Work Experience - Year 12

As part of our commitment to supporting students in their journey towards a successful career, we run a programme of work experience for all students in year 12.

This usually takes place during the first week of June. Please note that employers may not be taking students at the moment.

New guidelines stipulate that all students in sixth form must have experience of the world of work. We offer a week placement, with many local businesses offering students opportunities. Where COVID-19 restrictions remain in place, we will support students with opportunities for digital and virtual work placements. It may be possible for students to participate at other times, including school holidays.

There are some restrictions set out by the government regarding what a student can and can't do and they are:

• Placements should link to the programme of study (there should be a clear link to the subjects they are studying)
• Part time jobs don't count.
• A minimum of five days, full time.

We give students access to a large database with almost 4000 different work experience placements across Sussex and further afield in the south east.

Full details of the database and the login details can be found in the Enrichment Module in Canvas. There is also a work experience log on Canvas, which requires students to record their experiences.

We would also encourage students to use the new work experience app, WorkFinder. It is available on Android and iOS.

As thousands of students across the county are competing for placements, we encourage students to apply early and lock in their work experience as early as possible. Larger firms are offering work placements via Zoom, and these fill up quickly, therefore students are encouraged to act quickly when they receive information about these placements.

We have an excellent network of business contacts, and we can always put students in contact with people we know. Students are also welcome to find placements with family contacts if they wish.

In all cases, we will support students to find something meaningful to help prepare them for the wider world of work.