Work Experience

[bluesiderow]

i am aware time is against me on matter but need advice or tips whether what i want to do is reasonable or possible.

My dd finishes high school middle of June and for 2-3 weeks me and her would both like to find a work experience or volunteering opportunity for her as it would boost her confidence and be great for her CV and future. Plus her school decided due to unseen circumstances they wouldn't allow work experience for her year but all others before and after !
Hence she would really like to do something in free weeks before her summer plans.I know its late but with her exams and family stuff we haven't had time ?

I want to ask if any parent or 16/15 year old teen has been able to find themselves work experience/volunteering alone in quick time or has there been insurance or other issues. The work experience wouldn't be in her chosen career path as you have to be 17 yet i we would appreciate something customer service orientated.
We have suggested that a number of local hotels, library and museum would be best places to try yet i am completely clueless if places even allow them ? And how do you go about getting involved a letter, phone call, visit the place ?

Drop the main reception a call and ask to speak to a member of HR, they should be able to tell you company policy on work experience and how best to apply.
What does she want to do and why? There's a lot of competition for good places so she needs to have reasons specific to the position.
Best of luck to her, I hope she gets an enjoyable placement.

What about an actual summer job rather than a few weeks' work experience? Employers might perceive that to be less hassle as they will get the benefit of her work for a longer time.

Some of my dd's friends work in cafes and shops on a temporary basis over the holidays. I think they are especially appealing to employers because young people who haven't yet reached school leaving age aren't entitled to minimum wage! Admittedly maybe it's easier where we live because 1) it's a university town and all the students leave their jobs in the summer and 2) it's a tourist area so there is more seasonal work. Still, your daughter might find something.

There are many voluntary opportunities available to over-16s. Have a look at vinspired.com/ My dd has been hard pressed to find easily-accessible opportunities for under-16s. Many charity shops do take under-16s as volunteers, however. Here are some which do: Sue Ryder, PDSA, Blue Cross, and I think Barnardo's too.

Not sure if they take under 16s but the National Trust might be worth looking at for volunteering. This is highly regarded. Does she have a hobby where she could help out? I think weekly volunteering is easier to find than a block of work experience. The large supermarkets employ Saturday and Sunday young staff.

For volunteering have you tried just do it?

What about National Citizen Service? www.ncsyes.co.uk/ 15 - 17 year olds can do this once. DD has signed up for it after her GCSEs.

I think it's awfully short notice OP. If she wants it then she needs to prepare a CV and write a covering letter explaining the reasons why. I don't think getting her mum to phone up for her will get her anywhere. I'm afraid I'm the HR lady in a large, local employer. This is what I tell people who ring "I'm awfully sorry, but we are inundated with requests and we have to prioritise the children of our own staff".

The other thing I'd say is that my dd sounds exactly the same age as yours. She too will finish in mid June and I'm expecting her to be completely knackered after her exams.

Has your dd any work experience at all? Babysitting, etc.