Work experience policy and procedure

Purpose

All InspireU learners are expected to undertake some kind of meaningful work experience as part of their programme. The department for education have set out that:

  • work experience is a vital part of a study programme
  • providers are expected to offer a high quality and meaningful work experience

This policy provides guidance on:

  • how InspireU deliver work experience
  • the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders

Definition of meaningful work experience

The DFE definition of meaningful work experience is

  • purposeful, offers challenge and is relevant to the young person’s study programme and career aspirations
  • allows the student to apply the technical and practical skills learned in the classroom or workshop
  • is managed under the direction of a supervisor. This ensures the young person obtains a genuine learning experience suited to their needs
  • has a structured plan for the duration of the placement. The plan must provide tangible outcomes for the student and employer
  • has clear roles, responsibilities and expectations for the student and employer
  • is followed by some form of reference or feedback from the employer based on the young person’s performance

Importance of work experience

Work experience is important part of the DFE'S study programme for 16 to 19 year olds:

"Whilst work experience, training in a simulated work environment or social action can help students develop new ‘softer’ skills, providers are expected to offer, wherever possible, a placement with an external employer. This enables students to experience the real demands of the working environment, independent from their peers and their tutors, and put into practice the transferable and sector-specific skills they have learned. This has the greatest impact on students’ employability. In addition, students can often get employer references for their performance that provides evidence for their CV, or the offer of a job on completion of their course."

Policy

InspireU must inform learners that work experience will form a substantial and compulsory part of their programme. This must be during their induction.

InspireU will support learners to find suitable tasters and, or work placements for them to take part in. This will give them the opportunity to experience different working environments.

This policy should be read in line with the following polices:

  • safeguarding
  • health and safety
  • safer recruitment