The importance of Work Experience

What is the importance of …Work Experience
Work Experience is time spent in a workplace learning about the job or sector.
Most work experience placements are unpaid however paid work is still considered work experience.
Some organisations have developed and offered virtual work experience placements, this is where you could complete a placement online without visiting the employer.
There are lots of different types of work experience that you can consider and work experience is not just for young people.
School or college work experience placements are those that are organised by your school or college.
School or college placements are usually one or two week’s long and happen in year 10, 11 or 12.
You could also complete a placement on a T Level, BTEC or other work related course.
This could be part of your course and an important aspect of your evidence of ability.
Traineeships give opportunities to get you ready for work or an apprenticeship whilst also gaining some qualifications.
Work Shadowing is an opportunity to watch someone else do their job to understand it better.
Internships are paid periods of work experience that usually last around 2 months in the summer.
Internships are commonly accessed by undergraduates and newly graduated students.
There are other ways to complete work experience but these are some of the most common.
Work experience allows you a chance to gain industry knowledge, build contacts and develop your employability skills.
Work experience often helps people to realise that they either do or don’t want to work in a specific sector and this can be very useful.
If you are interested in gaining work experience, contact a careers advisor or your school, college or university careers or placements team for support.