St Mary's College: Working with local businesses to provide work experience.

As our thoughts turn to planning for the Summer term at St Mary’s College, Year 10 pupils are being prepared for the valuable opportunity that work experience placements provide which are often a moment which shapes their future career choices.

The search for suitable providers is crucial, it sets the stage for pupils to gain practical insights into a wide variety of professions, develop essential skills and make informed decisions about their futures and personal career ambitions. It is also an opportunity for personal growth, offering a bridge between the familiarity of the classroom and the working world.

One of the key tasks faced by St Mary’s College, our pupils and parents alike is finding suitable work experience placement providers for our Year 10 pupils, a joint effort involving local businesses and community organisations. In the summer term of 2024, our ambition is to create a diverse range of quality opportunities to cater to the varied interests and aspirations of our outstanding pupils. By working in partnership with local businesses, we can create tailored programmes that match pupils' career interests and also provide them with hands-on experience.

In all this, the quality and safety of work experience placements is paramount. Clear and supportive guidelines are in place for assessing the suitability of providers to guarantee that pupils are placed in environments that prioritise their well-being and adhere to standards.

Work experience placements are not just short-term opportunities; they can lead to long- lasting connections and potential future employment. Encouraging providers to mentor pupils and maintain ongoing relationships contributes to the long-term success of work experience programs.