Facebook staff