Step one – Choose the sort of place you would like to go to

	This doesn’t have to be related to the sort of career you think you want. It’s a great opportunity to try something that most people wouldn’t expect you to do like girls going into engineering or plumbing or boys doing primary school teaching or hairdressing. The main thing is to get a good experience of an adult work environment, being there on time, being polite etc..
	Think about the sort of environment you might want to experience, for example, indoors - office, primary school, shop, factory, or outdoors - forest!
	Also think about what type of work you want to do, for example, office work, retail, practical work, childcare, food preparation.
	You should also discuss your placement ideas with your parents/carers so they can give you ideas, advice, support and encouragement.
	Visit www.connexions-direct.com/jobs4u for details of 100s of different jobs.
	Use the school careers software (eg. KUDOS, JED) and/or go onto the Internet (eg. www.fastomato.co.uk) to generate job ideas.

Many students want placements in hospitals, modelling agencies, TV/radio studios, football clubs – you might be lucky, but don’t bet on it. You stand a much better chance of being offered a placement if you have friends or family working in these fields. If you are keen – go for it! Approach these early so, if you aren’t lucky, you can still try for something else.

Step two – Finding out what’s available

You will be responsible for arranging your own placement with an employer. The sooner you start making enquiries the more likely you are to get the kind of work experience you want.

	Approved Employer Database. This is available at the Careers Centre. Check this first, as there may already be employers offering the sort of placement you want.
	Ask parents/carers or family friends. Many work experience placements are arranged by people we know.
	Telephone local employers. Before you phone plan what you are going to say and what you need to ask. Have a pen and paper ready to write down what you are told and what you may need to do next: Ask to speak to someone about work experience and take the name of the person who you speak to. Explain who you are and which school you attend. Say why you are interested in the type of work the company is involved in and that you would like to learn more by spending your work experience placement with them. Know the dates of your work experience week. (11th to 15th July 2011). Know how the employer can contact you with an answer (telephone, email or letter). Be cheerful, polite and clear. The employer will probably want you to put your request in writing (see below). It takes guts to phone – the employer will appreciate it! You might have to complete an application form and be interviewed, just as you might if you were applying for paid work.
	Write a letter. This may be hand-written or word-processed but it must be clear and well set out. Include why you want to do work experience with that particular employer and what you hope to gain from it. Use this link for a sample letter to employer asking for work experience.

Step three – When you have found a placement

Let the Careers Co-ordinator at the Careers Centre know and if you don’t manage to find a placement, ask her for help during lunch time or tutor period (Mondays to Thursdays).