Most schools offer the opportunity for work experience in Year 10 and Year 12 students. They will be encouraged to secure this experience themselves in a company or sector they are interested in exploring as a potential future career.
SEN and PRU schools offer students additional support. For more information for SEN students visit the school website for careers lead contact details.
Tips for helping your child find a suitable week-long work experience
First you need to explore their interests and start by having a conversation with your child to understand their interests, strengths, and potential career paths they might be considering. This will help you narrow down the types of organisations or industries that could provide a relevant work experience. Learn more about exploring careers.
Once you have narrowed down the type of experience your Child is seeking you can create a plan to help them secure something suitable.
Step 1 – Reach out to your network
- Make a list of people you know well, both personally and professionally, who work in fields or companies that align with your child’s interests.
- Send them an email or message explaining that your child is seeking a week-long work experience and inquire if their organisation offers such opportunities or if they can provide any leads or introduction so your child can follow up.
- Personal connections can often open doors more easily than applying through formal channels, so don’t hesitate to leverage your network.
- You can use social media to send your message further such as Linked in or Facebook. An example post for socials could be;
Step 2 – Research local businesses
- Identify companies, charities and government organisations in Cumbria that operate in industries or sectors your child is interested in exploring.
- Visit their websites and look for sections on careers, internships, or student programs, which may provide information on work placement opportunities.
- If no such information is available, find the contact details for the human resources department or the relevant department your child is interested in.
- Help your child to prepare an email or letter introducing themselves and explaining their interest in work experience, and inquiring about the possibility of hosting them for a week. Encourage them to drop in personally with the letter if possible.
Step 3 – Utilise school resources
- Check with your child’s school or career lead as they may have partnerships or connections with local businesses that offer work experience opportunities for students.
- They can provide guidance and recommendations based on your child’s interests and goals.
Top Tip: Encourage your child to use this opportunity to explore something new. While it might seem like a good idea to offer them a place at a family or extended family business, this experience is meant to help them explore the wider world of work. Encourage them to spread their wings and try something different.
Prepare your child – Once a placement is secured, help your child prepare by discussing professional etiquette, dress code, and appropriate behaviour in the workplace. You will need to make sure that they have suitable clothes to wear that fit the environment they are working in. Help them prepare by ensuring they are organised for the week and have considered if they need to take lunch with them and if they need to plan public transport. Your child’s school should provide them with a checklist of things to prepare and consider.
Follow up and reflect – After the work placement, encourage your child to reflect on their experience, what they learned, and how it may have influenced their career aspirations. Discuss the highlights and challenges they encountered, and provide guidance on how to leverage this experience for future opportunities.
Remember, work experiences are valuable opportunities for your child to explore potential career paths, gain practical experience, and develop essential professional skills. With proper planning and guidance, this experience can be invaluable in shaping their future decisions.
Consider encouraging your child to send a thank you note or email to the work experience company letting them know what they learned about their industry or role.
How to help your child gain volunteer experience in a sector or job they show interest in;
Research Local Opportunities
Start by researching local organisations or businesses close to where you live in the sector or job your child is interested in. Help them find the information and then encourage them to telephone or go in and see someone themselves rather than you doing it for them.
Reach Out to Contacts
Utilise your personal and professional network to connect with individuals who work in the industry. Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues who may have connections or insights into potential volunteer opportunities.
Attend Career Fairs and Events
Encourage your child to attend career fairs, industry events, or networking sessions related to their interests. These events often provide opportunities to connect with professionals in the field and learn about volunteer or internship opportunities.
Create a CV
Help your child create a volunteer resume highlighting their skills, interests, and any relevant experiences. This can be useful when reaching out to potential volunteer opportunities and showcasing their commitment and enthusiasm.
Volunteer for Community Projects
Encourage your child to participate in community projects or initiatives related to their interests. Volunteering for local events, fundraisers, or community programs not only provides valuable experience but also demonstrates their dedication to making a positive impact.
By exploring these avenues and actively seeking out volunteer opportunities, your child can gain valuable experience, insights, and skills in their desired industry or job role. This hands-on experience can help them clarify their career goals, build their resume, and make informed decisions about their future career path.
Here are some details about Volunteer organisations in Cumbria which you may find helpful for offering volunteer experiences in the industry you child is interested in or help to increase their confidence or life skills prior to starting their career.
These are additional opportunities for volunteering in Cumbria that cater to a diverse range of interests and causes. Encouraging your child to explore these options can help them find meaningful ways to contribute to their community while gaining valuable skills and experiences.
Volunteer Organisations in Cumbria
| Organisation | Description | Website | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cumbria Wildlife Trust | This organisation offers volunteering opportunities for individuals interested in environmental conservation and wildlife protection. Volunteers can participate in habitat restoration projects, wildlife surveys, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about local biodiversity. | cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk | info@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk 01539 816300 |
| Cumbria Community Foundation | he foundation organizes various community projects and fundraising events to support local charities and organizations. Volunteers can get involved in initiatives such as food drives, community clean-up efforts, and fundraising campaigns to address pressing social issues in the region. | cumbriafoundation.org | info@cumbriafoundation.org 01995 606681 |
| Cumbria Youth Alliance | This organization focuses on empowering young people and supporting youth development initiatives across Cumbria. Volunteers can participate in mentoring programs, youth clubs, and community outreach projects aimed at providing support and opportunities for local youth. | cya.org.uk | info@cya.org.uk 01228 408 910 |
| Cumbria CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) | Cumbria CVS facilitates volunteering opportunities with a wide range of local charities, nonprofits, and community groups. Volunteers can choose from various projects, including supporting vulnerable populations, assisting with community events, and providing administrative assistance to charitable organizations. | cumbriacvs.org.uk | info@cumbriacvs.org.uk 01228 817 650 |
| Local Churches and Community Centers | Many churches and community centers in Cumbria actively engage in community outreach and social support programs. Volunteers can participate in initiatives such as food banks, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and youth programs organized by these institutions. | N/A | Contact your local churches or community centers directly for volunteering opportunities. |
| Cumbria Libraries | Many libraries in Cumbria offer volunteering opportunities for individuals interested in promoting literacy and community engagement. Volunteers can assist with library programs, events, and outreach activities aimed at encouraging reading and learning among community members. | N/A | Contact your local library branch directly for volunteering opportunities. |
| Cumbria Foodbanks | oodbanks play a crucial role in providing food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Volunteers can support local foodbanks by sorting and distributing food donations, organizing food drives, and assisting with administrative tasks. | cumbriafoodsecurity.org.uk | N/A |
| Cumbria Hospice Services | Hospice organizations in Cumbria rely on volunteers to provide compassionate care and support to patients facing life-limiting illnesses and their families. Volunteers can assist with patient care, bereavement support, fundraising events, and administrative tasks at local hospice centers. | hospiceathomewestcumbria.org.uk | info@hhwc.org.uk 01900 705200 |
| Cumbria Police Volunteer Cadets | The Cumbria Police Volunteer Cadets program offers young people aged 13 to 17 the opportunity to volunteer with the police force and gain valuable skills and experiences. Cadets can participate in community engagement activities, crime prevention initiatives, and events aimed at building positive relationships between young people and law enforcement. | cumbria.police.uk | N/A |
| Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service | The fire and rescue service in Cumbria may offer volunteering opportunities for individuals interested in supporting fire safety education, community outreach programs, and emergency response efforts. Volunteers may assist with fire safety presentations, home safety checks, and public events. | cumbriafire.gov.uk | N/A |
| Local Conservation Projects | Various local conservation groups and organizations in Cumbria work to protect and preserve the region's natural landscapes, wildlife habitats, and cultural heritage sites. Volunteers can get involved in activities such as habitat restoration, tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and trail maintenance to contribute to conservation efforts in the area. | Cumbria Wildlife Trust National Trust (Cumbria properties) Eden Rivers Trust Friends of the Lake District Forestry England Marine Conservation Society | N/A |