If you’re not an employer you can still get involved in the Work Inspiration campaign.

Parents

Parents naturally want the best for their children, but with so many learning options available it can be difficult for parents to work out the best choice. Parents need to let their children know that they have their best interests at heart, and they should be prepared to have some open, honest, two-sided conversations with them about their future. This means taking the time to do this in a relaxed and thoughtful way, asking questions, and really listening to what their children are saying to them. Alongside access to the appropriate information and advice, parents will then be able to guide their children down the right educational path, without too much emotional upset along the way.

By supporting young people in their work experience programme, parents will find that their child will have a greater understanding of the world of work and be work-ready when they leave education – helping them turn their Work Experience into Work Inspiration.

Young People

You should be asking your work experience provider if you will be attending a Work Inspiration company, and when you get there follow these simple Do’s and Dont’s:

DO ...

• Set clear goals. Identifying what you want to learn from the experience in advance can help keep you focused.
• Keep a record of your achievements so that you leave with a list of the transferable skills you’ve gained.
• Take every opportunity to expand your role; the more tasks you can try your hand at, the better.
• Complete every task, however small, to the best of your ability. If people see you’re hard-working they’ll give you more responsibility.
• Ask if there might be an opportunity to shadow someone senior for a day. Seeing someone actually working in the role you want to aim for can be a great motivator.
• Ask for an appraisal of how you’ve done and note down anything you did well at, as well as areas for improvement.

DON’T ...

• Expect the organisation you’re going to work for to treat you as a child. You’re in an adult environment and need to be respectful of your temporary colleagues.
• Pick a placement without doing your research. If you turn up without knowing anything about the company or the role you won’t get the most from the experience.
• Think of your placement as a holiday from school. Students and teachers should keep in close contact about their progress.
• Go for the first placement that is suggested to you. Think hard about the kind of jobs that appeal to you and try to find one that you could really see yourself doing in the future.