Work placement opportunities for pupils
Education Scotland’s Work Placements Standard states that work placements should allow young people to experience a relevant, challenging, enjoyable and appropriate learning experience in a workplace. A placement should help young people make informed decisions about their future careers. Within the context of Curriculum for Excellence and Developing the Young Workforce, the work placement is now and integral part of a pupil’s education in the senior phase. Work placements also allow pupils to find out about employment opportunities in a particular industry, the qualifications needed and any training or further education courses they should consider. Schools should ensure that all pupils take part in at least one relevant experience of work at some stage throughout S4 to S6, with priority given to pupils planning to leave at the end of S4. Pupils can go on work experience from 1st of May at the end of S3 if they are going to reach school leaving age either during their S4 year or at the end of the Christmas term of their S5 year.
Aberdeenshire Council carries out health and safety checks on all employers taking part in the work placement programme and the safety of pupils is always paramount.
Work placements
Sourcing a placement
Pupils can source their own work experience placement by asking family members, friends or by asking a local employer. Once an employer has agreed to offer a placement an extended or flexible form must be completed.
Experience shows that the most successful work placements are those sourced by the pupil. Not only do these usually match a pupil’s career aspirations, they also engage young people in the process of approaching businesses which benefit their communication skills and boost their confidence.
Pupils who might struggle to source their own placements will receive support from their school and the Work Placement Unit.
