3. Student Briefing: Preparing for Your Work Experience Placement

Overview

• Session Title: Preparing for Your Work Experience Placement
• Duration: 30–45 minutes
• Audience: Year 9–11 (adaptable for KS5)
• Delivery: Classroom / assembly-style briefing
• Linked Resource: Presentation slides

Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will:

1. Understand what to expect during their placement
2. Know how to behave professionally in a workplace
3. Understand expectations around communication and conduct
4. Be aware of safeguarding and health & safety procedures
5. Feel confident and prepared for their placement

1. Introduction (Slide 1) – 3–5 minutes

Teacher Activity:

• Set the tone: this is about preparation and confidence
• Acknowledge that students may feel nervous

Starter Question:
“What are you most excited or nervous about?”

Purpose:

• Normalise feelings
• Increase engagement

2. What to Expect (Slide 2) – 5–7 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Explain structure of a working day
• Highlight differences from school

Activity:
Students discuss in pairs:
“What do you think a typical day might look like?”

Key Message:

• It’s okay not to know everything; this is about learning

3. Professional Behaviour (Slide 3) – 5–7 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Emphasise attitude over ability

Activity: “Right or Wrong?”

• Teacher gives scenarios:
  • Arriving late
  • Not asking questions
  • Being polite and engaged

Students identify correct behaviour

Outcome:

• Clear understanding of expectations

4. Dress Code (Slide 4) – 3–5 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Explain importance of first impressions

Quick Prompt:
“What might be appropriate to wear in an office vs a construction site?”

Key Message:

• When unsure → ask employer

5. Communication (Slide 5) – 5 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Importance of listening and asking questions

Activity:
Students write:

• One question they could ask an employer

Outcome:

• Builds confidence to engage

6. If Something Goes Wrong (Slide 6) – 5 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Reinforce support systems
• Emphasise importance of speaking up

Key Message:

• Students are not alone; support is available

7. Health & Safety (Slide 7) – 3–5 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Highlight responsibility and awareness

Quick Check:
“Why is it important to report hazards immediately?”

8. Your Goal (Slide 8) – 5 minutes

Teacher Input:

• Focus on learning, not perfection

Reflection Task:
Students write:

• One thing they want to learn
• One skill they want to improve

Assessment for Learning

• Participation in discussions
• Responses to scenario activities
• Quality of reflection task

Differentiation

Support:

• Provide examples of workplace behaviour
• Use structured prompts
• Allow think-pair-share

Stretch:

• Ask students to link behaviours to future careers
• Encourage deeper reflection on goals

Teacher Notes

• Reassure students; confidence is key
• Emphasise attitude over experience
• Keep tone supportive and practical
• Reinforce that mistakes are part of learning