Work experience at risk so how can we encourage our young people to make the right choices?

[Glasshalffull96]

I am horrified to discover that the Coalition Govt is looking to give schools the option of not providing work experience for young people until after their GCSEs. How are they going to have any idea of the sort of career they want let alone the skills and qualifications they might need? Beggars belief! In Bucks this means that a much valued service that brokers placements between schools and employers (and carries out risk assessments) will disappear so schools that choose to still offer this invaluable opportunity will have to organise it themselves or possibly pay a commerical organisation to do so! If you live in Bucks, sign the petition: www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/bebp . If you don't live in Bucks, find out what your local Education Business Partnership is doing: here today, gone tomorrow!

Bad work experiences aren't necessarily a waste of time. One of DS's mates had a rotten time on his (which, on paper, was a dream placement) but has learnt the valuable lesson that he doesn't want a job where he is stuck in an office/meetings all day.

We are in Bucks, and DS2 is doing his Y10 work experience as I type.

I would like to see it move to after the GCSEs because:

1. A lot of employers, like the NHS won't take anyone under 16

1. There is a lot of free time after GCSEs, which could be more profitably used than hanging around parks with bottles of cheap vodka.

The Bucks scheme seems to be very well organised, and everyone gets some kind of placement- not just the kids with well-connected parents.

It's a useful experience of the real world and the boring jobs most people do. And a good source of references when the time comes to apply for a weekend job.

2. There is a lot of free time after GCSEs, which could be more profitably used than hanging around parks with bottles of cheap vodka.

I did work experience 16-18 and it was a really great time to do it.

Up to then, I am all for a well rounded education. Pick the quality basics, one GCSE for fun. Choose A level courses based on your strengths/passions.

My dd has just done her Y10 work experience. I also agree it would be done best post-16

• very little meaningful work available if youre 14/15, nature of it could put you off
• I don't really see it as being linked to career choices at this age tbh
• it can be fun if you're in the right placement (charities and small local orgs seem to be best for fun element) but that's about it

Can't get worked out about potential loss of this I'm afraid.