Work Experience

About Work Experience As a business & enterprise college, Witton Park High School identifies the value of work related learning opportunities, including work experience. Witton Park works with the LEBP (Lancashire Education Business Partnership) to offer all Year 10 students a 2 week placement in a local business to allow them the opportunity to spend a period of time outside the classroom, learning about a particular job or area of work.

What are the benefits of work experience?

The work experience placement benefits Witton Park students in a variety of ways.  During the placement, students will be able to find out what skills employers look for when they're hiring someone to fill a job vacancy.  It is an opportunity for students to:

·         Apply their theory knowledge learnt in a classroom environment

·         Consider career options and post-16 progression routes

·         Discover what you like or don’t like doing

·         Gain practical experience and start to develop employability skills

In addition to this, students will also achieve a work experience certificate for their record of achievement, which is often desired by both employers and colleges alike.

When is it?

The 2 week work experience will take place Monday 7th February until Friday 18th February 2011, inclusive.

What is a self placement?

Placements can vary greatly, the most valuable work experiences are often those that students have particular interest in.  Therefore we offer all students the opportunity to arrange their own self placement with an employer of their choice.

All we ask is that the employer can provide a valid public liability insurance certificate and can meet basic health and safety requirements set out by the LEBP.

If students are not able to find a suitable self placement, then Witton Park will offer a placement based on career choices which are specified by the student. 

In 2009, 40% of students organised self placements, many of which were not possible without the support of parents and guardians.

How do students reflect on their work experience?

We offer a 6 week PSCHEE programme which allows students to consider their expectations and then following the placement, to reflect on their own personal learning.  The programme also allows students to identify new skills they have developed whilst on placement and how the work experience can help inform them of post 16 choices.

Any other questions?

If you have any questions about work experience, please contact Mrs Stringfellow (Work Experience Co-ordinator) or Mrs Curry.