Virtual Work Experience Mobile – 21st Century Careers

Virtual Work Experience

This has been adapted so that you can see everything on a mobile phone.

Contents

Introduction
Instructions about the videos
Links to the videos

During the COVID-19 pandemic practical work experience had been non-existent as companies have either closed or been on reduced staffing. It had not been safe or possible for students to attend the work place safely. Since the mass vaccinations for most people companies have returned to their normal business. However, some companies have continued with work from home which can limit the work experience opportunities. Just keep trying.

We continue to host these videos as students may still find difficulty in obtaining a practical work experience. Also some schools do not offer work experience in year 10 or 11. This is not a major problem as the majosrity of students will have the opportunity in year 12.

It is important to remember that the pandemic has affected all of us. Universities, colleges and employers understand that nothing has been normal and work experience has not been possible.

During a practical work experience you would have talked to people who do the job you are considering. You would also talk to the people in the organisation so that you gain an understanding of what other jobs are available. These discussions would give you a valuable insight into different jobs, what other jobs are similar, the skills and abilities required. You will find out about different entry routes. The qualifications required before you start the job and qualifications gained while on the job.

Feedback about their work experience from students in previous years has been varied. Some have said how good the experience was and how they became part of the work force for a week. Others were disappointed as they did not have much to do except watch.

A virtual experience can give you lots of useful information which you can use in your application to apprenticeships, college and university.

Most virtual work experience comprises of a series of interviews with people talking about their job. While this may not appear to be as good as meeting someone face to face in some ways it is better. The person talking about their job will have planned what they will say, It will be more structured and frequently include more information than just a quick chat with someone in an office. You can replay the video as many times as you want.

While there are many careers organisations and companies advertising virtual work experiences the reality is that most will be videos and that is what we have here. On some websites there may be an opportunity for a webchat with an employer/employee and you will have to book a place. These webchats are rare.

By watching the videos and following the hyperlinks to the job information websites, you will still gain all the information (and perhaps more) than you may have gained in a practical work experience.

At the end of your virtual work experience you should:

have an understanding of the job – the good and the bad.
the entry requirements
training on the job
experience more than one work experience if you have more than one career idea or are unsure of what you want to do in the future.

While you watch the videos and read the job profiles, I suggest you make notes as these will help you as you make your future choices.

PLEASE NOTE:

Many videos are stored by companies, universities and organisations on Youtube. These include the Police, Fire Service, NHS and government departments.

You should only watch the relevant video and stop it at the end. You may find that an advert starts before the career video. Your Careers Adviser has no control over that.

Another note of caution – you should never have to pay for virtual work experiences. I have noticed that if you search on the web for virtual work experience there are some website which offer it for a fee. DO NOT PAY.

To view these videos it is recommended that you go direct to https://yourschool.yourcareersadviser.com/ and not through any other system or portal.

Some of the videos are from around the world but still give you an insight into the work or company.

When it is possible to go into companies for a ‘real’ work experience placement these are good companies to contact.

The virtual work experiences are in career sectors such as Healthcare, Science, etc.

Agriculture, Horticulture & Animals