Work Experience

What is Work Experience?

At Darrick Wood School, all Year 12 students take part in the annual Work Experience Programme. Additionally, all Year 12 students studying a BTEC Level 2 Business course will be encouraged to find a work experience placement in the Spring Term. Work Experience is a programme designed to give young people a better insight into the world of work and to acquaint them with the key skills necessary to succeed in adult working life. Taking part in the work experience programme is an excellent opportunity for students to learn and develop transferrable skills that will benefit them in the future. Work Experience takes place on an employer’s premises in which students carry out particular tasks, more or less as would an employee, but with the emphasis on the learning aspects. Although we recommend that students link work experience placements to future career aspirations, the placement may not necessarily reflect the eventual career choice of the student but should allow a broad experience of the workplace. Students are required to find their own placement. As a minimum requirement, all employers must have valid Employer’s Liability Insurance. Without this, the placement will not be approved by the School under any circumstances. Work experience at Darrick Wood School is supported by Bromley Education Business Partnership (BEBP) who provide guidance and assistance throughout the programme.

Aims of the Work Experience Programme

• To give students a practical understanding of the wider society outside school particularly the role of employment and the economy in everyday life and to prepare them for transition from education to employment.
• To help students achieve a better understanding of industry including how a business functions, employer expectations and to introduce them to requirements, disciplines and satisfaction for working life.
• To give students the opportunity to develop self-confidence and social skills, resilience, enhance general, personal and social development and to encourage them to acquire basic skills in a variety of business related tasks.
• To enable them to form relationships outside their immediate social group and to make real life decisions.