Introducing students to the workplace is essential for helping them grasp the work environment, make informed career choices, and prepare for future employment. This experience can range from short observations to longer placements with employers, allowing students to observe and engage in various work tasks.

At Biddenham all year 12 students engage in a week-long work experience placement during the autumn term. We encourage students to connect with local employers and collect all of the necessary paperwork through our Unifrog platform.

Participating in work experience during year 12 is crucial for students as it can:

• Help refine their elective choices and future learning paths.
• Provide insight into the realities of various jobs.
• Establish valuable connections with employers.
• Enable them to apply classroom concepts in real-world settings.
• Foster essential employability skills and personal qualities, including communication, confidence, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.

Virtual Work Experience

In today’s increasingly digital world, virtual work experience offers invaluable opportunities for students to gain real-world insights into various careers without the constraints of traditional in-person placements. It also allows students to explore different industries, develop essential skills, and build professional networks from the comfort of their homes.

Virtual work experience programs often include interactive workshops, project-based tasks, and mentorship from industry professionals, providing a practical understanding of workplace expectations and culture. By participating in these experiences, students can enhance their employability, gain confidence in their career choices, and better prepare for future job markets, all while accommodating their unique schedules and circumstances.

We recommend:
Speakers for SchoolsSpringpod

Interested in Providing a Work Experience Placement for our students?

If you would like to become a placement provider, whether for this year or in the future, please refer to the guide provided by Unifrog for detailed information on the responsibilities of a work placement employer. You can also complete the Google Form to offer your services and join our network of employers for careers events and work experience opportunities.

For any careers advice inquiries, students, parents and carers can reach out to our Careers team at careers@biddenham.beds.sch.uk.

Additionally, further careers advice and resources are available online. For valuable guidance and materials, we recommend visiting:
How 2 Become

 Some comments from our students on their past work experience

“I enjoyed visiting patients around the ward and speaking to them about their conditions, I learned a few things about what stroke doctors may do after receiving a patient that has had a stroke, for example a carotid Doppler which is a scan of your neck and shows if any blood vessels are blocked. I also learnt what a TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) is. It is essentially a mini stroke where blood is cut off to part of your brain for a short period of time.” 

“I learnt how to interact with other members of staff and communicate with different age groups.” 

“I had a great time talking with patients about their issues and then following up with my assigned cardiologist to understand how and why these problems came about. These conversations really helped me improve my communication skills and boosted my confidence a too. Plus, I gained a deeper understanding of the patients' problems and the solutions available. It really helped me develop my leadership skills and how to work effectively under pressure.” 

“I learnt how to close a deal and learnt the tone of voice and language to use when speaking with customers to land appointments as I was part of the sales team.” 

“During my work experience, I spent time with the reception classes, which was both enjoyable and enlightening. What I enjoyed most was seeing the children’s excitement and curiosity as they learned new things each day. It was incredibly rewarding to be part of their learning process, whether by helping them with activities or just engaging with them during playtime. I learned a lot about the patience and adaptability needed to work with young children, as well as the importance of creating a positive, supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and ask questions. This experience reinforced my desire to pursue a career in teaching and gave me valuable insights into working with young learners.” 

“I enjoyed watching the procedures that animals had to undergo (i.e., spay, castration). I learned more about preparation for procedures, and assisted in holding a cat as they put in a needle to prepare for surgery, and how they need to feel further up the arm as they inject 'flush' to ensure it has gone in properly.” 

“I liked the environment, having that time to communicate with others who work there. I really liked the sort of freedom you also had. I did really like the independence as well.”

Businesses that have hosted our students - thank you! 

Work Experience Policy