Work Experience

 

Why complete Work Experience?

Work Experience provides a wonderful opportunity for students to undertake full time work, in an environment that differs significantly from that of school. The purpose of Work Experience is not necessarily for students to decide upon the career which they wish to pursue; instead the emphasis is on working in the ‘real world’ and understanding how organisations operate, as well as working with different people and having the opportunity to try something new and interesting.

Work Experience at Paignton Academy

We are excited to announce the relaunch of Paignton Academy’s Work Experience programme, which will run from the 8th-12th July 2024. A work placement is a great opportunity to spend a week out of the classroom environment, learning about your chosen job or area of work. Work experience can help you decide on your options for after Year 11 and beyond.

You will have the opportunity to develop and show evidence of vital skills such as self-confidence, time keeping, communication, independence, and working as part of a team.

It is our students’ responsibility to make contact with employers and arrange their own placements, help and support from family members and staff is encouraged.  Students need to return the completed Placement form to Mrs Deane and Mrs Barter in the library. Good luck to all of our students in securing a placement, please contact the Careers Team on careers@paigntonacademy.org or come and chat to us in the library if you need any help.

 

Students who do not have a work placement will be expected in school for their normal lessons.

Legal Requirement

The law requires that checks are made on all placements with regard to Health & Safety and Insurance.  In the event of the schools external party not endorsing a placement, the pupil will NOT be permitted to attend.  If the student does not attend an endorsed placement or, does not come into school they will be marked with an unauthorised absence.  We will of course contact and advise you, should this apply to your child’s placement. 

Download this guide which is a helpful tool when finding a Work Placement:

How to Write a CV Guide

Virtual Work Experience

There is no expectation for any student to complete Virtual Work Experience, however, we have put together information you may wish to access virtually, together with some useful and interesting information about different career paths; simply click on the box below: Click Here