Lesson Plan

Introduction to the Workplace

WE 01:01

Intent

Intent:

To introduce the concept of a professional work environment and explore what learners already know (or assume) about the workplace.

Lesson Outcomes

  • Identify different types of workplaces.
  • Understand the purpose of work experience.
  • Reflect on personal expectations and goals.

Main Teaching

  • Identify and describe various types of workplaces learners might encounter.
  • Explain the purpose and benefits of participating in work experience.
  • Reflect on and share personal expectations and goals related to entering the workplace.

Delivery Timeline

  • 0:00–0:10 – Welcome & Icebreaker: “Your Dream Job – What Does It Look Like?”
  • 0:10–0:25 – What Is Work Experience? Why Does It Matter?
  • 0:25–0:40 – Group Discussion: First Impressions & Workplaces You Know
  • 0:40–0:50 – Activity: Mapping a Typical Work Day
  • 0:50–1:00 – Summary & Mini Reflection
  • 1:00–1:05 – Careers Link

Resources

Rocket words

  • employer
  • work experience
  • workplace
  • workplace behaviour
  • employee

Implementation

Instructor Guidance

Section 1: Welcome & Icebreaker

Prompt: “If you could try any job for a week, what would it be?”
Encourage learners to open up and imagine being in a workplace. This starts the session positively and helps you learn about their interests and ambitions.

Section 2: What Is Work Experience?

Key Point: It’s a chance to learn, not just to work.
Explain that work experience helps build skills, confidence, and connections—it's about gaining a real feel for the world of work.

Section 3: Group Discussion – What Do You Think Work Is Like?

Prompt: “What do you think employers expect from someone new?”
Write answers on a board (e.g., timekeeping, polite behaviour, asking questions, trying your best).
Reassure learners that no one is expected to know everything on day one—work experience is for learning.

Section 4: Mapping a Typical Work Day

Use a simple timeline and have learners imagine what a full day at work might include:
Examples: Arriving on time, checking in, tasks, lunch, communicating with others, leaving properly.
Purpose: Builds familiarity with routines and structure.

Section 5: Summary & Reflection

Prompt: “What’s one thing that surprised you today?”
Invite 2–3 reflections. Highlight how much learners already know and how the course will help build confidence before starting a placement.

Section 6: Careers Reflection

Mark Knight is a Technical Crop Manager at Tangier. Mark discusses what he does in his role. “What job within the horticultural industry might you be interested in exploring?”

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

Before we finish, let’s take a moment to reflect.
What’s one thing you learned today or feel more confident about?

Remember, work experience isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning. Every effort you make helps build your skills and confidence. You’re already on the right track!

Formative Assessment Questions:

  1. Why is work experience useful?
    A) To earn a full salary
    B) To practise and learn skills ✅
    C) To avoid school
    D) To work alone
     
  2. Which of these shows good workplace behaviour?
    A) Arriving late
    B) Ignoring instructions
    C) Saying please and thank you ✅
    D) Using your phone constantly
     
  3. What is one thing employers usually expect?
    A) You know everything already
    B) You never speak
    C) You try your best and ask for help ✅
    D) You work without breaks
     
  4. What should you do if you don’t understand something at work?
    A) Keep quiet
    B) Ask for help ✅
    C) Guess
    D) Leave early
     
  5. Workplace behaviour includes:
    A) Swearing at coworkers
    B) Turning up when you feel like it
    C) Being polite, listening, and staying focused ✅
    D) Sharing personal problems with everyone

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