Work experience/Work Shadowing means different things to different people but in essence it is any form of work that pupils do in preparation for making decisions about future courses or career paths. The most important thing to remember is that all work gives some experience, including volunteering and part-time work. The experience can take the form of short-term, long-term or part-time experience and can be paid or unpaid.
Pupils in S4 are given a Work Experience presentation in June to introduce them to the various forms of work experience and the procedures to follow. They are also alerted to the fact that some university courses demand an element of work experience in order to be given a place on the course of their choice.
Pupils are encouraged to make their own placements, but help is available from the school in the form of a database of employers who are willing to offer work experience. The School will also assist pupils with the documents they require and it is expected that pupils will complete an assessment of the work place and hosts will also be asked to complete an assessment of the pupils. Work Experience placements should happen during holiday periods and not during term time.
Pupils and parents who have any queries should approach a member of the Career Development and Higher Education Department at Hutchesons'.