Work experience, year 11

[Vik555]

I have to arrange work experience for my son, maybe in the field of IT? We are supposed to sort it out ourselves but I don't really have a network of suitable contacts to draw on. I thought the school might be able to help out more, but not really - they just provide a template letter. So I'm trawling the internet - but all placements seem to be for school/university leavers or gap year students. I guess we'll contact companies or interest directly, but is there not some kind of directory that I can browse? Any advice?

Companies won't advertise for school placements, you have to apply speculatively. Maybe there is an online yellow pages you could look through. I would get your son to research and apply - it will be good practice for him!

Our street has an email list and I sent an email asking if anyone could help with work experience. Two of our neighbours offered even though I didn’t know them well. I think people try to help when they can so don’t be afraid to ask.

(This was a few years ago as now we have a WhatsApp group).

thanks

We did this with our youngest. wrote to several places that seemed relevant to his interests/course choice. Lots of really good, positive responses and in the end he did two full weeks, one in the summer holidays because it was just too good to turn down. He really enjoyed both.

If you think they sound interesting/relevant, get in touch, you’ll probably be surprised. Do it soon, too. They get booked up early.

(His second was at the National Archives in Jew. Absolutely fascinating week. His interest was history but they no doubt have IT placements, too. We stayed at a PI for the week, we live hundreds of miles away. It was cheap, though and worth every penny. I had a lively week wandering about, too )

Kew, obviously! Predictive text 🙄

And lovely, not lively! Argh. Double 🙄

@MrsSkylerWhite

(His second was at the National Archives in Jew. Absolutely fascinating week. His interest was history but they no doubt have IT placements, too. We stayed at a PI for the week, we live hundreds of miles away. It was cheap, though and worth every penny. I had a lively week wandering about, too )

This is what I am thinking I might have to do for my son - he wants to be a motor mechanic. So if he wants motor manufacturing we might need to camp out in the Midlands or North East. No hardship - my mum's from Coventry, but sadly no local family left to help out!

Many thanks, great advice