Work experience preparation plan template

Use

A successful work experience placement should provide more than simply observing colleagues or completing basic tasks. With good planning, it can help participants understand the world of work, explore career options, develop transferable skills and gain confidence in a professional environment.

This template enables managers and HR professionals to plan each placement in advance, ensuring appropriate activities are identified, learning objectives are agreed and suitable supervision is in place. It also helps ensure health and safety, safeguarding and practical arrangements have been considered before the participant arrives.

The template can be used for either:

Focused placements – where the participant spends most or all of their time within one department to gain a deeper understanding of a specific role or profession.

All-round placements – where the participant rotates between departments to gain a broader understanding of how different functions work together.

Using a structured preparation plan helps deliver a consistent experience, supports managers in planning effectively and ensures every placement reflects positively on the organisation.

• The Work experience preparation plan template should be actioned / delivered as soon as reasonably practical.

Timing

Follow these best practice actions to get the most from the Work experience preparation plan template, guiding you before, during, and after implementation:

How to use this template

Step 1 – Confirm the placement

Agree the dates, placement length, supervisor and overall purpose of the placement.

Step 2 – Decide the placement type

Choose whether the participant will remain within one department (focused placement) or rotate through several departments (all-round placement).

Step 3 – Identify learning objectives

Consider what the participant should understand or experience by the end of the placement. Avoid planning activities simply to keep them occupied.

Step 4 – Plan suitable activities

Identify meaningful work that allows the participant to observe, learn and contribute safely. Ensure activities are appropriate to their age, experience and competence.

Step 5 – Arrange supervision

Nominate a placement supervisor and, where appropriate, a workplace buddy who can provide day-to-day support.

Step 6 – Complete practical arrangements

Ensure any required inductions, risk assessments, PPE, IT access or equipment have been arranged before the participant arrives.

Step 7 – Review the placement

At the end of the placement, gather feedback from both the participant and supervisor to identify what went well and any improvements for future placements.

Example

A local sixth-form student is interested in a career in engineering and manufacturing. Rather than asking them to simply shadow colleagues for a week, the Production Manager and HR prepare a focused placement.

The student spends time learning how customer orders are processed, observes production planning, follows materials through the manufacturing process, assists with basic quality inspections under supervision and attends a daily production meeting. At the end of the week they present what they have learned and receive feedback from their supervisor.

Because the placement was planned in advance, each day had clear learning objectives, managers understood their responsibilities and the student gained genuine insight into the industry.