Careers & Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience

Work experience in Year 10 isn’t just a box to tick — it’s a chance for students to step into the real world and discover who they might want to become. At this age, students are beginning to think about future pathways, and spending time in a workplace gives them a taste of what different careers actually feel like.

Key Reasons It Matters

• Real-world exposure Students get to see how workplaces operate, how adults communicate, and what professional expectations look like.

• Career exploration It helps students figure out what they enjoy — and just as importantly, what they don’t enjoy. This can guide future subject choices and long-term goals.

• Confidence building Being trusted with responsibilities boosts self-belief and independence.

• Understanding expectations Students learn about punctuality, teamwork, communication, and workplace behaviour — things that school can’t fully replicate.

• CV and future opportunities Work experience looks great on a CV and can help with college applications, apprenticeships, and part-time jobs.

Skills Students Learn During Work Experience

• Work experience develops a mix of practical, social, and personal skills that are valuable in any career.Transferable Skills (useful in any job)

• Communication – speaking clearly, listening, writing emails, asking questions.

• Teamwork – working with colleagues, supporting others, sharing tasks.

• Time management – arriving on time, meeting deadlines, organising tasks.

• Problem-solving – dealing with challenges, finding solutions, thinking independently.

• Responsibility – taking ownership of tasks, following instructions, being reliable.

• Professional behaviour – understanding workplace etiquette, dress codes, and expectations.

Job-specific Skills (depending on placement)

• Using tools or equipment

• Customer service

• Basic admin tasks

• Digital skills

• Creative or technical skills

• Industry-specific knowledge (e.g., healthcare, engineering, retail, IT)

Personal Development Skills

• Confidence

• Independence

• Resilience

• Adaptability

• Self-awareness (understanding strengths and weaknesses)

So why do we encourage students to complete work experience?

• Court Fields promote work experience because it helps students:

• Make informed decisions A-levels, IBDP, Technical and vocational study programmes and Apprenticeships

• Prepare for adulthood and employment

• Build essential life skills

• Connect learning in school to real-world application