One of the best ways to get some understanding of different types of businesses or working environments (office based or working outside for example) is to experience it for a short period of time through a work placement.
Every pupil in S4, 5 or 6 has the opportunity to take up a week's work placement (or more potentially) during your senior years and we would strongly encourage you to do at least one. It would add a great deal to your CV, College or University application and give you both an insight into what you like doing and what you don't.
We recommend that you try to find a suitable placement yourself, politely speak to the owner or manager, tell them a little about yourself and your interests and see if they might support you for a short work placement.
If you are carrying out the placement during school hours the business would then need to fill in an online form that ensures they are a safe place for you to be and once approved, you can agree timings. If the placement is held outside of school hours or during holidays, then this is not necessary, and the school is not responsible for the suitability of your placement.
We can offer support and guidance to help you find a suitable placement, however we do not have a long list of opportunities that you can access.
Normally this placement happens in September and so you would benefit from making enquiries before the end of the summer term.
Speak to your Head of House if you are interested in carrying out a work placement.
Work experience Case study
We are always looking for local links into work and one such business that opened their doors to one of our pupils was GreenSteam. As a past pupil of Linlithgow Academy the owner Kyle recognised the benefits of work experience as he too was unsure what to do when he left school.
Now with a successful business he has been able to offer a fantastic, supportive learning opportunity to one of our pupils, Harris.
Kyle stated that 'It's been good for us to give someone an opportunity to get out into the real world where maybe sitting in a classroom isn't for them. Harris has taken everything in his stride, has come out of his shell and will no doubt do well in the working world.'
Work experience is not just about exploring a potential area of employment as Harris explains, 'working at GreenSteam has really helped with my confidence, personal growth and development. I really enjoy helping the customers and any queries they have. I'd encourage more companies to offer work experience to school students as I've found it invaluable. I can't thank Kyle enough for the opportunity, support and encoragement he gives me.'
