Step One: Narrowing Your Options
Find out the questions you need to ask yourself to help narrow your options and figure out what you want from your work experience.
Find out more about 'Step One: Narrowing Your Options'Step Three: Choosing the Right Work Experience
There are two types of work experience: on-site and virtual placements. So, what is the difference?
On-site work experience
These are placements where you will work alongside others in a work environment like an office, laboratory, factory, shop, hotel or perhaps outdoors.
Virtual work experience
These can provide you with an insight into what it’s like to work in an industry or job whilst working from home or remotely. These opportunities can range from half a day to one week, though they may last longer depending on their nature and your age.
Not all virtual work experience is the same. Some virtual opportunities are open to everyone. They tend to provide a platform to find out more about the job, view pre-recorded videos on what it’s like to work there and virtual tours and possibly take part in some live Q&A sessions.
More structured virtual opportunities tend to have a competitive application process. These roles may provide you with a supervisor, give you project work and enable you to access networking and training opportunities.
The Parents’ Guide has a good blog on why a virtual work experience might be the right path for you, read it here.
We have produced a handy pros and cons document to help you decide:
Check out the other steps...
Step Two: Exploring What Jobs You Could Do
Explore what jobs you could do as part of your work experience and find out what careers other blind and partially sighted people are doing.
Find out more about 'Step Two: Exploring What Jobs You Could Do'
Step Four: Identifying an Employer
Find out about the different approaches you can take to finding your work experience opportunity.
Find out more about 'Step Four: Identifying an Employer'
Step Five: Approaching an Employer
Discover how to make the approach to the employer you wish to set up your work experience with and don’t forget to download our handy approach letter template!
Find out more about 'Step Five: Approaching an Employer'
Step Six: Getting the Right Support in Place
Find out what you need to do to make sure you have all the right support in place to make the most of your work experience.
Find out more about 'Step Six: Getting the Right Support in Place'
Step Seven: After Your Work Experience
Learn how to use what you have gained from your work experience to benefit you moving forward onto the next step of your education/career journey, don’t forget to grab the handy checklist!
Find out more about 'Step Seven: After Your Work Experience'