Post 16 Options

 1. Council-Organised Work Experience

• Think Sandwell support young people aged 14–29 who live or study in Sandwell to find work experience placements in a wide range of areas such as marketing, IT, finance, construction, customer service and more.

• Most school placements are arranged from February to July, and you must apply using the council’s work experience application form.

• Roles with the council may be in departments like Adult Social Care, Libraries, Customer Service, ICT, Construction Trades and Museums — a good way to try out different sectors.

Tip: Speak to your school’s careers advisor or Sandwell Careers Service Careers Adviser early (often November–December) to secure a placement — spaces can be limited.

2. School & Academy Support

• Many local schools (e.g., Sandwell Academy or Oldbury Academy) organise Year 10 work experience weeks, including support to research and apply for placements and help with paperwork.

• Schools often work with community partners and keep a database of local placements (for example via SIPS — Sandwell Inspired Partnership Services).

3. College Pathways

• If you go to Sandwell College after Year 11, you’ll find that work experience is built into many courses (especially vocational programmes and T Levels), giving you relevant employer exposure and skills.

4. Self-Sourced Work Experience

• Many students also contact local businesses directly to ask for placements (e.g., calling or emailing shops, offices, nurseries, gyms, etc.). Local independent employers often welcome enthusiastic young people for short stints — just check with your school first about risk assessments and paperwork.

• You do have to complete sandwell.gov.uk paperwork and ensure the company has insurance before you start.

5. Wider Opportunities & Support

• Local job support and careers services can help you build CVs, practise interviews, and find placements:

  • Sandwell Recruitment — local recruiter

  • Ideal Employment Ltd — employment support

  • The Best Connection - West Bromwich — temp agency

  • Walsall Works — nearby employment help (useful for placements near Sandwell)

These organisations can help you understand workplaces, skills employers value, and may sometimes help young people prepare for placements even if they don’t provide placements directly.

Top Tips for Year 10–11 Work Experience

✔ Start early: Begin researching and contacting employers well before placement dates.
✔ Use school support: Your Careers Advisor and teachers can help with safe placements, paperwork, and employer contacts.
✔ Be professional: Write a short email or letter explaining:

• Who you are

• Your school

• Dates you’re available

• Why you’re interested in their workplace
  ✔ Try different sectors: Even short experience can help you explore careers and build your CV.

Click on the link to take a look at a work experience letter - example