Work Experience is when students spend a set time (usually 1 week) with an organisation to find out what it is like to work there and learn about the different jobs the employees do.  It helps students develop work related skills and awareness of the world of work and influences career choices.  It can develop team work, communication and organisation skills too.

FOSEC work between local schools and local employers to arrange these placements.  We match the needs of the student with a suitable employer to make sure the experience is successful for both of them.  Last year we arranged approximately 1200 placements in local organisations, including some of the following:

This is a small sample of the employers who very generously offer to take students on Work Experience.  We have over 650 contacts within local organisations who accept students on placement.   These contacts come from many public, voluntary and private organisations, and we have particular support from small and medium local employers.

When a placement has been booked, we work with both the student and the employer to prepare for the placement.  Students are given help by FOSEC so they know what to expect during their work experience, and what is expected of them. They are taught safe working practices and are encouraged to be aware of health and safety issues. Other important issues such as confidentiality and data protection are also addressed. Students are given a booklet which provides all the information they need for a successful placement and to help them develop skills and knowledge throughout their placement. Both the employer and the student evaluate the placement when it’s over to make sure everything has gone well or to sort out any problems before the next placement takes place. By always looking back over what we have done, FOSEC make sure the programme remains successful.

For more information on the Work Experience programme, contact Owen Crozier at owen@fosec.org

The Adopt-a-Class programme matches classes in schools with employers so students can learn about the world of business and employment from those who are experiencing it on a daily basis. Each Adoption is focused on what the class needs and what the company can offer, and can be very specific or more general.

Companies who adopt a class give the students an insight into the ‘real world. They act as role models for students and can help inspire young people to make informed career choices.

Each Adoption is unique but they all fall under three different headings. 

Vivienne Kerr took over the programme in January 2007 and is working hard to make sure students get the help they need from it.  For more information on the Adopt-a-Class programme, contact Vivienne at vivienne@fosec.org