Work Experience

All Year 12 students attend a week work experience in the Summer term. There are opportunities to do additional work experience during the holidays too. Students follow a structured process to apply and secure work experience. Each stage of the work experience process helps students gain an understanding of employability skills right from the start. Students use a log book to record their experience and gain a written reference. We have worked with local employers like Boots, Elysium Healthcare, Dollis Hill Junior, Barry M and Young Barnet Foundation. We have also worked with regional and national employers including UBS, Royal Free London, Moorfield Eye Centre, Evershed Sutherland, HCA Healthcare, and L&Q.

During the complex and rapidly changing situation of Covid-19, we want to ensure that we continue to provide our students with necessary resources to support their careers education.

We have been working with a number of partners and organisations to offer virtual work experience programmes and support our students in their career journey. You can find these listed below.

Career Ready	Year 12 are offered an 18-month mentoring programme which includes a mentor from the world of work, a series of skills masterclasses, virtual work place visits and virtual work experiences.
L&Q	Year 13 are offered a 12 month employer led programme designed to introduce students to the world of work and inspire them about a wide range of career opportunities and education pathways suited to their individual strengths and interests including apprenticeships.
Investin	Bursary placements for students to access specifically designed work experience programme to give them the knowledge, experience, advantage and network they need to have a head-start in their dream career.
Teach First	Week long programmes with various employers to develop important professional skills for the modern workplace and lean how to work effectively online.
EY Foundation	Year 12 students on Free School Meals and or Sixth Form Bursary – access Met and Secure Futures programme which runs for 10 months. The programme offers paid employability skills and work experience training during school holidays and employer led mentoring to support students with next steps.
Young Professionals	Work experience packed full of workshops, business challenges and opportunities to try new things out/build new skill sets. Workshops provided by FTSE 100 companies.
I see the difference - Allied Health Professionals	Discovering allied health professions through interactive live webinars.
Alumni	Addressing our students about careers and pathways through live webinars linked to their employers.
Speakers for Schools	Various industry virtual work experiences e.g. Spotify, DIY Magazine, Santander, Jacobs, PWC, Cisco, Glenman, Industrial Light and Magic, ISG
Springpod	Various industry virtual work experiences e.g. Nursing, Medicine, Allied Health Professionals
University guidance resources through University and Apprenticeship Open days	UK University and Apprenticeship Search Virtual Fair – Chat directly to a wide range of universities as well as local colleges and apprenticeship providers. Attendees can also take part in live webinars on topics such as student finance, UCAS personal statement and taking an apprenticeship. There are also ‘Meet the Russell Group and Applying to Oxbridge’ virtual events.
Brighton and Sussex Medical School KCL Medics	This course provides virtual work experience for those looking to apply to medical school. Insight into life of a medical/dentistry student, application process.
TATA	Experience IT, Digital, Business with TATA
Oxbridge	Target Oxbridge – various strands of the programme focus on intellectual, cultural and social development irrespective of personal or economic barriers. Eligibility criteria has to be met. Click Cambridge programmes for students – an online programme which aims to equip students with the information and skills needed to apply to selective universities. Eligibility criteria has to be met. Deadline 19th October 2020
IBM	A day in the life of: A Marketing and Social Media A Cybersecurity An Artificial Intelligence Professional An IBM Apprentice
Great Ormond Street Hospital	Deputy Lead Scientist live webinar: Careers in Sciences and various professionals involved during Covid 19 in clinical and non-clinical roles at GOSH. Various education pathways to entry including apprenticeships.

Feedback From Employers 2019

If could hire Abigail tomorrow I would. I got the feeling we didn’t have enough complexity in the tasks we gave her to challenge her full abilities - she is good! (UBS)
The girls are wonderful. They are engaging with the children here. They communicate well with adults and children and join in with activities. They are all respectful, helpful and caring. They are all a credit to your school. (The Rocking Horse Nursery)
I have been extremely impressed with Laura's confidence and curiosity throughout her time here at ebay. A lot of people who worked with her have commented on her ability to get stuck into office life. I was particularly impressed with her final presentation. Amazing work Laura! (ebay)
Students have been excellent ambassadors for Copthall. We are very impressed with all the students. No lateness, attendance is very good. (Elysium Healthcare)