WORK EXPERIENCE

At Hardenhuish, work experience is an important part of the schools Careers Programme. Students in Year 10 and Year 12 undertake work experience on a designated week each July.

Work Experience is where the student carries out a particular job or range of tasks, under supervision, within the workplace. As a school, we value the intangible benefits gained through our Work Experience programme and we know that our young people benefit from their experiences.

Work Experience in Year 10

As an integral part of the Key Stage 4 curriculum, we attempt to ensure every Year 10 pupil will spend time in the world of work, allowing them a unique opportunity to enhance their employability skills.

The aim of this activity is to enable pupils to gain valuable experience of the world of work and to demonstrate their skills and abilities whilst working within a team of adults in a real working environment. Work Experience in Year 10 is regarded as a valuable contribution to the preparation for the world of work by assisting in:

  • improving attainment in specific areas/subjects which pupils value for their future careers
  • developing economic and enterprise skills
  • careers education and planning for life after Key Stage 4
  • general maturity, personal and social development

Work Experience in Year 12

Work Experience in Year 12 aims to allow students to gain an understanding of specialist skills and qualities that are required for a career they are interested in, whilst further developing their transferable skills. It will also be likely to form an important part of their personal statement or CV.

Sourcing Placements

All students are expected to source their own placements and the majority find it very beneficial to their future careers to choose and have ownership of their placement. Each year most students arrange their own placement and thoroughly enjoy the experience. Some students may need some assistance with finding and arranging placements and help is available from Ms Brenton.

Work Experience Launch

Work experience is launched to young people and parents in Terms 1 and 2, with detailed information on the processes and timelines involved found in the links at the bottom of this page. Students are encouraged to start the process of arranging their placements as early in the academic year as possible to have the best chance of securing the right opportunity for them.

Can you offer a Work Experience Placement to our young people?

Our young people have an excellent reputation within the local business community and if you can offer a placement, we’d be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you.

Work Experience Contact Information

If you have any queries about the WEX programme, please contact:

Ms Brenton, Careers and Transition Manager

VJB@hardenhuish.wilts.sch.uk

Further Information

For more detailed information on WEX and the processes involved, please read through the following documents:

Y10 WEX Guide

Year 10 Work Experience Form 2023 24

Year 12 Work Experience Form 2023 24

Year 12 Work Experience Form School Holidays or Virtual Placement

Placement Ideas 2023 24

WEX FAQs 2023 24

Y10 WEX Letter Email Template

Information for Employers:

Young Person Risk Assessment – As an employer, you’re required by law to protect your employees, and others, from harm. Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum you must do is:

  • identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards)
  • decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)
  • take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk

Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace.

For most small, low-risk businesses the steps you need to take are straightforward and are explained HERE  –  Risk assessment: Template and examples – HSE  

Appendix 5 HSE Guidance – Young People and WEX (1).pdf