Year 10 Work Experience

All year 10 scholars have the opportunity to participate in a one-week work experience placement.  The work placements are provided by LEBC and are paid for by Castle Mead Academy. LEBC is a local company that has been organising work placements for students across Leicestershire for more than 20 years, you can find out more about what they do on their website.  LEBC complete health & safety assessments and insurance checks with each employer.

Benefits of work experience 

A week’s work experience placement provides scholars with an opportunity to gain an insight into and experience of the world of work; to develop an understanding of the work environment and expectations of employers; to explore possible career options and to increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence, and self-confidence.  Work experience placements help scholars to improve their personal development and key transferable employability skills such as communication, time management, teamwork, resilience, confidence and problem solving.  Research shows that employers look for prospective employees to have completed work experience. Work experience will form an important element of your post 16 college applications and any future job applications.

Current year 10 scholars were asked to indicate how their work experience placement assisted the development of their personal skills and qualities.

• Confidence – 87%
• Communication – 87%
• Ability to organize and take responsibility – 86%
• Independence and time management – 83%

Quotes from current year 10 scholars

“I learnt many new skills by being taken out of my comfort zone and trying new things. Also, I met many new people which built my confidence up even more.”

“This was definitely a positive and useful experience that helped me to learn more about the world of work.”

Through my work experience I was able to develop a better understanding of the workplace environment and build my confidence in communication”

“Best week of my life!”

Quotes from placement providers

“I wanted to write to say how amazing [CMA scholar] has been this week on his work experience. He has been, by far, the best work placement student we have ever had here, and we take a lot every year! [CMA scholar] has built an instant rapport with the children; he has supported individual readers and group work within the classroom. He uses his initiative, and the class teacher cannot speak highly enough of him. He is a lovely young man and I imagine as asset to your school.”

“[CMA scholar] has had a great week here at [Employer.] I’ve also attached the final project we tasked them with. As you’ll see, the work [CMA scholar] produced was really impressive. [CMA scholar] embraced everything we asked of them and showed real confidence in interacting with all team members. They even presented at our weekly industry trends showcase. It’s been a real pleasure having [CMA scholar] in the studio.”

“[CMA scholar]’s engagement with her week’s placement has been excellent. Her aptitude to learn and contribute to all areas of the service was first rate.  [CMA scholar] has shown a confident and professional manner at all times, exemplified by her work on a new document which signposts disability support within the service.”

There are two routes to securing a work experience placement

LEBC self-placements

At CMA, we launch the work experience process in June so that scholars and families have the summer break to consider and approach any potential self-placements.  A self-placement means that you are more in control and can influence where your placement may be.  With a self-placement, you approach any potential employers yourself.  It is a great way to build confidence and show initiative. You can choose a specific sector or role and know how you will get there everyday.  Feedback from scholars who gain a self placement is particularly positive.  LEBC will complete health and safety assessments and insurance checks.

An email /phone call  template is available on satchel:one for scholars to utilize to approach potential self-placements.  Even if it is your parent’s workplace, ensure that you are making the contact rather than mum or dad!  Self-placements are the best way to ensure that you in control of and are happy with your work experience placement.

LEBC application form

The back up option is the LEBC application form.  Scholars will select a preference of three sectors and indicate their accessible travel areas; LEBC will then endeavor to match you with a placement from their database of employers.  Please note we are unable to change placements if the placement you are allocated matches your sector and travel areas as indicated on your application form.  Therefore it is very important that both scholars and parent/carers carefully complete the application form and sign to confirm. All scholars will complete an application form in September,  just incase the self-placement form falls through.