Are you ready for work experience. Have you thought about everything Are you ready for work experience? Have you thought about everything? Is there anything you are still worried about?

What will you wear? Have you spoken to your employer? What are you expected to wear? Are you working indoors or outside? Do you need to be smart? Do you need to take spare clothes? If you need help securing the correct uniform talk to your school and your parents.

Plan your transport. Don’t be late. How are you getting to your work experience? How much will it cost? What time do you need to leave home to make sure you are then in good time. Never be late!

Stay Safe Students should be shown what to do, where to go and what not to do. They have a responsibility for themselves to keep safe as well as others. There are somethings that students will not be able to do because of their age  The employer should inform them of these activities. The significant points will be in the job description. If students have concerns they need to voice them to someone at their placement or contact their school.

Company rules Just like school their will be rules that students need to be aware of and follow. Mobile phones – used according to company policy. Assume they should be off and not out on desks or in the work space with you unless agreed for use of a calculator etc. Social media – positive social media can benefit students and the employers. BUT, students should agree if it can be used and if so what content can be used. If photos are to be used ensure consent is given by the company and anyone appearing in the photo. This is especially the case when working with children. Sick days – if students are sick during their time on work experience they must be aware of the protocol for informing both the employer and the school. Make sure they have a name and contact number and an agreed time people will be notified by. Boredom – If students become bored at during their work placement they need to be proactive in finding ways out of it. Encourage them to talk to employers and request work. Some tasks may be tough, this is not boredom, this is hard work.

Smile, Be Polite, Work Hard. You are an ambassador for your school. Your work experience is an opportunity for you and your career. However you are there representing your school. You’re your employer doesn’t have a good experience with you it reflects badly on your school. Work experience will be hard work but the more effort you put in the more you will get out. Get stuck in for the week and make the most of the opportunity.

Don’t forget to say thank you. At the end of you work experience or even the week after don’t forget to send your employer a thank you letter. Share with them the skills you have learnt. It’s a good way of staying in touch and who knows, in a couple of years you might be working for them full time.