“I had a great time and met some really cool people who taught me a lot about what sort of job I might like to do.

I was dreading work experience, being stuck with people I didn’t know and made to work without getting paid but I really enjoyed it and it boosted my confidence.”

Amir, 15

At school, most young people do work experience placements during Year 10 or 11.

How can I get some ideas for my work experience?

• Think about the subjects that you are studying or a career you might be interested and how your work experience can link to them.
• You can find what sort of jobs are out there at the jobs4u careers database, http://www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u/ or at your local library. Use this link to find out the library nearest to where you live: Link to Libraries and Library Facilities Information Search Facility.
• Talk to your Careers Teacher or Connexions Direct Adviser first to find out what work experience opportunities your school, college or local Connexions Centre can offer.
• If you have specific access needs check that the premises where you will be doing your work experience are suitable for you.

You can contact a Connexions Direct Adviser by phone on 080 800 13 2 19, by text 07766 4 13 2 19, by email info@connexionshumber.co.uk. You can find your nearest Connexions centre at: http://www.connexions-humber.co.uk/

How will work experience help me?

You’ll have the chance to develop really useful skills like how to manage your time and work as part of a team.

You can meet loads of different people.

You can work out what training you might need if you’re going to land your dream job and get the first step on the ladder in your chosen career.

You can add examples of your work experience to your CV (Curriculum Vitae) and applications for jobs.

Tips for a great work experience:

• Act sensibly and safely
• Wear something suitable
• Listen to your colleagues
• Ask for help if you need it – they won’t mind answering your questions no matter how many times you ask!
• If there are any problems you must tell the person looking after you or your work experience advisor back at school

How can I approach a company if I want to do work experience with them?

Talk to your Careers Teacher or Connexions Direct Adviser first. If they think it’s a good idea they can help you:

• Write and tell the company why and when you’d like to do a work experience placement with them
• Send the company your CV and ask if work experience is available
• Follow the letter up by phone to talk about whether there are placement opportunities. Wait a few days after you’ve sent your letter before getting in touch

Hull City Council offers a wide range of work experience placements ranging from clerical, catering to vehicle workshop.

For further information on work experience opportunities contact (01482) 616103.