'Work experience placements offer a unique opportunity to learn'

Q. Tell me how you came to be doing work experience on Gaynor’s Farm?

We were recommended this placement through the university placement team.

Q. Why do you think work experience is important?

Work experience allows students to build confidence and gain experience around various animals. Additionally, it allows students to gain an experience from the client’s perspective.

Q. Do you think work experience through your school years should be mandatory?

Yes, as it allows students to gain knowledge and experience in areas they are less familiar with, allowing them to pursue areas they are more interested in within the future.

Q. What makes a good work experience placement?

Good communication with the placement host allows students to make the most out of their placements by allowing them to create clear goals and expectations from the placement. A good placement should have a supportive environment to provide opportunities for learning and growth.

Q. What can work experience providers do to make work experience as positive as possible?

We believe it's a good idea to agree on what you want from a placement with the provider before starting. This will ensure the placement will meet their expectations and they can develop their learning.

Q. What advice would you give individuals wanting to do work experience?

For those at university, we'd advise reading feedback from other students for specific placements to ensure they will get the most out of the placement they attend. Additionally, we would advise going into a placement with an open mind and the willingness to learn.

Anyone at school would do well to start planning placements early. This will ensure you can manage your time effectively and make the most out of your work experience. Additionally, taking work experience seriously is important by showing professionalism and performing tasks with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Q. Do you think work shadowing has an important place in experiential learning to prepare you for the world of work?

Yes, as work experience can provide preparation for the world of work by allowing you to develop practical skills and have responsibilities while also developing professionalism and communication skills. 

You can find out more about National Work Experience Week 2023 on our special hub page by searching Twitter, Instagram or Facebook for #NWEW2023.