The World
of Work
At 16, transitioning into the world of work is an exciting chance to gain skills and independence. Part-time jobs or internships help develop responsibility, time management, and confidence, laying the foundation for future careers.
Useful advice about work experience and placements
What does work experience bring?
1
You will experience industry at first hand.
2
It is a chance to gain experience that you can record on your CV.
3
You will discover more about your own skills, talents, interests and knowledge.
4
It will show you the skills you need in working life.
5
It will help you identify the skills and talents you already have and those you will need to develop for the future.
6
It will help you understand why services, industry and commerce are so important in society.
7
You will develop confidence and self esteem and learn how to interact with different people.
8
You will develop confidence and self esteem and learn how to interact with different people.
9
You may have the opportunity to take on responsibility.
10
It will prepare you for the transition from school to work.
How to find a work placement?
Speak to your family, friends and school.
Contact employers and send them your CV and a cover letter, clearly outlining why you wish to complete your work experience with them.
Many others may apply for work experience at the same time as you, so don’t become disheartened – it can sometimes take a while to secure the placement that you want.
Signposting for
volunteering advice
What can I do and what can I earn
For more information about careers and what you can earn, visit www.nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
Barista
Skills and qualities
Customer service, working under pressure, selling products, working well with others and on your own, memory and communication
Progression
Could lead to management or become self employed to own a coffee shop.
Nursery worker
Skills and qualities
Sensitivity and understanding, patience, empathy and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations, ability to work well with others, flexible and open to change, excellent verbal communication, customer service, active listening and competent on computers and hand-held devices.
Progression
Room leader, manager or an early years teacher.
Forensic scientist
Skills and qualities
Pay attention to detail, accept criticism, patience and calm in stressful situations, knowledge of public safey, legal knowledge, work on your own and written communication.
Progression
Management.
Primary school teacher
Skills and qualities
Knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses, sensitivity and understanding, the ability to create the best conditions for learning or teaching new things, work well with others, to be flexible and open to change and knowledge of English language.
Progression
Special educational needs teacher, pastoral care, specialist leader of education, support teacher, curriculum leader, deputy head or headteacher, move into private tuition or teach overseas in an international school.
Social worker
Skills and qualities
Counselling, sensitivity and understanding, patience, empathy, knowledge of sociology, working well with others and listening.
Progression
Management.
Barrister
Skills and qualities
Legal knowledge, good verbal skills, active listening, analytical logic and reasoning.
Progression
Lead a team or become a manager, become a judge or an ombudsman.