Work experience - Normal or a bit crap?

[Neolara]

I received an email from my dcs school today saying that all children in Year 9 will be expected to shadow one of their parents at work in 4 weeks time. If we can't arrange this, our child must shadow one of the parents' friends at their work. Parents / parents' friends are expected to supervise the kids at work and the employer should undertake a risk assessment. And we need to send a form back to school in 2 weeks time telling them what we have arranged.

So, i'm having a complete WTF response. Firstly, this is absolutely the first I've heard of this. There has been no mention of this before. Two weeks to sort this out if its not straightforward seems ridiculous. Secondly, I don't have a job and my DH says it would be completely inappropriate for my dc to shadow him because of the nature of his work (which I'm not going to reveak but he totally has a point). Thirdly, do employers really not mind if their employees are distracted by looking after their dcs for a day? Fourth, can't see many employers being delighted by having to fill out additional paperwork for an activity that does not benefit them in any way.

Or is this all totally normal?

What a load of rubbish that last post was - and offensive! These days are often work shadowing and, yes, the young person may find Work is boring! It is a change from school, a chance to observe what happens in a workplace, how to drsss, how to speak on the phone, how to talk to people, lots of things. It’s obviously not suitable in every workplace but many relatives/friends help out if they are in suitable jobs. It also makes you think about what real work experience might be like when you actually need it! Where would you look? Who would you contact?

All employers should have insurance for visitors. That’s hardly a novel idea!