Gaining experience

You have probably heard of work experience before, many secondary schools have mandatory work experience all students must participate in but what are the real benefits of it? No matter what field you enter work experience can be very valuable, it gives you an insight into your chosen industry, teaches you how corporate environments function, allows you to gain expertise from professionals and much more. It should be noted that there are multiple ways to get work experience such as a temporary placement, internship, apprenticeship, or a year in industry.

Gaining work experience can help give you the edge above other candidates in interviews, it allows you to show dedication to your field. It is a great talking point in an interview and allows you to show what you have learnt during that time. Undertaking a longer placement such as an internship or apprenticeship can shorten you upskilling time when entering a new company, appealing to the employer. It is not uncommon for companies to offer interns or year in industry students roles after they have finished as, at that point you have gained a good understanding of the companies workings.

We have covered some benefits of work experience but what are the different types? Below is a short overview of some common work experience types.

Week long placement: A week long placement is the most common type of work experience, usually completed at some stage during secondary school. It is often a student’s first look into their chosen industry and can give you a quick look into the inner workings of a company. Whilst it is not over an extended period it is very beneficial allowing you to start building a connection with a company, seeing what skills you may need for certain jobs or give you an idea of if that is what you really want.

Summer internship: As it says in the name a summer internship takes place over the summer and ranges between 12 – 16 weeks. Summer internships have all the benefits of a week long placement plus the ability to learn more and strengthen your relationship with a company more. Summer placements are often not paid but do allow you to learn a lot of applied skills quickly. You can do a summer placement at any age but the most common age is between 16 – 18. Companies will have individual policies for what placement ages they can accept so don’t be afraid to ask.

Year in industry: A year in industry typically takes place during your time at university. Many degrees now have the option for a year in industry within the university course and will usually occur in the third year. If your course does have a year in industry you have the benefit of the university helping you find a placement. Companies the university have relationships with may advertise or speak to students about the placements available helping you narrow down your search. You will work as a full time employee over the year allowing you to learn a lot and establish yourself within a company. Due to this some companies may offer you clearance or graduate positions after you have completed university. There is no legal requirement for you to be paid during your year in industry and will vary between companies.

Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship is not typical work experience but does still fall under the category of it. Most apprenticeships will be accompanies with some form of qualification meaning you study while you work. Apprenticeship lengths vary depending on what level you take, a higher apprenticeship can take 1 – 2 years and a degree apprenticeship can take 3 – 4 years. With apprenticeships you will get a wage and your education fees paid for by the company. Apprenticeships structures vary depending on sector, employer and training provider but typically most apprenticeships will work full time (37.5 hours a week) and take on studying time in blocks (weeks) or days. A block usually takes place once a month where you will do all your studying during this time otherwise you will do day release and study for a day a week. As you are a full time employee many apprenticeships are placed onto active projects and integrated into the project team. This means you learn a lot of technical skills and about how corporate environments work.

This was a quick overview of work experience so if these pique your interest don’t be afraid to do some research and reach out to companies to ask questions. Our useful links page is a good place to start! All work experience is good experience so don’t be afraid to get involved not matter your age.