Work Experience
Introduction
As part of the curriculum, all pupils in and Year 12 take part in a block work experience placement, organised through Proactive Education, usually in the summer term. Work experience gives pupils an understanding and experience of working life and enhances their life skills.
You can login to the proactive website here Proactive login
Work Placement Forms
Download a copy of the physical work placement form Physical work placement form
Download a copy of the virtual work placement form Virtual work placement form
Resources
How to make a telephone call Telephone resources
A template email/ letter than you adapt to send to potential employers Template letter
How to use the Proactive database Proactive database
Virtual Work Experience
Virtual Work Experience Opportunities
Virtual Work Experience is a broad term and can include any opportunity carried out remotely, which provides young people with an insight into what it’s like to work in an industry or job role. Most virtual work experiences range from half a day to one week, but some may last longer depending on the nature of the work experience.
Not all virtual work experience is the same. Some are open to everyone and provide a platform for students to discover more about the job, view pre-recorded videos on what it’s like to work with the organisation, go on virtual tours and possibly take part in some live Q&A sessions. Others may require students to go through an application process and offer regular online meetings with a supervisor, individual project work, networking sessions, training opportunities and video tutorials.
Please find below a wide range of virtual experiences available.
Explore Virtual Work Experience Programs
Forage website Bite-sized 5-6 hour virtual work experience programs that give students a genuine career advantage with Fortune 500 companies
Springpod Explore your options, get experience with the world's top employers and be confident about your career choices.
Speakers for schools UK’s top provider of high quality Virtual Work Experience
Virtual Work Experience Services
Art and Creative industry virtual experiences
Due to the hands on nature of Art and Creative industry roles, virtual experiences can be hard to find. We have done our best to find some videos and information that may help you.
- Access VFX - Get a mentor - Live insights from real employees in VFX, Animation and Games
- Association of Photographers - Videos from a number of professionals!
- The Candidate - A blog and advice on a digital media virtual experience.
- Screen Skills - Go behind the scenes on a film set and explore the many roles that play a part in making a TV programme or movie.
- Summer of Animation - Animation Masterclasses including Storytelling, Storyboarding, 3D Modelling and so much more
- Art & Design General includes: Careers in Art, How to Start an Art Business, Types of Design Career, What is Graphic Design?, Animation, Tattoo Artist
Health, Sports and Psychology
Brighton and Sussex Medical School – becoming a Doctor Have you thought about maybe becoming a Doctor or studying medicine? Work experience is an incredibly important part of this and it is essential that you start preparing yourself early. Brighton and Sussex Medical School have put together a wonderful opportunity for all who are considering medicine to gain some valuable work experience with them.
First Aid Introduction to First Aid Knowledge in First Aid is useful for all walks of life and different careers. It will obviously also be incredibly useful if you are considering a career in healthcare
Healthcare If you are thinking about going into Healthcare, becoming a Nurse or another allied health profession then this is a really great insight into caring for adults
NHS Virtual Reality - A full immersive experience in the day in the life of a number of NHS roles!
Psychological Research Introduction to Psychology for those who are interested in pursuing a career in any of the caring/social/Mental Health professions
Social Work Interview with a Social Worker A real life Social worker talks about their job and role and what is involved in becoming a Social Worker
Childcare Our NurseryVue app builds learner confidence and prepares them for work experience by exploring childcare health and safety issues and solutions from the comfort of their own learning environment.
Sheffield teaching hospitals We have put together this virtual resource that will assist you in carrying out alternative work experience. The resource contains information on a variety of job roles within the NHS, both clinical and non-clinical.
Online health courses Whether you're seeking a better understanding of health to grow your professional skills or you want to learn new health skills and help prevent accidents and injury, Alison's free online health courses are a great place to start. Explore our range of online health courses where you can learn about supporting individuals with mental health issues, caring for the elderly or disabled, caregiving and patient care, CPR, first aid, workplace safety and health, basic life support, nursing studies and other health and wellness issues with courses from top institutions. Courses range from certificate to diploma level and are suitable for learners of all types, from beginners to healthcare professionals.
Health, sports and psychology online courses
Social Work; Careers in Social Work, What is Social Work?, Criminology
Healthcare; Hospital Careers, GP Careers, Types of Nursing, Dentist Careers, Pharmacy Careers, Paramedic Careers, Being a Midwife, Physiotherapy Careers
Care; Careers in Childcare, Adult Care Careers, Careers in Mental Health Care, Family Support Worker
Psychology and Therapy; Psychology Careers, Meet a Clinical Psychologist, What is Occupational Therapy?, How Psychotherapy Works, What is Forensic Psychology?
Science, Technology and Maths
Architecture/ Design Halliday Fraser Munroe This course is suitable for year 10 and 12 but if in year 10, it would be very beneficial to have a keen interest in architecture. This is a real company, who are running a fantastic work experience programme online. You will complete 2 tasks including designing a house for a celebrity.
Environmental Science – Global warming If you have an interest in the environment and enjoy Science, this short course will introduce you to the factors which affect climate change.
Forensic Science and Fingerprints How do Forensic Scientists operate? What is involved in using fingerprints as evidence. This course will introduce to the basic principles of forensic science in the working world.
Veterinary Professions Learn what it takes to become a vet and explore the challenges of the vet profession to decide if it's the right career for you.
Software engineering JP Morgan Internship- We’re excited to offer you the opportunity to explore what life is like as a JPMorgan Chase software engineer with our Software Engineering Virtual Internship
KPMG In this online program, you will get to complete similar work that our Graduates do at KPMG. You will learn what it is like working at one of the world’s best data analytics team, and build skills required to excel as a analytics consultant.
Sidequest- Stuck indoors? Design your own video game through practical quests delivered by some of the UK’s biggest games studios, with live masterclasses, free software and a supportive online community.
British Airways- Every 90 seconds a British Airways aircraft takes off from somewhere around the world. Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of that excitement - the magic that connects Britain to the world and the world to Britain? Now you can.
Science technology and maths online courses
Idea- The Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award, known as iDEA, is an international programme that helps you develop and demonstrate your digital, enterprise and employability skills for free.
Science Careers; Healthcare Science, Forensic Science, Biomedical Science, Environmental Science, Environmental Health Officer, Research Careers
Information Technology; IT Career Paths, Careers in Gaming, Digital Marketing Careers, Careers in Web Development, AI Programming
Biodiversity/ Conservation; Nature and the environment- online courses
Engineering, Civil/ Structural Engineering
Engineering; Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Finding an Apprenticeship, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering
Civil/Structural Engineering; Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Site Management, Apprenticeships in Quantity Surveying
Architecture/ Design Halliday Fraser Munroe This course is suitable for year 10 and 12 but if in year 10, it would be very beneficial to have a keen interest in architecture. This is a real company, who are running a fantastic work experience programme online. You will complete 2 tasks including designing a house for a celebrity.
History
History and the arts online courses
History Careers Archaeology, History as a Career
Hereford Cathedral - Heritage and Cultural
Digital Technologies
Idea.org.uk You can work your way towards various ‘badges’ in IT safety, digital creativity and techniques to gain more knowledge and skills in coding and cyber security. If you complete enough points in the same section, you will obtain an online badge.
Sidequest- Stuck indoors? Design your own video game through practical quests delivered by some of the UK’s biggest games studios, with live masterclasses, free software and a supportive online community.
Information Technology; IT Career Paths, Careers in Gaming, Digital Marketing Careers, Careers in Web Development, AI Programming
Society, Politics and Law
Legal - White & Case LLP Our virtual programme allows students to gain first-hand insight into life as a White & Case lawyer and experience the realities of cross-border law.
UK Parliament Online learning sessions - Campaigning, House of Lords and much more!
Linklaters Free programme of virtual experience
Kennedys Law Our training programmes are designed to develop lawyers who will be the future of Kennedys.
Starting with law A free online course
Society politics and law online courses
Law; What is a Trainee Solicitor?, Solicitor or Barrister?, Legal Apprenticeships, Meet a Trainee Solicitor
Bar placement scheme Bar Placement Scheme
Investin- be advised there’s often a cost with investin Law Summer Experience (15-18) | InvestIN
Pincent masons work experience programme Law work experience - United Kingdom
Osbourne clarke Work experience - Osborne Clarke | Osborne Clarke
Exchange Chambers Work Experience - Tenancy and Recruitment | Exchange Chambers
Burges Salmon School students work experience
Latham & Watkins Latham & Watkins LLP - Latham & Watkins Careers
White & Case Students & Graduates | White & Case LLP
Sharpe Pritchard Work Experience Programme - Sharpe Pritchard
GT Stewart Work Experience & Internships | GT Stewart Solicitors
Ropewalk Work Experience | Ropewalk Chambers
Mills and reeve Summer placements | Mills & Reeve
Languages
Authorfy - English, '10 Minute Challenges', which are set by bestselling authors and illustrators.
Construction & Construction services
Introduction to Plumbing Great way of gaining some basic Plumbing knowledge if you are considering a career in this industry
Introduction to Carpentry If you are considering a career as a Carpenter, then this course will introduce to the basic principles of structures and what is involved in being a Carpenter.
Introduction to the Electrical trade This online course will give you a free introduction to the electrical trade, electrical safety, and electrical theory.
Introduction to Masonry This free online masonry course will teach you about essential masonry tasks, such as the spreading of mortar, furrowing, buttering, and bricklaying
If you fancy taking a closer look, why not try Skills Builder 30-minute Apprenticeship in Construction!
Construction; Careers in Construction, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Electrician, Plastering, Carpentry
Civil/Structural Engineering; Civil/Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Site Management, Apprenticeships in Quantity Surveying
Education
The World of the Primary School Considering becoming a Primary Teacher? This will be a great introductory course about the profession.
Teaching; Routes into Teaching, Primary School Teaching
Uniformed services
Policing Sure, I Know How to Talk to People A great introduction to the Police Force using one of the most important skills, communication.
Uniform Services; Careers in the Police, Army Careers, RAF Careers, Royal Navy Careers
Hair and Beauty
Eco hair and beauty The online ‘salon’ is for hairdressers and trainees to explore. By clicking on different areas of the salon you will learn about eco-friendly/sustainable techniques and products
Hair and Beauty; Hairdressing Careers, How to become a Barber, Careers in the Beauty Industry, Nail Technician
Business, Finance and Marketing
Hunter Bevan- A remote virtual work experience with a twist. Suitable for anyone interested in developing their design or marketing skills. Feedback will be given plus a chance to feature on Hunter Bevan's website.
Products services and marketing
On demand virtual opportunities from The Forage
Money and business online courses
PWC The programme combines both live and pre-recorded sessions which will provide you with an insight into PwC and an opportunity to develop your employability skills. You’ll also have the chance to engage with a range of PwC ambassadors through the interactive live sessions, whilst having the flexibility to watch and listen to the recorded sessions at a time best suited to you each week.
Business and Finance; Business Analyst, Accountancy, Business and Finance, Barclay's Apprenticeship, Careers in Human Resources
As well as this, you may find that the Skills Builder - 30 minute Apprenticeship in Business would be a positive experience for you.
Retail and Warehousing; A Career in Retail, Warehousing Careers
Outdoor careers
Outdoor Careers; Agricultural Technician, Forestry, Careers in Farming
Travel & Tourism
British Airways - Travel and Tourism
Sport
Sport; Sports Massage Therapy, Sports Coaching Careers, Get a Job in Football, Sports Physiotherapy Careers
Performing Arts
Performing Arts; Specialist Performing Arts College, Careers in Theatre, Careers in Music, A Career in Musical Theatre
General Employability
FreeFormers This is an interactive video of someone on a work experience placement, at a Technology company You don’t need to be interested in Technology to do this virtual work experience. It gives you a great idea of what it would be like to carry out a work experience placement in a real company to give you a ‘feel’ for going into a new company and meeting new people. You will need to follow the link above and register an account to access the video.
World of Work This is a great variation of work experience which explores a variety of types of work and also employability skills. You don’t need to register. You must click on the tab which says Monday and complete the 4 lessons on that. You must then choose at least 1 of the other days (for example Thursday) and complete the 4 lessons.
Barclays Life Skills You’ll get to see the inner workings of a ‘digital transformation’ agency, and actively work with different departments on one exciting project, helping them solve problems and complete real-life tasks.
