Archway Virtual Work Experience Y10/11
Virtual work experience - why it might help your child stand out
What is virtual work experience?
Virtual work experience, also referred to as online, remote, or digital, provides young people with the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace, develop their skills, boost their employability, and explore new industries and job roles.
It’s a broad term and can include any opportunity which provides young people with an insight into what it’s like to work in an industry or job role while at home. Most virtual work experiences range from half a day to one week, but some may last longer depending on the nature of the work experience and the age of your child.
Not all virtual work experience is the same. Some are open to everyone and provide a platform for students to discover more about the job, view pre-recorded videos on what it’s like to work with the organisation, go on virtual tours and possibly take part in some live Q&A sessions. Others may require your child to go through an application process and offer regular online meetings with a supervisor, individual project work, networking sessions, training opportunities and video tutorials.
What are the benefits of a virtual work placement?
Think global!
Virtual work placements are open to everyone and location does not need to be a limiting factor. This opens many possibilities for your child to explore new jobs and industries in areas that may not have been possible under face-to-face arrangements.
It’s free
Most virtual work experience placements are free, although some employers charge for the opportunity; working from home will also mean your child will not incur any travel related costs.
Future proof
Remote working is likely to be important to many businesses in the future and learning how to conduct business and work online will develop extremely valuable skills for the modern workplace.
Transferable skills
It’s not always easy working from home and taking part in virtual work experience placements will help your child develop those soft skills that all employers are seeking, such as organisation, time-management, and self-motivation.
Knowing what’s right (or what isn’t)
Understanding what a job or a career entails might help your child make decisions about whether that role is right for them in the future.
VIRTUAL WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR Y10
Medicine
Brighton and Sussex Medical School
Age 13+
Law
Age 14-19, as well as opportunities for University undergraduates and graduates.
Age 14+. A programme which offers real work experience as you will complete tasks to gain legal analytical skills, develop legal knowledge of the insurance industry, and learn critical legal communication, research, and drafting skills.
Health and Social Care
Age 13+ A free course with the Open University and helpful resource for those interested in Nursing, Healthcare and Allied Health Professions.
Open Learn - Free Learning from the Open University
Age 13+. Resources for those interested in finding out about different areas of work including Psychology, Childcare, Social Work, Teaching, Police and Forensic Science.
Early Years and Childcare Virtual Work Experience
Offered through CACHE, again might be more suitable for 14–16-year-olds with making choices.
Finance
Age 14-18
Computing, Technology and Digital
Barclays Life Skills Work experience with a digital transformation agency
Age 14-19
National Cyber Security Centre
Age 11-19
Teach First's Work Experience Programme
For age 15+, Teach First is working with companies to provide virtual work experience to pupils nationwide, Companies will give pupils the chance to experience their industry, and gain insight into the digital workplace. Pupils will develop awareness of the world of work and different career options.
