Work experience is the short-term experience of employment, typically arranged for older pupils by schools. The event is usually five days long where students travel to their chosen work experience, which is hopefully something they can see themselves doing in their future career. Typically, work experience ranges from year ten to undergraduates.

As you can imagine, work experience provides a vast amount of skills for those taking part. Not only does it provide independence and an insight into someone’s working daily life but also provides pupils with a greater understanding and new inclusive skills for their chosen career path. Another benefit to work experience is that it creates connections and networks to other people which are incredibly important in later life. Furthermore, work experience tells future employers that the employee is enthusiastic and passionate about their career path.

However, it is very difficult to find work experience unless a pupil knows someone in particular who is in their chosen career. This is because the majority of companies and brands either don’t take part in work experience or are looking for students in university rather than secondary schools.

Whilst work experience is difficult to obtain, there are more benefits than disadvantages. It is amazing to have work experience which provides a student with something they want to do when they’re older and is a great opportunity that no one should turn down.  

Katie Wedge, Bromley High School