Volunteering and Work experience (or internship) is a valuable tool, helping you make the right careers choices and get the job you want. Some schools in Rotherham offer you the chance to take part in a work experience placement in Year 10 or 11, lasting usually for 3 weeks. However you don't need to be in school to take part in a placement, many companies will be able and willing to offer you a placement.
Here are some of the benefits of taking part in a work experience placement:
- Improve your job prospects - Taking part in a placement will improve your chances of getting the job you want. It shows a willingness to learn and gain new skills.
- Find what is right for you - Not sure what job or career you want? A work placement will allow you to get a taster of the world of work, allowing you to experience different jobs you might be interested in.
- Learn transferable skills - whatever work placement you do, you will always learn new things. Working as a team, communication or problem solving skills are part of every line of work.
- Make connections - you will be able to make contacts with the right people within a company. This could lead to a job offer in the future or your name passed on elsewhere
Paid or Unpaid?
If you are involved in a work placement, and older than 18 years old, you are entitled to the National Minimum Wage if:
- you expected to work a minimum number of hours per week
- you are obliged to personally perform the work ie. Does that work provide a useful contribution to the organisation?
If you are working for a voluntary or charity organisation, you aren't entitled to payment, however you still may get money for your bus fares or lunches.
