Work experience is interesting and often really good fun. It's a great chance for people to:
- get experience of the world of work
- learn about the skills employers look for when they're hiring someone to fill a job vacancy
- work alongside people who have experience in a work area
- develop self-confidence and communication skills
- get a good work-related report to help you apply for future jobs.
If you are an employer and you are interested in offering a young person a work experience placement, please contact the work experience team.
When can I do it?
Many young people do work experience at school during Year 10 or 11, or as part of a college course.
But it is never too late to do work experience at any age, as it can really benefit your employment prospects.
How do I get started?
If you are at school or college, get in touch with your work experience coordinator or teacher, who can help you find a suitable work placement.
You will need permission from your parent or carer, along with all medical information that could affect your health or safety during the placement.
Schools must approve placements and be happy that workplaces meet all health and safety regulations, so it is important that you speak to your school's work experience coordinator.
Your parent or carer will be given information about the placement and know how to contact the school if you are having any problems.
What if I'm not at school?
If you are not at a school or college and have an idea of where you want to work, or what you would like to do, you can organise work experience yourself. You can contact local employers directly, or get advice from Jobcentre Plus.
If you are between 18 and 21 and unemployed Jobcentre Plus can match you with employers looking for people to do work experience. You can now do up to eight weeks work experience without losing your benefits.
Health and safety
Your work experience employer is responsible for your health and safety during your placement. They must carry out a risk assessment of where you will be working. If you are under 16, your parent or carer must sign a consent form to say that they are happy for you to work in that environment.
You are also responsible for your own safety during your placement. Both your school and the employer should provide guidance on how to work safely, understand signs and avoid taking risks.
The employer should:
- show you their fire drill procedure, first aid and accident reporting procedure
- provide you with safety equipment and protective clothing, where appropriate
- point out any hazards associated with the work area.
Work experience at East Sussex County Council
Here at the Council, we offer a range of work experience opportunities to 14 to 19 year olds.
If you are at school or college, please ask your work experience coordinator to contact our work experience team.
East Sussex County Council