Extended work placement

Extended work experience offers opportunities to prepare for employment or for progression to further training.  

Extended work experience programmes are for students in their last two years of compulsory education and can be a very effective route to support a range of learning, including:

• Vocational programmes
• Vocational GCSEs
• Developing employability skills
• Improving motivation

Extended placements typically take place for one or two days per week and can last up to two years (if a student starts their placement early in year 10).  Extended work experience is flexible and is planned around the needs of the individual learner.  Attendance at the work placement is usually scheduled to minimise time away from core curriculum lessons such as maths and English.

Each placement forms part of an individual learning plan with regular monitoring by Connexions Personal Adviser and/or relevant Teachers to review progress and agree targets.

Education Business Plus provides two types of extended work experience placements: Fast Forward and On-Track Placements

Fast Forward Placements

One or two day a week supported placements designed to encourage, inspire and build self-esteem.  Students develop a range of employability skills including a positive ‘can-do’ attitude, transferable skills and personal qualities such as self-management, team working and communication in the workplace.  They also have the opportunity to develop specific technical skills linked to the particular job/workplace.

Students have the opportunity to gain an appropriate qualification such as ASDAN.

On Track Placements

Designed to make an important link between the curriculum and the workplace. A placement typically lasts for one day a week over one term. Students develop knowledge and understanding linked to aspects of their course/vocational qualification.

If you are interested in discussing Extended Work Experience we recommend that you contact your Connexions Personal Adviser or the Work Experience Coordinator in your school. If you require further information about the range of opportunities offered through Education Business Plus please contact our Education and Business Links Team on 01606 555700.