Work experience
At Bedlington Academy we firmly believe it is vitally important for our students to experience the world of work first hand. Therefore we expect every child to source a work experience placement for themselves in July of year 10. We use Future Works to carry out all the needed Health and Safety checks to ensure our learners are safe during their placements. It is not necessarily important that students experience a workplace in the industry they are intending on working, as sometimes this is not practical, as they will learn key careers skills during their time on placement that are transferable between jobs.
We recommend beginning to source a placement as early as possible, as places are highly sought after. Generally, employers are happy to be contacted either via telephone, email or in person. We would suggest having a CV ready for employers to look over, and students were provided with support writing a CV during tutor time in year 9. If they require further support writing a CV, there is a template on Unifrog that can help and students will have further sessions in school looking at how to write CVs, both from form tutors and external companies. Students will also take part in a mock interview process within school which should help prepare them for any potential interviews taking place.
If you require support sourcing a placement for your child, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Wright ([email protected]). Students will be given access to the school database of contacts, but unfortunately due to GDPR we cannot share these contacts outside of school. If you would like access to them, we would be more than happy to organise a time for you to use them within school.
Once the paperwork has been returned, checks will be carried out by Future Works before the placement in confirmed. Students will also receive information during tutor time about health and safety in the workplace, correct dress codes and behaviour.
Volunteering provides you with:
- That feel good factor of doing something worthwhile and helpful for others: making a difference.
- Personal growth in confidence, self-esteem and vital life-skills.
- Building career-useful skills and competencies.
- Ingredients to create an irresistible CV for colleges, universities and careers.
- The chance to meet a variety of new people and future friends!
- Fun!