How to help your child get work experience

What are the benefits of work experience

You can’t underestimate the benefits work experience offers. It gives young people an insight into an industry and helps them develop their communication skills by working with a range of people.Rona KinsmanCareers Adviser, Skills Development Scotland

Work experience can help your child stand out from the crowd when they apply for college, university or their first job.

It'll give them a chance to:   

• learn about the world of work 
• use skills needed in the workplace such as working as a team and timekeeping 
• develop self-awareness and confidence 
• understand the links between their school subjects and the world of work 
• meet new people who could help them in the future 

Ways to help your child get work experience  

We know that parents are often the biggest influence on their child’s development. That's why it’s so important for parents to encourage their child to seek out work experience opportunities.Even if the work placement isn’t their dream job it will still allow them to gain transferable skills. They can use what they learn to enhance their CV and college or university applications!Rona KinsmanCareers Adviser, Skills Development Scotland

As your child progresses through school, they’ll be expected to do a work placement. They may also start looking for a part-time job to get some extra pocket money. Getting a taste of the working world at this age helps them think about what they might like to do. Then they can look to build skills they can use in the workplace.

To get work experience, your child could:

• arrange work through a friend or family member
• contact businesses and organisations to look for opportunities
• volunteer
• apply for a part-time job

You have a key role to play and can give your child a head start by:   

• using Marketplace – hosted by us, it lets you search employers and arrange work placements with them
• checking out our job profiles for inspiration – encourage them to think about what kind of work interests them
• looking for volunteering opportunities with them
• supporting them to create a CV that could help them get a part-time job
• reaching out to anyone you know who could offer work experience

Supporting your child during work experience 

1. Chat to them about how they're getting on. Listen to what they like or don’t enjoy doing and offer support. Encourage them to really focus on building skills and experience in things they enjoy.
2. Suggest they make time to speak to people at their work. Encourage them to begin networking. Keeping  a list of work contacts could help them find more opportunities in future.
3. Help them manage their time. It’s good to strike a balance between studying, school and work. Seeing friends, family and hobbies are equally as important as working towards their career.