Work Experience
1. Council-Organised Work Experience
Sandwell Council's Employment and Skills team supports young people aged 14-29 who live or study in Sandwell. Support varies depending on your age and circumstances.
School-aged students (Years 10-11) will usually access work experience through their school, with support from careers staff and employer networks.
Post-16 students and young adults may be able to access wider employability support, careers guidance, training opportunities and other work-related programmes.
Opportunities may be available across areas such as business administration, customer service, ICT, construction, finance and more.
Applying for Council Work Experience
Most Year 10 work experience placements take place between February and July.
Students should speak to their school's careers adviser early in the academic year to find out:
- How placements are organised
- Whether the school sources placements
- Whether students need to find their own placement
- What forms and documents need to be completed
For information about Sandwell Council work experience opportunities visit: https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/work-experience
Speak to your school's Careers Adviser as early as possible, ideally during the autumn term, as popular placements can fill quickly.
2. Support From Your School
Most secondary schools organise work experience opportunities for Year 10 and/or Year 11 students.
Schools may:
- Provide preparation sessions
- Help with applications and employer contact
- Support with health and safety checks
- Arrange placement paperwork
- Keep a database of employers used previously
However, many schools now encourage students to source their own placements, particularly if they have a specific career interest.
If you're unsure how your school manages work experience, speak to your Careers Adviser or form tutor.
3. College and Training Provider Pathways
Work experience doesn't stop after school.
Many colleges, sixth forms and training providers incorporate work experience into their programmes.
This is particularly common on:
- Vocational courses
- T Levels
- Study Programmes
- Traineeships and employability programmes
- Apprenticeships
These opportunities allow you to gain practical experience while developing skills and qualifications for your chosen career.
4. Finding Your Own Work Experience
Many young people arrange placements themselves by contacting employers directly.
You could approach:
- Local businesses
- Shops and supermarkets
- Offices
- Nurseries
- Sports centres and gyms
- Hair and beauty salons
- Construction companies
- Charities and community organisations
When contacting an employer:
- Introduce yourself
- Explain why you're interested in their organisation
- Give the dates you're available
- Ask whether they offer work experience placements
If you're under 18, your school will usually provide guidance on any paperwork required, and parents or carers may need to provide consent.
Before a placement begins, employers are normally expected to have appropriate insurance and health and safety arrangements in place.
5. Careers and Employment Support
Local careers and employment organisations can help you:
- Explore career options
- Create or improve your CV
- Develop interview skills
- Search for jobs, apprenticeships and training
- Understand what employers are looking for
Useful local organisations include:
Ideal Employment Ltd - https://www.idealemployment.co.uk
The Best Connection (West Bromwich) - https://www.thebestconnection.co.uk
Walsall Works - https://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-works
These organisations may not provide work experience placements directly, but they can help you prepare for employment and develop your job-search skills.
Top Tips for Year 10–11 Work Experience
Start early - Research opportunities and contact employers well before placement dates.
Use school support - Your Careers Adviser, tutor and teachers can help you find suitable placements and complete any required paperwork.
Be professional - When contacting employers, explain:
- Who you are
- Which school or college you attend
- The dates you are available
- Why you are interested in their organisation
Keep an open mind - The placement doesn't have to be your dream job. Every workplace helps you develop skills and experience that employers value.
Reflect on what you've learned - Think about the skills you enjoyed using and whether the career is right for you.
You may not always be able to secure work experience in your preferred career area. Some sectors, such as healthcare, can be highly competitive and have additional requirements.
However, every placement helps you develop transferable skills such as:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Time management
- Problem solving
- Organisation
- Professional behaviour
These skills are valuable in almost every job and can help prepare you for future employment opportunities.
Click on the link to take a look at a work experience letter - example