How to Find a Work Experience in Year 12: Tips for 2024

Year 12 A-level students can acquire an engaging and beneficial placement by following the instructions below if they wish to learn how to find work experience.

Work experience is a worthwhile time investment that can give you experience and recommendations that can be useful for applications to universities or for your first job.

The steps to finding your perfect year 12 work experience placement are as follows:

1. Decide what industry or field you would like to experience

If you concentrate on industries that you’re interested in, finding the perfect work experience will be considerably simpler. Think about the kinds of occupations you’d like to try.

Make a brief list of ideal positions so you may later do more study on them. then follow up on those chances by calling, emailing, or submitting an online application.

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2. Set goals for your work experience

Setting objectives for your career might help you stay motivated while navigating a challenging environment and meeting new people.

Write down a few straightforward goals you wish to accomplish before the end of your placement.

Gaining experience in a particular field of work, such as engineering or law,
working in a certain setting (such as an office or shop), are a few possible aims for work experience.
watching or practicing a specific talent (like cooking, machining, or painting)
obtaining a recommendation for college
learning how to communicate with consumers, clients, or patients

3. Search for work experience for A-Level students as early as possible

Since students all around the country are participating in year 12 work experience, it’s critical to be proactive in finding a placement that meets your needs.

You can experience competition for placements if you wish to work in a highly competitive industry like banking or medicine.

It takes planning and a rigorous search, which you can begin months or even a year in advance, to stand out to companies.

4. Do your research

Investigate the responsibilities of the roles you’re interested in to make sure your choice of work experience is appropriate for you.

A fantastic online resource for information on a variety of vocations is the National Vocations Service. Additionally, useful tools include job listings and job searches.

Research also prepares you for your work placement, so you know what to expect on your first day.

5. Look for suitable work experience opportunities via school or college

Your school or institution may set up chances for you to participate in work experience. These could be explicitly organized by someone or they could be a part of a certain program.

Your school’s career counselors are a terrific resource for guidance and can point you in the direction of any nearby work experience opportunities.

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6. Contact HR departments to enquire about opportunities

Sixth-formers who are aware of the kind of work experience they want to complete should inquire about opportunities with HR departments at pertinent businesses.

Many companies are used to having young people participate in work shadowing and might agree to your request if you ask.

Ensure you are prepared to send a cover letter and CV to potential employers.

7. Visit local shops or offices

It may be as simple as going into a nearby company and introducing yourself to the staff to find a local job.

Staff members are frequently accommodating and may provide you with information on how to formally apply for a work placement.

When you visit companies and organizations in person, present a professional image by dressing appropriately and carrying your CV with you.

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8. Ask friends and family

To obtain your first or second choice of placement, keep in mind to look early. You could find a last-minute placement by asking friends and family to recommend someone you can follow at work if any delays or complications occur.

You can formally establish the agreement by submitting all relevant documents to your school or college.

Many businesses react to simple inquiries regarding the availability of work placements on their active social media pages.

Ask for a named contact or email address of someone who can assist you within the organization in any interactions, and keep them brief.

After that, you can send a named contact your details to see if they can help your application move further.

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10. Create a CV to forward to businesses and organizations

Students frequently write their first CVs after finding work experience. Employers and business owners like learning more about you by reading your resume.

To make a good first impression, a well-written one-page summary of your education, experience, and hobbies is more than sufficient.

11. Write a winning cover letter

Your chance to convince a decision-maker why you want to complete work experience with their company or organization is through a cover letter.

Send your CV and cover letter, if feasible, to a specific individual so you may follow up with them.

Use your cover letter to demonstrate your study into their industry, your comprehension of what they do, and what you intend to gain from them.

How can you Approach Potential Work Experience Providers?

It’s time to approach possible work experience providers with your application once you’ve located them through your research and networking efforts. The following actions should be taken when contacting potential providers:

Do a comprehensive investigation of the organization first. To prove your sincere interest, familiarize yourself with its mission, beliefs, and ongoing projects.
Locate the department or point of contact who should receive your application. This person might be an HR representative, work experience coordinator, or hiring manager.
Write a persuasive email or letter outlining your desire to obtain job experience with the company. Create a message specifically for them that highlights your relevant experience, talents, and reasons why you think you’d be a good fit for their company.
Your resume and cover letter can be included in your application package or attached to the email. Make sure they are error-free and formatted correctly.
Observe any particular application guidelines that the organization may have offered. Some might need additional paperwork or a unique application form to fill out.
Send your application as soon as possible, keeping in mind any deadlines set by the organization.
Keep track of your applications, and if you haven’t heard anything after a reasonable amount of time, follow up with a courteous email or phone call.
If you receive an invitation for an interview or other form of evaluation, ensure you are well prepared by learning about the company, practicing common interview questions, and demonstrating your excitement for the position.

Keep in mind to approach prospective employers for work experience professionally and with a sincere interest in their business.

Customize your application to show how your knowledge and experience meet their requirements.

Don’t give up if you encounter rejection along the path; rather, take it as an opportunity to learn from it and tweak your application for potential future possibilities.

What are the Benefits of work experience for year 12 students?

A crucial benchmark for college and sixth-form students is work experience. You get important experience and a tremendous sense of accomplishment by devoting time and effort to locating and finishing your work placement. Here are a few advantages of work experience in your senior year:

It’s useful for your UCAS personal statement

Completing work experience can give you intriguing stories and experiences to reflect on when you write your statement in year 13 if you want to follow a certain career like medical, law, or teaching.

You could talk about the areas of your work experience that you found inspiring or difficult. University interviewers may want to know about your employment experience in high school.

Work experience provides a great sense of maturity and responsibility

Many students’ initial exposure to full-time employment comes via work experience. Providers of placement services anticipate you to be prompt, aggressive, and organized.

Employers and staff members might be more keen to interact with you and help you feel like a team member.

Not only will it benefit people who wish to collaborate with you, but the newfound abilities will also enable you to improve your interactions with loved ones, friends, and even teachers.

You can make valuable contacts in the industry you want to work in

Additional employment options like internships, apprenticeships, or job offers can result from work experience.

Employers may want to stay in touch with you after your placement is over since they are constantly looking for people who would be a fantastic addition to their team.

Follow up with the people on your work placement team to express your gratitude and make a good impression.

What do employers look for in work experience applicants?

Employers put a lot of effort and money into making sure that, students who join them for work experience have a good time.

To identify students who are eager to complete a placement with their business or organization, they meticulously analyze year 12 work experience applications.

Employers look for the following attributes in the students they accept:

Punctuality: Being on time is essential in a professional setting. Arrive on time for work and other scheduled events.
Clever presentation: You are representing the employer while participating in your work experience placement, therefore dress according to the guidelines.
A readiness to learn: If you approach your work with a positive attitude, you may discover that your coworkers are more eager to share their knowledge and abilities with you.
Employers seek students with a positive attitude in addition to those who are eager to learn and who are making an effort to engage with their job experience. Positivity should permeate your entire positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is job experience required for UK students in year 12?

Is a year 12 internship required? This will depend on your school and the prerequisites for the sixth form. Many colleges and sixth forms will set aside a specific amount of time for students who want to participate in a work placement.

How do you approach someone about a job?

Reach out to a company
Send an email with your most recent resume and cover letter once you have the relevant contact information. Briefly identify yourself, describe the experience you seek and why you seek it in the email’s body, then detail the attachments before gently concluding by thanking the recipient for their time.

Can you do your own work experience?

Schools and colleges can help you arrange work experience – but you can also arrange your work placement! Here’s how. Work experience is a vital part of getting prepared for the world of work. It can give you an insider view of the job or industry you want to work in and help you to improve your skills.

Do you need a CV for work experience in year 12?

Writing a CV
When it comes to getting work experience, your CV is paramount. Get it right, and you’ll have an interview or offer in no time, but get it wrong, and you may face rejection after rejection.

Can I study in the UK without work experience?

Most universities will still consider applicants without any relevant work experience, and many universities even offer internships or graduate schemes so that students can gain experience while they study.

What is the age limit for work experience in the UK?

An employer will require a child work permit unless offering work experience arranged by a school. Above compulsory school age, there are no prohibitions on working, although restrictions on type and hours of work will still apply. From the age of 18 employment rights will apply.

Conclusion

Securing a work experience in Year 12 might seem tasking, but having a clear direction and planning proactively can help you secure a good placement that aligns with your interest and helps you stand out.

This experience will boost your professional resume, grant you valuable insights in your field, and give you a headstart in your career.

Students can position themselves for a bright and promising future by actively looking for work experience opportunities, getting ready well in advance, and making the most of the experience.

Remember that completing a placement is only one aspect of work experience; it’s also about gaining worthwhile experiences, developing personally, and confidently shaping one’s career path.

How to Find a Work Experience in Year 12: Tips for 2024

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