Work Experience

Work Experience is key to bridging the gap between education and the world of work.

Work experience can open your eyes to jobs you have never thought of. Work experience also helps inform inform career decisions, offer a chance to prove yourself to an employer and help instil the attitudes and behaviours expected whilst at work.

Students aged below 19 on the 31st of August during enrolment must complete an element of Work Experience as a part of their chosen Study Programme. This is a directive from the Department for Education, and one we believe enhances your learning experience and prepares you for future employment.

Below are some frequently asked questions about work placements:

• Why is Work Experience important?

  Your Work Experience placement may be your first time in the world of work, and an invaluable opportunity to improve your employability skills. This is key to finding employment in the future. Work Experience is the best way to get a real taste of your chosen industry and check it is definitely something you wish to pursue in the future.

  Many employers ask for previous experience when advertising for jobs, and if students have not had a job, they will look to see the work experience they have undertaken.

• When do students go on work experience?

  Work Experience placements take place during the academic year, during predetermined periods. You will be given plenty of notice before attending a placement. 

  

• Where will my placement be, and how is it organised?

  Work experience placements can be organised in one of three ways:

  1. Students are advised to research and source their own placement.
  2. Students may be commissioned to complete external project work on behalf on an organisation.
  3. The Work Placement Team can support some students that are struggling to find a suitable placement.

  Students taking the UCAS route in their second year Level 3 Qualification are not obligated to undertake a Work Experience placement, however, if they wish to, they are more than welcome to seek their own and the Work Experience Team can organise the placement.

  Work Experience Placements can only take place once the Work Team have done all necessary pre-placement preparation.

• Who can I speak to about work experience placements?

  The Work Placement team can answer any questions you may have. Please email workexperience@northamptoncollege.ac.uk, or alternatively, the team can be found in the Business Centre (D1.09).