Work experience
Work experience is any form of experience within a working environment - usually unpaid.
Most people do a week of work experience while at school. But it can be arranged outside of school or college.
Types of work experience
Insight weeks
This is your chance to try out a job and see if you like it. It’s the type of work experience you often get to do while at school and usually lasts for about a week.
Insight weeks:
- give you personal experience of the job
- help you develop skills you will need when applying for a real job
- look good on your CV
Work shadowing
Work shadowing is where you get the chance to follow someone in a job and see what their day-to-day life is like.
It usually lasts for a day or two and you might not get any hands-on work to do. But it does mean you can get to know what the job is like and see if you like it.
How to get work experience
At school
Sometimes in years 11 to 13, your school will organise work experience. It is a great way to see what the world of work is all about.
You might:
- have to find your employer
- go to work with a parent or sibling
- get help from your school in finding a placement
If you are unemployed
Getting work experience does not just have to be when you are in school and it can last longer than a week - depending on the employer. It is an opportunity to learn new practical skills which can help you find a job in the future.
To get work experience:
- Find somewhere you’d like to experience and that you think could offer you a placement. This could even be where a friend or family member works.
- Contact them directly and ask politely and professionally about work experience opportunities.
Benefits of work experience
Develop skills
You can learn so much from a work experience placement.
This includes transferable skills that will boost your employability - like teamwork and time keeping.
Get experience and understanding
You get first-hand experience of a job sector which will give you a real flavour for what a job in this industry will be like. This will give you something to talk about if you apply for a job in that field.
If you do not enjoy your work experience, you'll know that that sector isn't for you.
Build your CV
You can add your work experience to your CV. This is especially useful if it’s in a sector you’re applying for.
You can also use your managers as referees who can testify that you are a hard worker.
It could lead to a permanent job
There is no guarantee that you will get a job after your work experience. However, if you impress your employer enough there is a possibility that they could offer you a job.
Even if the work experience does not lead to a job directly at the company, the experience can certainly help get you another role.
It shows future employers you've got initiative
Getting your own placement will show that you:
- have the initiative and motivation to get experience
- are willing to work hard at any job you are given
These are valuable skills that any employer will look for.
Volunteering
Volunteering is any activity that involves spending time doing unpaid work with the aim of benefiting people, a community or the environment.
How to get involved
The Involve website includes lots of charity and community groups in Bracknell Forest that are looking for volunteers.
Search for volunteering roles on Involve
You can also find local volunteering roles through:
You can also volunteer for a national charity by getting involved in national events, awareness days, charity shops and fundraising.
Here are volunteering links to national charities:
Benefits of volunteering
Develop skills
You can develop new transferrable skills which you can add to your CV.
Employability
Your experiences and skills can make you more employable.
Giving back
It gives you an opportunity to do something rewarding by giving back to your community and helping other people.
Confidence
It can increase your confidence in the working environment.
Friends
It's a chance to meet new people and make new friends.
Get recognition
Vinspired offers awards for those who volunteer a certain number of hours.
References
You will work with people who can act as a referee for future job applications.