Skip to content

WORK EXPERIENCE

As a student at Chesterfield College you will be expected to carry out a work experience placement for a minimum of 30 hours to ensure you are developing the employability skills you need for the world of work.

Finding your placement

All students are encouraged to source their own work experience opportunities, however, our Work Experience team is available to support and guide you on your journey. They help to:

  • Find work experience opportunities if you have been unable to find a placement yourself
  • Research companies
  • Carry out health and safety checks on companies
  • Provide resources to enable you to record your work experience journey

Work placements are all about preparing you for the workplace. During your placement, you’ll develop employability skills which will help ease the transition process between education and employment.

Skills You’ll Gain

Team Building
  • Contributing to discussions
  • Working in groups
  • Accepting the views of others
Customer Awareness
  • Talking to people you do not know
  • Being polite and understanding
Self Management
  • Meeting deadlines
  • Being responsible for yourself
  • Willing to improve your performance
  • Analysing facts
  • Finding solutions to problems
Literacy, Numeracy and IT
  • Asking questions
  • Listening carefully
  • Producing accurate written work
  • Speaking to groups
  • Working with numbers in a practical setting
  • Analysing figures
  • Using computer programmes such as Microsoft Word and Excel

Why is a work placement important?

A work placement will provide you with a realistic view of the world of work, and allow you to understand first-hand what it’s like to work in your chosen sector. Having this opportunity will also open your eyes to the variety of job roles available and help guide you when it comes to choosing which direction to take after college.

Why do I need experience for future employment?

Work experience is an important part of everybody’s journey. Throughout your work experience you will be encouraged to log your hours and write reflective logs. This will enable you to provide more information about the experience you have gained on your UCAS or job application forms and your CV enabling you to stand out from the crowd!