Work experience is a compulsory part of the Year 12 curriculum and takes place in the final week of the summer term.

Following guidance through our Careers and Skills sessions, students are encouraged to seek a placement that will not only give them a taste of the world of work but in addition it will give them an idea of what their future career might be like.

Many universities expect students to have work experience relevant to the course they are applying for which they will be expected to speak about at university interviews.  If students decide not to choose to attend university, experience of a work placement is extremely useful to add to their CV.

We encourage students to think less about ‘work experience’ and more about ‘experiences of the workplace’. They need to be able to say they have investigated the industry in question and truly understand what working in it would be like.

In addition, work experience allows students to develop their ‘soft skills’ such as communication, organisation, focus, common sense and situational awareness.  These are also known as ‘transferrable’ or ‘employability’ skills.

Early application is advised as other Sixth Form colleges in the area also have their work experience in the same week as St Peter’s.

During the Careers and Skills sessions, students will be guided through the application process, enabling them to independently and confidently approach companies and organisations.

Mrs Warren is our highly valued Sixth Form Work Experience Coordinator.  Once students have found a placement, Mrs Warren coordinates the relevant paperwork and communicates with placement providers to ensure all necessary checks and assessments have been made prior to each student going on placement. 

If you have any queries regarding the work experience process please email Mrs Warren at awarren@st-peters.surrey.sch.uk