Student Guide toWork Experience

2019/2020

"Thank you ,LEBC, for such a wonderfulopportunity and for all of your support."

CONTENTSTHE FACTS Page 4TOP TIPS Page 5Business, Administration, Finance and Legal Page 6Administration Assistant Page 7Clerical Legal Assistant Page 7Junior Clerk / Accounts Assistant Page 7

Construction and the Built Environment Page 8Architect Technician/Pro Engineer's Assistant Page 9General Construction Assistant Page 9Joinery/Carpentry Assistant Page 9

Creative and Media Page 10 Graphic Design Assistant Page 11Fashion Design Assistant Page 11Photographic Assistant Page 11Printing Assistant / Reprographics Assistant Page 11

Engineering and Manufacturing Page 12Electrical / Electronics Assistant Page 13Mechanical Engineer's Assistant Page 13Factory Operative Page 13Laboratory Assistant Page 13

Environment and Land-Based Studies Page 14Farm Assistant Page 15Vet's Assistant Page 15Animal Care Assistant Page 15Equestrian/Farrier Assistant Page 15

CONTENTSHair and Beauty Page 16 Hair Stylist / Barber / Beauty Assistant Page 17

Hospitality and Catering Page 18Housekeeping Assistant Page 19Catering Assistant Page 19Butcher's Assistant Page 19Cleansing Operative Page 19

Information Technology Page 20IT Assistant Page 21Library Assistant Page 21

Retail Business Page 22Retail Assistant Page 23Warehouse Assistant Page 23

Health and Care Page 24Dental Assistant Page 25General Medical Assistant Page 25Retail Pharmacist Assistant Page 25Student Care Assistant (Elderly Care) Page 25

Education, Training and Childcare Page 26Nursery/Creche/Playgroup Assistant Page 27Teacher/Classroom Assistant Page 27

Sport, Active Leisure and Tourism Page 28Sports Assistant Page 29Travel Assistant Page 29

Work experience will help prepare you for your futureworking life and the next steps you will take after school.

You will have plenty of opportunity to use the skills you willgain whilst on your placement.

The best way to get the most out of your experience is toprepare well.

THE FACTS

Use this guide to get a good idea of what roles and sectorsyou are interested in (we have included all the roles into

which we are able to place students). Research somecompanies in which you might like to be placed. Self-

placement forms are ideal if you know exactly what type ofrole you are aiming for and within a certain company.

Work experience aims to give you a taste of real workinglife. It isn't all glitz and glamour. There are limitations to

what employers are allowed to let you do. You may beasked to carry out a task multiple times. If your placement

isn't what you expected, there is still a lot of value in theprocess and the skills you will learn.

TOP TIPS

Consider how you will get toyour placement when youcomplete the travel area

section of your application.

Choosing your placement basedonly on your future career goalsmay limit what you could learn.

Think broadly about the skills youwant to develop!

Working hours for students (max 37 per week) and lunchbreaks are clearly stated on

student confirmationpaperwork.

Employers prefer that you attend apre-placement interview, depending

on situations a telephone call maysuffice. It will be down to you to make

contact with your employer toorganise this.

Self-placements are thebest option if you know

exactly what type of sectoryou are interested in.

Business, Administrationand Finance

"I believe that my work experience hashelped me to develop a variety of skills andthe employers were extremely helpful and

supportive."

"I have supported the branch withmy creative skills to update the

visual service board. Very pleasedwith my contribution. I also

supported the managers with atask and followed the instructions

well."

Skills and ExpectationsIf you have good communication skills and an aptitude for numeracy

this might be the sector for you. You will get the chance to experiencea professional working environment, this will involve meeting new

people and working alongside them. You will be given instructions andoccasionally the opportunity to work independently.

Job roles in this sector

Clerical Legal Assistant - Limited availabilitySelf placement advised

Administration Assistant - Good availabilityPossible tasks:

General administration tasks (wordprocessing, photo copying, filing, faxingand emailing)Dealing with the postUsing the telephoneInvoicing and orderingAssisting with computer input, e.g. text,handle data, conduct research orproduce graphics

Assisting in the handling of routineenquiries and provision of information asrequiredGeneral accountancy workObserving meetingsWork shadowing administration staffand supporting staff as required Visiting clients/suppliersGreeting customers

Possible tasks: Assisting in the receptionGeneral administration work (pre/posttrial admin, inputting data, filing andphotocopying)Assisting with preparation anddispatch of jury summons

Possibly attending court where deemedappropriateAttending session with court probation teamCollecting and delivering files to other officeslocallyUndertaking general customer service tasks

Junior Clerk / Accounts Assistant - Limited availabilitySelf placement advisedPossible tasks:

General administration tasks (wordprocessing, photocopying, filing, faxing,emailing)Checking invoices have been calculatedcorrectly Matching delivery notes with purchaseinvoicesGreeting customers

Checking incomplete recordsAnalysis of bank receipts, payments andreconciliationsSome opportunity to observe qualified staffat workVisiting clientsGeneral customer service tasks

Construction andthe Built Environment

"I thoroughly enjoyed my experienceand would recommend this to any

future student."

"It was an amazingexperience,

everyone therewas welcoming

and helpful."

Skills and ExpectationsIf you are physically fit and healthy then the more hands on roles listedbelow could be just right for you. Some roles in this sector will involve

working in dusty environments and a range of weather conditions. Youwill be given the chance to shadow a skilled professional and observe

the variety of tasks they carry out.

Job roles in this sector

Premises Officer's Assistant - Placements available

Architect Technician/Professional Engineers AssistantLimited availability - Self placement advised

General Construction AssistantPlacements available - High demand - Self placement advised

Joinery/Carpentry AssistantPlacements available - High demand - Self placement advised

Possible tasks: Assisting with research plans, designsand administration for building projectsPreparing simple drawings, sketches andplansCAD/Computer workAssisting with civil and structural engineers

Assisting the quantity surveyorObserving construction on sitesLiaising with service providersAssisting with site surveys

Possible tasks:Work on industrial sites/commercial anddomestic properties General building tasks (basic bricklaying,mixing cement and mortar)Carpentry (rubbing down, sanding and fitting)

Plumbing (repairing leaks, unblockingdrains, cutting pipes and fixing tiles)Electrics (chopping out, basic wiringand routing of cables)Painting and decoratingWork shadowing killed employees

Possible tasks:Loading and unloading materials, tools andequipmentObserving a skilled craftspersonAssisting with the assembly of productsSanding down, finishing, priming and painting

Backing of machinery Going out on site to installproducts or fittings

Possible tasks: General building maintenance as directedLoading and unloading equipmentSetting up work/demonstration/performanceareasRemoving rubbish from work areas anddepositing in site containers

Cleaning and tidying work areas(including wash rooms)Litter picking, emptying and cleaningbinsGeneral grounds maintenance asrequired

Creative and Media

Skills and Expectations

"My work experience has helped mespeak more clearly, concisely and

coherently, and I have become a moreefficient at multi-tasking. I have learnt

to value work and understand how mucheffort goes on behind-the-scenes."

"It has been a really greatopportunity and made

me think about mycareer choice in greater

depth."

If you have a keen interest in art and creative design work then thissector might be ideal for you. Some roles within this sector may involve

working with computer design programmes and shadowing skilledprofessionals. You may also be given the chance to work on your own

projects to set deadlines.

Job roles in this sectorGraphic Design Assistant

Limited Availability - Self Placement advised

Fashion Design AssistantLimited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Photographic AssistantLimited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Printing Assistant / Reprographics AssistantPlacements Available

Possible tasks:Working shadowing graphicartists        Drawing / creating sketches or design(either by hand or using computers)Creating mood boards

Research work on the InternetUsing design software  (CAD)Watching how work is printed andproducedVisiting clients

Possible tasks:Making patterns from original designsCreating, drawing and sketchingdesignsCreating mood boardsOrganising trims and printsExperience in use of various machinery

Sizing, setting and sealing samplesPhotographing samples  Costing Work shadowing designers

Possible tasks:Shadowing a professionalphotographer/videographer in a studioor on location  Loading and unloading equipment        Assisting with setting up of facilitiesand props      

Learning about different camerasand photographic techniques     Selecting and editing computerdigital files  Finishing and trimming Checking and inspection of printsMeeting customers

Possible tasks:Feeding / removing paper offmachines   Loading and unloading goods   Packing and sealing boxes (offinished products) Microfilming

Palletising finished goodsWorking on the printing press (understrict supervision)Assisting with plate makingFinishing, trimming, folding, collatingand counting (printed material)Binding/laminating

Engineering andManufacturing

Skills and Expectations

"Work experiencehas taught me a lot moreabout the world of work

and how team work is veryuseful."

"I feel that my workplacement enlightened me

that the working world ismuch harder than I

expected. However this hasdeveloped and improved my

work ethic."

This is a good choice of sector if you enjoy working with machines andworking practically. The roles below will suit you best if you thrive in a

hands-on environment. Many of these roles will involve measuringthings accurately and with confidence. These jobs may also involve

working in a noisy, possibly dusty, dirty and sometimes coldenvironment, however other roles involve complete cleanliness.

Job roles in this sectorElectrical / Electronics Assistant

Limited Availability - Self Placement AdvisedPossible tasks:

Observing the design of systems (CAD)  Using computer systems in thedevelopment of circuit designs  Soldering circuit boards   Testing and assembling sub-assemblies 

Compiling material, componentparts and listsShadowing a skilled technicianVisiting customers with staff todiscuss technical requirementsor to repair equipmentAssisting at on-site installations

Car Mechanic AssistantGood Availability - High demand

Possible Tasks:   Work shadowing a skilled technician    Assisting with fitting and replacingtyres and exhaust systems      Servicing (changing / checking oil,filters, water levels, tyre pressures, fanbelts, driver controls etc.) 

Assisting with pre MOT checksand MOT testing     Handling electronic monitoringequipment (diagnostic tests) 

Factory OperativeLimited for pre 16 students - Self Placement Advised

Possible tasks:Observe various machining operations  Calibrating various instruments used todo checks       Work shadowing engineers     Learning about programming CNCmachines      

Assisting with the operation ofCNC machinesLearning about and usingCAD/CAM machinesAssisting with the operation ofCMM equipment

Laboratory AssistantLimited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Possible tasks: Learner may be given a specificproject to doTesting equipment to ensure itfunctions correctly Helping with instrument calibrationsDocumenting results andanalysing data

Work shadowing skilledtechniciansSelecting preparing and testingsamples

Environment and Land-Based Studies

Skills and Expectations

"Work Experiencewas very useful and

is a huge eyeopener."

"This was a hardworkingand practical experience

that has helped meimprove my employability

skills."

Are you interested in working with animals or in a rural environment,if so this may be the sector for you. You will often have to work

outside, in all types of weather. Some of these roles may bephysically demanding so being fit and healthy is ideal.

Job roles in this sectorFarm Assistant - Placements Available - Must be willing to travel

Possible tasks:Assisting with the daily care andhealth checks of livestockProviding water, assisting withfood preparation and feedingWork shadowing / assisting withgeneral tasks as directed

Assisting with milking andmonitoring milk yields and quotasAssisting with generalmaintenanceAssisting with moving stockWork shadowing office staff

Vet's Assistant - Limited Availability - Self Placement Advised Possible tasks:

Assisting with the daily care andhealth checks of the animalsProviding water and assisting withfood preparation for animalsAssisting the staff with the care ofanimals which are being treated

Cleaning and sterilisinginstruments and consulting roomsAssisting with general clericalduties (reception duties, greetclients and record keeping)Some opportunity to work shadowskilled staff

Animal Care Assistant - Limited Availability - Self Placement AdvisedPossible tasks:

Assisting with daily care and healthchecks of the animalsGrooming General maintenance, cleaning andtidying of kennels, cages, runs,tanks and exercise areas

Exercising the animals either inexercise areas or taking out forwalks under supervisionLearner may observe behaviouralassessments and socialisationsessions with some animals

Equestrian/Farrier Assistant - Placements available - Must be willing to travelPossible tasks:

Assisting with the daily care and healthchecks of the horsesMuck out and bedding down and makingup hay-netsProviding water and assisting, with foodpreparation and feedingunder preparation

GroomingLeading horses for turning outor bringing in from paddocksAssisting with lessonpreparation (setting upequipment/jumps)Some opportunity to observethe farrier or vet

Hair and Beauty

Skills and Expectations

"My work placement has said thatwhen I turn 16 I am welcome to

come back and they would highlyconsider me for a part time job

there!"

Jobs within this sector require you to work well within a team in a busyenvironment. A large part of this role will be working closely with

customers and clients, so being friendly and confident is important.Due to the nature of this sector you will need to be neat and tidy.

Job roles in this sector

Possible tasks:General reception work (greetingcustomers, observation onappointment booking andtelephone work)Preparing drinks for customersObservation of a skilledhairdresser/barberShampooingCleaning the salon

Hair Stylist / Barber / Beauty AssistantSelf placements advised for beauty placements

Tidying shelves, stock andmaintaining displaysSetting up treatment roomsCleaning equipmentObserving treatments (withclient consent) Using till after training and ifappropriate

Hospitality andCatering

Skills and Expectations

"I thoroughly enjoyed myexperience

and I thought it was good to do!The employers were very

supportive and helpful. I wasmade to feel welcome by the

friendly staff."

Working in the hospitality sector often means having to work underpressure and work flexible hours. Job roles in this sector require you

to be a neat and careful worker along with having a clean and tidyappearance. All of the roles will include learning about certain hygiene

protocols and potentially learning about food storage andreplenishing.

Job roles in this sectorHousekeeping Assistant - Placements Available

Possible tasks:Servicing of bedrooms to a highstandard (vacuuming, polishing& cleaning bathrooms)Replenishing food, drink andsundries in the roomsMaintenance of public areas

Providing general assistance tothe members of the publicWork shadowing thehousekeeping teamGeneral office workSome laundry work may beinvolved

Catering Assistant - Good AvailabilityPossible tasks:

Greeting and serving customersCounter assistanceTaking food from the kitchen tocustomersOperating the till whenappropriate

Assisting with the preparation ofpresentation on hot and cold foodsObserving skilled catering staffLearning about stockmanagement, food storage andhygiene protocolPossible cake decorating

Butcher's AssistantLimited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Possible tasks:Learning about food hygienerelative to cooked and raw meatsOpportunity to observe dailybutchery techniquesAssisting with mixing sausagesand linking

Making burgersMincing meatStringing up jointsVacuum packing meat

Cleansing Operative - Placements AvailablePossible tasks:

Work on industrial, commercial,domestic propertiesCleaning, emptying litter bins andremoving rubbishDusting and washing surfaces

Buffing and polishing floorsLoading and unloading vehiclesTidying public areasWork involves maintaining highstandards of hygiene

Information Technology

Skills and Expectations

"My employer really supported me and gave melots of opportunities to develop new skills. I reallyenjoyed it, and it has clarified some things about

my future career options."

The IT sector requires individuals with great communication skillsand a keen interest in IT. Having good English skills and being neat

and accurate is also a huge positive. You will potentially be giventhe chance to carry out general maintenance of hardware and

assist technicians and library staff.

Job roles in this sector

IT AssistantLimited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Possible tasks:Assisting techniciansMaintaining and cleaning existinghardwareCarry out minor repairs whichmay include solderingSet up IT systems andprogrammesWork shadowingDeveloping website ideas

Visiting clients/suppliersAssisting with compilingreportsCreate drawings, sketch byhand or using computersCompiling material andcomponent parts listsCreating and uploadingwebsite content

Library AssistantLimited placements available

Possible tasks: Dealing with renewals and the newissue of books and materials Checking stockShelving returnedbooks/recordings and tidyingshelves dailyHandling charges

Dealing with generalcustomer enquiriesAssisting the librarianResearching usingcomputersRegistering new borrowers

Retail business

Skills and Expectations

"I really enjoyed mywork experience

and learnt so manyvaluable skills."

This is a fantastic sector if you are a great communicator anda strong team player. Being fit and healthy is a great

advantage as you will often be asked to unpack stock and tidyshelves. A neat appearance and good level of customer

service skills will be welcomed.

Job roles in this sector

Retail assistantGood AvailabilityPossible tasks:

General shop tasks(filling/tidying of shelves)Displaying goodsStock managementUse of the till if appropriate Unloading goodsCleaning and tidyingAssisting with deliveriesGreeting members of the public

Watering plants and flowersOrdering/checking of stockTidying and keeping the work areaclearUnpacking goodsPotential for assisting in the cafewhere appropriate

Warehouse AssistantLimited availability for pre 16 students

Self Placement AdvisedPossible tasks:

Assisting with loading and unloading vehiclesChecking delivery notesPacking goodsStacking shelvesQuality controlCleaning and tidyingLearning about maintenance of daily checks of equipment

Health and Social Care

Skills and Expectations

"Work experience was apleasure. It has helped me a lotas I gained a lot of experience

in various things and it gave mea better insight of what I want

to do in the future."

If you have a real interest in people and their health and carethese roles might be the best choices for you. You may be given

a uniform or an overall. Teamwork skills and goodcommunication skills are important in these roles because ofthe tasks involved. Your customer service skills will be greatly

needed when speaking to customers and clients.

Job roles in this sectorDental Assistant - Limited Availability - Self Placement AdvisedPossible tasks:

Assisting with generaladministration work (reception,computer, telephone & makingappointments)Appropriate record keepingCleaning and preparingequipment

General Medical Assistant - Limited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Retail Pharmacist Assistant - Placements Available - High demand

Student Care Assistant (Elderly Care) - Good Availability

Talking and interacting withpatientsMay be some opportunity toshadow a dentist/dentalassistant/hygienist

Possible tasks:Work shadowing professionals Greeting and talking to patientsObserving various clinics (with patients consent)Assisting with general ward duties

Possible tasks:Restocking the shopFilling and tidying of shelves andshop floor to maintain displaysAssisting serving customersUse of the till if appropriateObserving the dispensary

Assisting with dispensary duties(where appropriate)Work shadowing staffUnpacking goodsChecking delivery notes

Possible tasks:Assisting with clients/residentswith social needs (reading,computer skills, shopping)Assisting with social activitiesChatting to clients/residents andhelp maintain a cheerfulatmosphere

Go out with clients/residentswith supervisionAssisting with preparing andserving of meals, snacks anddrinksMaking bedsCleaning and tidying

Education, Training andChildcare

Skills and Expectations

"I really enjoyed my work experience and would recommend it toeveryone. I truly value the time and effort teachers put in to

lessons and I am grateful to be able to help the young children indeveloping their skills."

To get the very best from these job roles you need to enjoyworking with children. Being caring and patient will be

essential when working with young people. You will be workingas part of a team so communication skills are needed too.

Job roles in this sector

Nursery / Creche / Playgroup AssistantGood Availability

Teacher's / Classroom AssistantGood availability

Possible tasks:Helping to prepare activities andmaterialsWorking with staff to lead activities Assisting staff with the socialintegration and interaction of thechildrenInputting ideas for children's gamesHelping supervise at break/playtimesHelping with general administration

Assisting with snacks/drinksHelping at meal timesPromoting hygiene awarenessTidying rooms after useAssisting with ITPlanning and preparing specificactivities

Possible tasks:General observationWorking with staff to preparework and help with lessonsHelping to prepare activities andmaterialsAssisting staff with the socialintegration and interaction of thechildrenAssisting with reading, numberwork, storytelling, artwork andpractical activities

Helping supervise at break times(during these times learners mustnot play with children unlessspecifically instructed to do so)Assisting with ITTidying rooms after useWorking with staff to prepare workAssisting with classroom supportLearner may attend morningbriefingsAssisting with extra curricularactivities

Sport, Active Leisureand Tourism

Skills and Expectations

"I have really enjoyed my workexperience. It has helped me to

gain many new skills and hashelped me to decide what careerpath I would like to choose after

my GCSEs."

The active roles in this sector will require good fitness levelsand will at times also require a swim test to be completed.

Having a positive attitude is needed for all the roles includedin this sector. Being able to follow instructions and

communicate well will be essential.

Job roles in this sector

Sports Assistant - Placements Available - High Demand

Travel Assistant - Limited Availability - Self Placement Advised

Compulsory swim test for leisure placements

Possible tasks:Working with a coach at variouslocationsGeneral administration andreception workAssisting with planning of trainingand sport programmesAssisting with training sessionsAssisting the staff and observingthem at workWorking with groups of children

Shadowing pool attendantPossible reception workCleaning and tidyingGeneral maintenance ofequipmentAssisting with the running anddevelopment of the centreAssisting with group activitiesResearching, preparing andplanning activities

Swim 25 metres - Head up Swim 25 metres - Life saving backstroke(arms may be used underwater to assist)Raise alarm:

-Enter water safely-Surface dive to deepest part of the pool

-Collect object -Bring object to surface -Tow object to side of pool -Land object on to the poolside

1.2.

3.

The assessor will teach thestudent how to safely complete areaching and a throwing rescue,using equipment on the poolside. The student will then practicethe two rescues anddemonstrate they haveunderstood and can use theprocedures correctly.

Possible tasks:General administration tasks(photocopying, filing, use ofdatabase)Maintaining display brochuresChecking window information anddisplays

Stamping brochuresTicket workGreeting customersCustomer serviceWork shadowing skilled staff

The following websites can help you withmore careers information and

opportunities:

www.leics-ebc.org.uk

www.startprofile.com

www.apprenticeships.gov.uk

www.notgoingtouni.co.uk

www.gothinkbig.co.uk

www.nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk