1. Cockshut Hill College Work Experience

2. Why work experience? Increasing competition for good university places Helps you find out about the skills required for the work place It’s never too early to begin thinking about what you might like to do Helps students to stay motivated for their GCSEs May lead to part-time job or volunteering role.

3. Why work experience? 29% of employers say that experience is critical when recruiting young people and a further 45% say it is significant. The majority of employers think young people are well prepared for work but where they feel they are not well prepared this is down to lack of experience. Lack of experience is also the number one reason that employers turn young job applicants away. 27% of employers offered work experience in the past year (UK Commission for Employment and Skills 2014)

5. Work experience Allows young people to shine in a different way Raises aspirations Helps you learn to communicate with different kinds of people Teaches you about yourself Helps you stand out from the crowd.

6. Real life examples

7. Work experience is not Just making cups of tea! Sitting in the corner waiting to be told what to do About your dream career Paid work An opportunity to ‘doss’ or have a lie-in An option. We want ALL Y11 students to benefit.

8. The process at Cockshut Hill 7-11 th September 2015 Pupils are encouraged to find their own placement. 1.Identify what sector they would like to work in 2.Are there any contacts through family or friends? 3. Search internet, yellow pages etc for businesses 4. Some companies require on-line applications and have set deadlines. Apply early 5. If a company require a school application speak to the Work Experience team

9. The work experience team Miss J Starkey, Admin office Mrs V Savage, Achievement Leader Form Tutors Mrs J McGillicuddy, Assistant Principal Other members of the admin team workexperience@cockshut.bham.sch.uk

10. The process continued Own placement Apply through internet, in person, telephone or letter. (Sample available and Form Tutors can help) When a placement has been agreed, parents and company need to complete a yellow form “Cockshut Hill College Work Experience Own placement form” Return it with any correspondence from employer to the Admin team.

11. All placements must... Have employer liability insurance. Employers will undergo a Health and Safety check with Mainframe Engineering Ltd. Students will not be allowed to work with a sole trader or in certain situations where the risk is considered too great. The deadline for own placements is December 18 th 2014

12. Database of possible placements The college has purchased a database of employers that are H&S checked and have provided places in the past. Students and their parents can access this and apply to companies on it. – Mid November onwards Help is available in our Job Shop, Admin office before school or 3-4pm. Send a number of applications to maximise your chances

14. When a company has agreed Please complete a green form “Cockshut Hill College, Work Experience from Database” Send this to admin office with a copy of any correspondence from the company. Deadline for these placements is February Half- Term.

15. Things to consider Location and transport. (Centro travel planner is very helpful) Your responsibilities and duties Dress code Working hours

16. Preparing our students Students will receive guidance through Form time and assembly activities PSHE Careers programme Job Shop in admin Health & Safety online training Parents will be informed through Letters Text Website Students

17. Any questions