Work experience – the first step towards the job you want

This article was produced by Skills Development Scotland’s team of Foundation Apprentices. As part of their qualification, they each completed 6 months of work experience.

What is work experience?

Work experience is a short-term placement with an employer. The aim is to give you an understanding of what working with them would be like.

If you get a good feeling for an employer or type of work, great! You’ll then know what you’re working towards in your studies or training.

And even if you don’t get a good feeling – it’s still been a useful experience. It’ll help you make decisions around your future and may take you in a different (and better) direction!

Don’t take our word for it — listen to people who’ve been there and done it

Here are our top tips to bag yourself some work experience

1. Ask your teacher. If you’re still at school, this is a great place to start your search. A guidance or class teacher may be able to link you up with local businesses.
2. Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships. Get the best of both worlds – work and a qualification. You can do a Foundation Apprenticeship while you’re still at school. Whereas, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships are full-time jobs and you’ll get paid. Discover apprenticeships.
3. Use your network. You’ll have met loads of people throughout your life, use them! If you know someone who has their own business or is high up in a company, ask if you can come in and see what it’s all about.
4. Go to open days. Thinking of applying for college or uni? Some courses may offer work placements as part of their programme. Go to open days, scope out the courses you’re interested in and investigate ones which include work experience.
5. Volunteer your time. You may not get paid, but you’ll earn plenty of handy experience. Volunteering doesn’t just benefit the charity or organisation you give your time and efforts to. It helps you as well.