In collaboration with the Leicestershire Education Business Company, we prepare our students in Year 10 for the world of work by giving them the opportunity to take part in work experience for a week. Work Experience is a very important part of school life – it helps prepare students for future working life and college. As part of this process, we also support and prepare students by organising ‘Mock Interviews’ where students are interviewed by volunteers from local businesses and industry, developing not only their speaking and listening skills, but their confidence too. This year the students found this to be a very valuable and enjoyable experience. Some of the feedback we received can be seen below.

“In the interview I was not nervous and it boosted my confidence and social skills. This event has really helped me to be prepared for the near future, it improved my confidence a lot more.”

“Taking part in this event has given me a better understanding of what the process of an interview would be like, this has also made me more confident in an interview situation.”

“I feel like after taking part in the mock interviews my confidence has improved and I’ve learnt more about interviews.”

“I think that my mock interview went quite well. My interviewer was very supportive and he helped me to improve my responses to questions. I enjoyed taking part in the event.”

Work Experience week took place during the last week of the spring term this year and overall the experience was very positive and successful. This year the range of placements were of a very high standard with employers such as Chapman and Partners Solicitors, Barclays Bank, Leicestershire Cricket Club, Sandicliffe Motor Group, HMV and Vets4Pets to name a few. Two of our students were also lucky enough to be kept on after their placement; Jade Wood has been offered a Saturday job at DJ’s Groom Room and Sandra May’s Hair Studio, and Lewis Chase, who arranged his own placement at Curtis Johnson Bentley Solutions, continued working over the Easter holidays with a potential apprenticeship with them at the end of year 11!

Employer Feedback

We received some excellent feedback from this year’s work experience employers, some of which can be seen below.

“A very competent student who showed interest in the subject (law) and with the clients. She enjoyed her week and seems very committed to a career in law.”
– Katie Smith (Salusbury Harding & Barlow Solicitors)

“A likeable young man. Very quiet but showed enthusiasm during his work experience.”
– Shea Farmer (The Drawing Room Architects Ltd)

“Damon acted in a professional manner, providing assistance to the Administration Assistant in the Business, Media and IT department at the college. He was punctual and always keen to help.”
– Damon Scarff (SLC)

“Easton was a pleasure to have around. He was quiet and softly spoken but happy to engage with all members of the team and public, he completed all tasks we gave him.”
– Easton Proud (Oadby Library)

“Mary was an excellent worker. She shows that she has the skills to work in a childcare setting. A great representative of Tudor Grange Samworth Academy.”
– Mary Uwimana (Fairfield Pre School)

“Jade worked really well in the salon. We saw her confidence grow throughout the week. We have offered her a Saturday job starting 22/04/17.”
– Jade Wood (DJ’s Groom Room & Sandra May’s Hair Studio Ltd)

“Liam was a pleasure to have at Aylestone Leisure Centre.”
– Liam Byrne (Aylestone Leisure Centre)

“It was an absolute pleasure to have Wiktoria on placement, excellent all round!”
– Wiktoria Kucharczk (Kiddy Kapers Day Care)

“Alexa would be ideal for a job in childcare as she is patient, calm, fun, energetic and always uses her own initiative. The children all loved her and we’d love to see her back sometime for visits.”
– Alexa Thorpe (Bright Bunnies Childcare Services)

“Dion has been a great worker, he fitted in with our team. He worked well within the team and also when he was on a section on his own, he managed really well. Pleasure to have helped him with his placement. If Dion needs a reference in the future please contact us.”
– Dion Brooks (Age UK Leicestershire & Rutland)

Work Experience Photos

Work Experience