We believe that work experience is a very valuable part of each student's Key Stage 4 curriculum. We therefore include it as a compulsory part of our career's education programme. During Year 12, students will complete a week of work experience. For academic year 25/26, this will take place during the week beginning 29th June 2026.

 

Why?

• Provides students with an insight into different sectors and careers

• Allows students to 'try out' an area of potential interest

• Give students the opportunity to use and develop their skills and knowledge in a professional environment

• Builds confidence and self-esteem by showing them what they can achieve outside school

• Many employers are happy to offer a reference, which students can use when applying for jobs

 

How it works

• Work experience takes place every day and during normal office hours (not college hours, unless stipulated by the employer)

• We do not cover transport costs to and from work placement, so please check first how you will commute to work.

• Students will arrange their own placement which will then be checked by our Careers Team. Please email workexperience@wootton.beds.sch.uk if you have any questions.

• We encourage all students to arrange their own placement because it allows them to work in a field that they may be interested in entering, and also gives them a flavour of what it is like to look for a job.

 

Student feedback from previous years

• 'I have overcome the barrier of my previous inability to talk to a large group of people’ 

• ‘Helped me gain confidence, skills and knowledge’

• ‘Communication skills have definitely improved, thanks to working as part of a team’

• ‘Confirmed that this is what I want my future career to be’

• 'I enjoyed it and got a part time job out of it'

 

Timeline

In the past, we have found that the most effective placements are those which are arranged by students themselves. This could be through parents, friends or relatives or by contacting companies of interest directly. Although it may seem early to be making arrangements, we hope all students will begin the process early in the academic year.​ 

 

During the year students can also undertake online work experience in the form of short courses, webinars or interactive employer engagement talks.  Students need to make sure these are either in their own time or if they are during college time they must fill out a Leave of Absence form (from reception) and also fill out the UNIFROG work experience placement form (information in the WEX booklet below).  These online experiences can give amazing insight into job sectors and careers to support a students understanding and thinking about the right next step for them.

 

If you have any questions or want more information, please contact Mrs Stuart-Leach at workexperience@wootton.beds.sch.uk