Understanding work
WorkplaceRoutine
Students can see what happens during a working day and what employers expect.
🏢 Work Experience
Work experience helps young people understand real workplaces, practise routines and learn what different jobs feel like day to day.
Reminder: Work experience should be planned carefully with school, family, employers and any relevant support staff.
🧭 What Work Experience Can Help With
Building confidence
ConfidenceCommunication
It can help young people practise saying hello, asking questions and following instructions.
Testing career ideas
Career ideasDecision making
A placement can help a young person decide whether a job area is right for them.
Preparing for next steps
CollegeEmployment
Experience can support college applications, supported internships, apprenticeships and future work.
💡 Possible Placement Ideas
Retail or charity shop
RetailCustomer service
Good for practising stock work, tidying, teamwork and customer awareness.
Catering or hospitality
FoodPractical skills
Useful for students interested in kitchens, cafés, cleaning routines or food preparation.
Animal care or horticulture
AnimalsOutdoors
Useful for students who enjoy practical outdoor tasks and caring for living things.
School or community setting
Helping othersSupport roles
Useful for students interested in helping younger children, sport, libraries or community activities.
📋 Planning a Good Placement
Match the placement to the student
PersonalisationSEND
Think about interests, strengths, support needs, sensory needs and travel.
Prepare before starting
PreparationConfidence
Visit first, meet staff, see the route and agree what the student will do.
Use a simple timetable
RoutineStructure
Clear start times, break times, tasks and finish times help reduce anxiety.
Review afterwards
ReflectionProgress
Talk about what went well, what was difficult and what this means for future plans.
✅ Next Steps
- Pick one career area the student would like to try.
- List any support needs that the employer should know about.
- Plan travel, timings, clothing and lunch arrangements.
- Agree who to contact if there is a problem.
- Record what was learned after the placement.