We aim for every student to attend a period of work experience as part of the training and in preparation for returning to work.

We make every effort to find your ideal placement. We have found that students who are active in finding their own work placement can normally find a very close match to what they want.

Work experience placements do not have to be in an office based environment. If you are interested in a particular area of work (for example shop work, child-care or working with animals) we will try and help you find something suitable.

Frequently asked questions about work experience...

'Why do I have to do it?'
There are many reasons. Often students have been out of the workforce for some time and so confidence building may be the key to finding a job. A period of work experience can also:

help you build self-esteem and confidence for your return to workprovide you with a valuable up-to-date CV (which we help you prepare) and a reference. This shows a future employer that you can use your skills in a working environment.
give you a 'taste' of what it will be like when you return to work.'

Where will it be?'
The work experience co-ordinator will try to help you find a placement in an area that interests you. However, you should use all the contacts you have to get the best possible placement and experience. If you have a friend, neighbour or relative who is employed in a company that might be able to offer you work experience, use this to your advantage. Although we have had a number of placements that we have used in the past, who may be willing to take a student, from our experience some of the best placements are provided by people students know.