Making the Most of Work Experience

Instructor Guidance

Section 1: What Is Work Experience?

Explain to learners that work experience is a valuable opportunity to build confidence, gain a real understanding of employer expectations, try out different tasks, and demonstrate their reliability and effort. Then ask the group: “What do you hope to learn from your next work placement?” Encourage learners to reflect on their goals and how the experience can support their personal and professional growth.

Section 2: Scenario Activity – “What Would You Do?”

Present learners with 2–3 short workplace scenarios to explore realistic challenges they might face. For example:

– You’re asked to clean a messy stockroom — what’s the best attitude to show?
– Your bus is running late — what should you do?
– You don’t understand a task — how do you handle it?

Ask learners to discuss each situation in pairs or small groups, focusing on how they would approach the problem using a positive attitude, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. This helps build readiness for real workplace dynamics.

Section 3: Goal-Setting – My Work Experience Plan

Distribute a simple planning sheet with prompts to help learners prepare for their upcoming work experience. The sheet includes:

– My strengths
– One thing I want to get better at
– One skill I want to practise
– What I’ll do if I feel unsure or stuck

Encourage learners to set realistic and personal goals, using what they’ve learned so far to think ahead and feel more confident about handling challenges on the job.

Section 4: Role Play

The exercise begins with taking a message, focusing on listening carefully and confirming all details clearly. Next, organising the workspace helps create a calm and efficient environment, setting the stage for productive interactions. When working with the customer, active listening and a warm, professional tone are key to building trust and understanding. After the role play, reflect on what went well—such as clear communication and a tidy workspace—and what was challenging, like shifting quickly between tasks and maintaining the right tone. This practice builds confidence in handling multiple responsibilities smoothly and professionally.

Section 5: Summary & Prep Tips

As you step into any new work experience, the most important thing is to show up ready and willing to learn. No one expects you to know everything right away, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure—curiosity is a strength, not a weakness. Remember, your attitude matters just as much as your skill; being positive, open, and proactive can open doors and create opportunities. To make the most of your time, consider simple habits like bringing a notebook to jot down important points, arriving early to prepare yourself mentally, and asking thoughtful questions that show you’re engaged and eager to grow.

Section 6: Before we finish

As you look ahead to your next work experience, take a moment to think about what excites you most. What’s one new skill or task you’re eager to try? Remember, you’re ready for this journey—each experience, big or small, is a step forward that helps you grow and build confidence. Embrace the opportunities ahead with enthusiasm, knowing that every challenge is a chance to learn something valuable.

Section 7: Careers Reflection

Sam is a Technical Support Advisor at Sellafield Ltd. Sam discusses what he does in his role. What job within the nuclear industry might you be interested in exploring?