Last updated in November 2010
Somerset Guidance on Work Related Learning - including work experience [revised November 2010]
Follow the link for a 35-page document giving policy and guidance for schools and other maintained provision in Somerset.
Work Related Learning & Work Experience: Somerset Guidance Revised November 2010 [PDF, 408KB]
Diploma Work Experience
(To download a MS Word document of the text below with some additional notes, follow this link: Somerset Diploma Work Experience Statement [30KB] )
The Somerset 14-19 Development team recommends that Diploma work experience should meet the following definition:
“A placement with an employer in which a young person carries out a range of tasks in much the same way as an employee with the emphasis on learning from the experience”.
It is therefore expected that placements designated as work experience will take place on employers’ premises and/or at the employers’ place of work. All placements must meet the requirements of the Somerset local authority work experience policy.
It is recommended that work experience placements take place outside of the time allocated for the delivery of principal learning. Work related activities during principal learning that do not meet the above definition should be designated as “learning placements” and be organised as an external visit.
The team acknowledges that there has been considerable discussion about the structure and content of Diploma work experience but has based its recommendation on guidance and advice drawn from a number of sources:
1. The truth behind some of the myths about work-related learning
Myth: Other forms of work related learning, for example a presentation from an employer, can count towards the work experience requirement within Diplomas.
Not true.
Young people must take part in a minimum of 10 days’ work experience to complete their Diploma. We strongly recommend that this minimum work experience requirement for Diplomas is supported by other forms of work-related learning.
2. How can we ensure student security when organising work experience in the relevant line of learning?
Work experience can be undertaken in any sector – it does not have to be in the specific line of learning, although for many that will be preferable.
Can the use of u-xplore contribute to work experience time?
Work experience is an experience in work and to complete the Diploma, young people must take part in it. We strongly recommend that other forms of work related learning should complement work experience for Diploma study.
3. Does work experience have to be directly linked with the subject of the diploma?
Work experience linked to the subject of the diploma is preferred but not required.
4. For the Diploma a minimum of 10 days’ work experience is required and will enrich the Principal Learning programme, offering opportunities to develop and demonstrate the skills and knowledge in the units. Work experience does not need to be undertaken in any specific sector although it should support work related learning, provide opportunity for the collection of evidence, enhance the learning experience and support the development of both sector specific and employability skills.
