Work Experience 2021/2022
At OCA, we understand the importance and value of work experience as outlined below.
Benefits of work experience
It is proven that working at a young age will give teenagers the opportunities to gain vital work experience. By getting the experience from work experience, they will be more mature and enter into an adulthood mind set.
Doing work experience gives OCA students the chance to:
- try out career ideas
- find out more about what’s involved in a job and see if it’s for them
- learn new skills or build on those they already have
- meet new people and grow a network of contacts
- boost confidence and communication skills
- identify any reasonable adjustments needed because of a disability or long-term health condition
Personal skills
Students will also build upon the vital skills required to succeed. Work experience will provide:
- Increased independence and a sense of responsibility
- A positive attitude to team work
- Key work-skills such as customer service, time keeping and priorortising
- Money management skills
- Preparation for full time employment of further education
Other ways to get work experience
There are other useful ways of gaining work experience, like:
Through our DOFE program students are provided with volunteering opportunities to support their success of the Bronze award.
- part-time jobs
- going to company events, real and virtual and open days
- helping friends or family with a business
- setting up your own small business
- entering competitions and skill challenges like The Scholars Programme and DOFE
How work experience looks for 2020/2021
Due to the current pandemic, our approach to work experience has had to adapt in order to follow strict government guidelines on student interactions within the working world.
OCA Virtual work experience
Students will be updated on regular opportunities for virtual work experience opportunities which will provide them with the vital experience they need to build upon their essential skills
Student opportunities
Eye opening work experience for young people!
Speakers for schools link employers with young people to deliver quality experiences that craft career ambitions with and unrelenting focus on equal access to opportunities at the top.
For a full list of placements and student sign- up http://www.s4snextgen.org/
For more information https://www.speakersforschools.org/experience/
The UK Work Experience Programme
The UK Work Experience Programme is for students looking for a work experience placement with a leading global bank. The programme provides opportunities to gain some hands-on experience, develop your knowledge of banking and financial services, and explore the careers available at HSBC in the UK. Students should note that this is an unpaid work experience programme.
Who can apply?
This programme is aimed at those in the later years of full-time secondary, sixth form or college education who are keen to get an introduction to what a career in financial services may be like.
The work experience opportunities will be available through June to August 2022. The applications open in December 2021 and they close on the 20th February 2022.
You are encouraged to choose and apply for a location to which you can reasonably commute as early as possible, as applications will close when all placements are filled.
Early Careers Magazine 2022
How to reach them
For more details contact [email protected]
Digital and media arts
Incorporated into the Get It Loud In Libraries programme is the GILIL Academy which supports young people’s participation and talent development in creative and cultural activities. The GILIL Academy provides unique learning opportunities for young people to engage with live music through workshops, mentoring and work placements.
There are two strands to the GILIL Academy. The digital media strand offers young people mentoring and learning in the digital and creative industries. Working with young people who are often excluded and living in socially challenging circumstances, this programmes supports young people to gain skills in film, photography, social media and blogging. The programme also provides arts management opportunities for young people to participate in the core programme, supporting the event management of our gigs, with marketing activities, ticket sales and merchandising.
For more information
Visit https://getitloudinlibraries.com/academy
Build your profile
Show employers and universities what you’re capable of. Your profile will always be developing as you upskill and gain experience. It’s a record that you’ll use for CVs and for Personal Statements.
Join work experience programmes that you care about
Take part in live work experience programmes with top employers so that you can add experience and skills to your profile.
Available opportunities
Chartered Institute of Marketing - Marketing Virtual Work Experience February 2021 https://www.springpod.co.uk/marketing-virtual-work-experience/
Vodafone - Innovators Virtual Work Experience https://www.springpod.co.uk/vodafone-virtual-work-experience/
Law Virtual Work Experience https://www.springpod.co.uk/law-virtual-work-experience/
Teaching Virtual Work Experience https://www.springpod.co.uk/teaching-virtual-work-experience/
Nestlé - Employability Skills Programme https://www.springpod.co.uk/nestle-employability-skills-programme/
Finance Virtual Work Experience https://www.springpod.co.uk/finance-virtual-work-experience/
BT - Insight Day https://www.springpod.co.uk/bt-insight-day/
Journalism Virtual Work Experience https://www.springpod.co.uk/journalism-virtual-work-experience/
NHS Healthcare Work Experience
The Only LIVE NHS Healthcare Careers Virtual Work Experience in the UK Run by Healthcare Professionals!
Let us help you to take your first steps into the world of healthcare careers. This is a flexible virtual work experience programme that you can tailor around you, by selecting from a choice of dates. It is live, giving you the chance to interact will healthcare professionals, but from the comfort and safety of your own home. Join thousands of other students who are exploring healthcare careers with the help of our LIVE simulated high fidelity work experience programme!
Completely Unique Experience
Follow patients over a 6-month period as they go from diagnosis, to treatment and follow up, that is provided by real healthcare professionals and a multidisciplinary team.
As a student, you will be able to ask any of the healthcare professionals questions about the cases you see. It will be as if you are really there, but from the comfort of your own home and without putting you at risk during the COVID pandemic. Allied Healthcare Mentor are committed to ensuring that students still have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into healthcare careers, even in these difficult times.
Visit - https://uni4me.co.uk/activities/allied-healthcare-virtual-work-experience
Mobile App work experience
EduKit is looking for students to help with the design, testing and launch of our wellbeing app for teenagers.
Students will be able to participate remotely in the following roles:
- Design Consultant - responsible for reviewing the app and making design recommendations
- PR / Marketing Consultant - helping to promote the app in the press (including writing press releases and speaking to journalists)
- Product Tester - testing the app, logging bugs and helping the customer support team
All students who complete their work experience will be awarded an Certificate Of Achievement and can add the experience to their CV. References also available
What is the GT Scholars Programme?
GT Scholars is a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity that is open to all young people. They run a range of after-school leadership programmes that help young people aged 11-18, achieve their academic and career aspirations!
Young people are gifted & talented
They believe that all young people have their own unique set of gifts, talents and strengths and they can achieve amazing things when they are given the chance to build on their natural strengths and develop new skills. If you believe the same thing, then you’re in the right place!
Leadership & Learning Strands
So how can they help you? They have four key learning strands which ensure that their scholars are equipped with the strategies, skill and support needed to achieve their goals.
Leadership & Learning Strands
So how can they help you? They have four key learning strands which ensure that their scholars are equipped with the strategies, skill and support needed to achieve their goals.
Scholars Programmes
Learn more about their amazing range of programmes which are designed to raise aspirations of all students.
JOIN THEM SATURDAY 25th FEBRUARY FOR THEIR LIVE VIRTUAL EVENT
Visit https://gtscholars.org
Interested in work experience in 2021/2022
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service offer work experience places for year 10 students who attend school in the Cheshire, Halton and Warrington areas.
The placement will take place primarily at Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, Sadler Road, Winsford, CW7 2FQ, and also at our safety centre, Safety Central, Cliff Lane, Lymm, Warrington, WA13 0TE. However it may also involve visiting other sites. Students would be responsible for their own travel to and from locations.
Programme Timetable: Please find the link for the previous work experience programme timetable, please note that this is to be used as a guide only and is not the actual timetable for the 2020 work experience programme. The programme for 2020 is yet to be finalised and will be provided to successful students nearer the time. 2018 Work Experience Programme timetable - previous years programme timetable (new window, Excel Document 11KB)
Due to the investment in our year 10 programme, we are unable to offer work experience placements to any other age groups.
Important notice - Please note that the application process for the 2022 work experience programme is currently not open.
They are not sure whether they will be able to deliver their traditional work experience programme I 2022 due to COVID. They will review the situation early 2022.
CONTACT US:
If you are a school, or student who is interested in work experience with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2021, please contact us to provide your contact details, so that we can contact you when the 2021 work experience programme opens.
School Enquiries, please provide:
- The name of the school
- Email contact for the school office and the work experience lead for the school
Student Enquiries, please provide:
- Student name
- Student email address
Please contact Linsey Daniels E: [email protected]
Useful websites
National careers service
TEL:0800 100 900
Website - https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/explore-careers
NCS offer free and impartial information, advice and guidance to help students with decisions about careers, courses and work.
This service is available to people who live in England and is supported by qualified careers advisers.
The Careers and enterprise service
Visit https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk/about-us
The Careers and Enterprise Company exists to facilitate a world-class careers education, inspiring and preparing young people for the world of work.
Dates for Year 10 Work Experience 2022:
A work experience placement enables students to develop their employability skills and helps them to think about jobs they could do in the future.
All students at Ormiston Chadwick Academy have the opportunity to go on a work experience placement during Year 10. Miss McNeill and Mrs Killigrew will assist students with obtaining a placement. Students/parents can also arrange their own placement (self-placement forms are available from Miss McNeill and Miss Killigrew from September of Year 10 onwards).
Year 10 Step by Step Guide to Work Experience
- Year 10 students have the opportunity to participate in virtual work experience during this academic year. The dates are varied depending on the chosen placement.
- You must check the different websites on a regular basis for new opportunities that may interest you.
- Placements can be between one and three days in length, some are available at weekends.
- You are encouraged to independently research and enquire about placement opportunities. Links to all the available work experience are displayed on the website and through the OCA social media
- Placements should relate to career interests and the curriculum choices that you have made.
- All students are expected to complete a ‘Career Aspirations’ form, this will be given to you by your form tutor. I strongly recommend that each student gives as much information as possible on this form, this in turn will allow me to research and possibly assist you in acquiring a placement.
- Students should look to secure the most beneficial placement possible. Do not take the easy option.
- For virtual work experience you will be required to apply for the placement which will then be sent to me for approval, then confirmation of the placement will be sent to you. You must allow at least 4 weeks for the process to take place so ensure that you are meeting the deadlines for application on each of the different websites.
- Once a placement is secured, the necessary actions will be put in place to ensure your experience runs smoothly and efficiently during the school day.
- Please check Unifrog as there is a copy of a CV / Cover Letter template with advice on how to complete it to help you should you wish to contact an employer.
If you have any queries, please call to my office to see me.
Evaluations 2018/19
'My work experience was really good. I learned a lot of new skills, for example, I learned how to communicate with foreign children who couldn't speak English, and how to deal with young children fighting. I formed some great relationships with the students and staff I didn't know. On Wednesday the 6th February, I worked with reception and year 1 celebrating Chinese new year and making Chinese lanterns and I also did Phonics with a small group of children. On Thursday the 7th we continued to celebrate Chinese new year and had a little play outside. Today I was with year 2 and we had magic maths in the morning, this is where parents come in for a hour and do maths with their children. After that, we did science, English, RE and had golden time at the end of the day for a hour. I worked 1 to 1 with a few of the lower students in the class. I helped with admin jobs such as photocopying and printing etc. and I played some games with the students and read books with those who where sent on a time out for their behaviour in class. In conclusion it was such a great experience and I would love an opportunity like this again.' Charlotte Gorry
'I enjoyed my work experience in Upton Community Centre Cafe. I learnt the skills of teamwork and organisation and worked well under pressure. Everyone there was really lovely and polite. I am going back there over the summer to volunteer to gain more experience of building customer relations.' Tilly Adams
'I enjoyed my work experience a lot, and the children were lovely and welcoming from the beginning to end. I was a classroom assistant at St. Michael's Catholic Primary School. I helped with subject such as RE and Spanish and I also did some scribing for 2 boys in the class. I learnt about communication skills and really improved my patience. It was an amazing experience and I'd love to go back.' Lilli Wilkerson
'I enjoyed the workplace and learnt many valuable skills. Some of these include; teamwork, communication, tolerance and all were developed in an unknown environment.' Adam Twigg
'I did my work experience at Liverpool airport. I experienced how to speak to customers politely and professionally. We also experienced teamwork and problem solving at the fire station. I also got to find out the meaning of hard work when doing a 12 hour shift.' Kieran O'Dea
'I really enjoyed my work experience. I got to work with the public which I think will be very beneficial for me in the future. The staff were very friendly and welcoming to me for the 3 days. This was a very different experience for me and the staff were very happy with the work I did in Vanity Salon.' Lily Bird
'My work experience was amazing at Halton Hospital, I loved my 3 days there and didn't want to leave. My duties included:
- giving the patients their breakfast and dinner
- general conversations with patients
- admin tasks
- shadowing carers with their daily routines
Beth Kenny
PREVIOUS EVALUATIONS:
Speedworks Motorsport is a British motor racing team based in Sandbach, Cheshire, I went to Speedworks Motorsport to work with their team of mechanics for my work experience, I found the whole experience to be a fantastic opportunity. I got to learn how a motorworks team really operates behind the scenes. I will never forget my experience at Speedworks it has helped me to establish my future career possibilities. NICOLE FLETCHER
I had a fantastic opportunity to undertake my work experience as an 'Assistant Chef' at The Quarter Restaurant in the Hope Street area of Liverpool. On arrival the staff were friendly, helpful and patient. I learned new techniques in relation to food preparation. The chain also own 60 Hope Street and Host Restaurant and I was given the opportunity to spend time in each resaurant and experience first-hand the running of the kitchens. I would highly commend The Quarter Restaurant, the food is freshly prepared, it has a really good atmosphere and the staff are helpful and friendly. RYAN MCINTOSH
VINCI Construction UK is a national construction and facilities company. Undertaking my work Experience at Vinci Construction really helped me clarify my thoughts about my future. Steven Bowen, Quantity Surveyor on site did a great job of making me feel welcome as did the rest of the team. I feel I have a reasonable insight into the role of a Quantity Surveyor, I could easily have stayed for longer had I not had serious work to return to at school, however if I could, I would definitely go back again. EMILY BROWN
My work experience was at the Cheshire Fire Safety HQ in Winsford. The amount of different things we did were amazing. I learned so much and I was only there for a week! It was a spectacular experience and I would love to work in that line of work. I may even look to become a firefighter. TASH STANKAVITCH
Best experience ever! I learned so many new skills and had an amazing time at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Headquarters. SIAN DAVIES
I really enjoyed working in a radio station. It gave me the confidence to talk to people and I learned me how research and prepare questions in advance of interviewing guests. I now know what a radio station really looks and works like. I really love music so I had an awesome time. I am hoping to do some voluntary work at the station on a Saturday. ELLIE UNSWORTH
Work experience at Santander was an insightful event, we got to see the flipside of a bank and the business workings that go into running it. Working in different areas of the bank meant that we got to experience a taste of different job roles. We particularly enjoyed 'Business Banking' as this allowed us to interact with the customer. CHLOE ROSS & CHARLEIGH HUGHES
Cerys Hodson worked at The Liverpool School of English in May this year and while she was here displayed maturity, a willingness to work in isolation and as part of a team. Her confidence grew by the day.
Cerys has a good ‘attention to detail’ and was never afraid to ask questions. She spent time working in the International Operations department and also observed some of our English classes.
Later in the summer we invited Cerys to volunteer as a Student Ambassador at our International Summer School during the summer holiday; which she did and I am sure will be back in future years.
Cerys’s placement is a wonderful example of how this programme can work for both student and company.
Cerys’s qualities have helped her achieve beyond our expectations for someone so young. She is a very bright young lady who smiles her way through the day and is a pleasure to have around.
I wish Cerys the very best for her future and I am sure we will see Cerys again very soon.
JEANNETTE LEIGH, THE LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ENGLISH