Work related learning

Education and Enterprise can offer a range of work related learning opportunities to pupils to ensure that they get the best possible preparation for the move into the world of work.

Work Experience
• It can be the one or two week programme which most schools offer, as part of their Work Related Learning (WRL) / Careers Education and Guidance ( CEG) package , this is generally known as Block Work Experience.
• It can also be offered as a number of days per week over a longer period of time from a term to a whole school year. This format can take on various names and will include programmes such as Young Apprenticeships and the new Diplomas but it all comes under the banner of Extended Work Experience.
• Either programmes can be offered in both Years 10 and 11 but not before.

Work Related Learning
All young people need work related learning as an essential part of their preparation for an adult life in which they contribute to the country’s economic well being. They want to see the relevance of education to their future lives and they want assurance that what they are learning is developing their employability skills.

There is now a statutory requirement for schools to include work related learning within the curriculum for all students at key stage 4. In practice, most schools, from Primary upwards, now include work related learning in their activities.

Any work related learning programme should include a variety of activities, which will allow students to:

• learn through work e.g. work experience, work shadowing, having a part-time job etc.
• learn about work e.g. careers education lessons or work place visits. This element includes employees’ roles, rights and responsibilities in the workplace.
• learn for work e.g. work simulations perhaps involving problem solving and mock interviews etc. This element will include activities, which will help in the delivery of key-skills such as communication, working with others and application of number.

Work Related Courses
To complement wider work-related learning activities and provide evidence of accredited learning for the school / provider as well as offer a valuable, practical and transferable qualification for the individual.

Topics include:

• Health & Safety;
• First Aid;
• Food Hygiene;
• Skills For Life – Literacy & Numeracy

If you'd like to find out more about Education and Enterprise's work related learning opportunities please call us on 01642 754750