Work experience
The purpose of work experience is to introduce the learner to a range of experience and offer an insight into the world of work. It is designed to practise the skills of:
- preparing for work
- travelling to work
- working with other people in a team
- practising communication skills
- considering others’ points of view
- learning how and where they can make their contribution in a commercial environment.
A feature of work experience at WESC Foundation is that it is built into each learner’s weekly timetable. This ensures that learners well exceed the recommended ten days of work experience per academic year and there is a continuity of attendance, consistency of purpose and reinforcement of skills.
WESC Foundation has excellent links with a number of external providers which gives our learners a wide choice of organisations to gain their work experience. Ofsted reaffirmed this in their 2014 inspection highlighting “exemplary practice” in working in partnership with external providers.
Work experience is extended through our network of partners including Exeter City Football Club, KFC, Sainsbury’s, Sense Cafe 55, Exmouth Open Door Cafe, St Sidwell’s Community Cafe, Cats Protection Rehoming Centre, Crealy and Countess Wear Community School.
Please see below our work experience matrix which gives more detailed information.
Also internal work experience at WESC Foundation is available in the following areas:
- reception areas (college and school)
- fundraising, marketing and public relations
- ebay
Work experience matrix
| Title/Location | Description | Typical Activities | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavitree Shop Honiton Shop Exmouth Shop (wheelchair accessible) Sidwell Street Sidmouth Cowick Street | Retail environment | Preparing stock for sale, displaying stock, serving customers, doing cash/cheque/ credit card transactions using the till | Work towards becoming a proficient shop worker. Understand how the business works. Learn how to work with others and use verbal or sign communication skills in order to sell merchandise to others |
| School & college reception | Administration environment | Answering telephones, taking messages, distributing incoming mail and franking post | Practice verbal and written skills using the telephone, computer and recording equipment |
| Fundraising, marketing and PR | Business promotion | Carry out research, answer telephone and email enquiries, create and maintain databases | Find out how and why we raise funds, market the business and promote WESC through events and other activities |
| eBay centre | Online retail | Preparing stock for sale, photographing stock for the website, writing a description of items for sale, packing and posting packages | Understand how the online business community works and how to communicate with others safely. Learn how to work in a team and use communication skills in order to sell merchandise to others. Understand the importance of eBay feedback. |
