Work Experience

At SJL Sixth Form, all students undertake a one-week work experience placement at the end of Year 12 as part of our commitment to preparing them for their next steps in education, employment or training.

Students self-source a suitable placement, enabling them to take ownership of the process and develop key employability skills such as communication, organisation and resilience. This approach encourages students to engage with local employers, explore career interests and build confidence in professional settings.

To ensure equality of opportunity, we provide structured support throughout the process. This includes:

•  Assemblies and tutor sessions outlining expectations and timelines
• Guidance on identifying appropriate and safe placements
• Support with writing emails and making telephone enquiries

All placements are subject to appropriate checks to ensure health, safety and safeguarding requirements are met using the Unifrog platform.

We recognise that not all students are able to secure an external placement. For those who are unable to do so, we provide a high-quality, on-site alternative in the form of a structured STEM Challenge Week or, where appropriate, an on site placement.

During this week, students work collaboratively on activities designed to develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication and presentation skills. This ensures that all students, regardless of circumstance, benefit from purposeful experiences that develop workplace readiness and raise aspirations.

Students complete reflective evaluations following the week, and feedback from employers informs our ongoing careers provision. The programme plays a key role in supporting informed post-16 and post-18 decision-making and contributes to our wider personal development and careers education offer.