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• Why should you give up your own time to do work experience during your holidays?
• What benefits will it bring?
• How will it help you on your career path?

Want to know the answers?  Then read on….. 

Creating Opportunities for 16-19 year olds 

The Centre of Business Excellence in Birmingham is working with companies in the Business and Professional Services sector to provide work experience placements for 16 – 19 year olds. 

Work experience gives you the skills and experience your future employer will be looking for.  A chance to work for a professional organisation will make you stand above your competitors and give you that all important head start when job seeking. 

Job seekers often complain that they cannot get a job without experience, yet no-one is willing to give them that experience!  Well, this is your chance to gain it in the Business and Professional Services Sector. 

Q:  What is the Business and Professional Service Sector? 

There are a number of different sub-sectors in the Business and Professional Services including: Accountancy Firms, Estate Agencies, Recruitment Agencies, Legal Firms, Financial Companies, Insurance and Banking, Media/Design, Pr & Marketing, IT & Telecoms and Management Consultancies. 

Q:  Why are you working with that sector in particular? 

Research shows that there is going to be a number of jobs created over the next decade.  We are trying to encourage young people to choose a career in this area to support the sector and avert a possible recruitment crisis in the future.  Companies need to be sure that they have access to students with the right skills and experience. 

Q:  What skills can I learn through work experience? 

Have a look at the following list of skills that employers generally look for.  Which of these do you think you can gain through work experience? 

Presentation skills                                        Problem Solving 

Planning/organisation                                  Creativity 

Positive attitude                                          Use of initiative 

Computer skills                                            Self-confidence 

Flexibility                                                    Time Management

Management/Leadership skills                      Multi tasking

The answer is ALL of them.  Work experience gives you a chance to use these skills in a professional business environment.  You will be able to refer to them on you CV and in interview situations. 

What will I do on my work experience?

These work experience placements are much more than just filing and making cups of tea.  You will be expected to carry out real work and contribute to the company as a whole. 

Depending on the company that you go to, you will be expected to do anything from analysing data, writing reports, inputting information onto databases, telephone clients and answering queries.  The more effort you put in, the more you’ll get out of the experience. 

You will also be given a project to complete which delves into the company’s advertising and marketing along with giving you more of an insight into the different careers available within that sector.

Student Testimonials

Rochelle Taylor – Rutherfords Solicitors

“I was not at all interested in a career as a solicitor previously.  Since attending this work experience it is a career I am seriously considering.  I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, I was made to feel really welcome, I had fun and I feel I learnt a lot about the work environment.” 

Tariqa Gaught – Barclays Bank 

“I enjoyed working here and being treated like an adult” 

“This experience has helped me in many ways, as it has made me more aware of the ‘real world’”

How do I apply for a work experience placement?

In order to apply you must be aged between 16 – 19 years old and in full time education. 

You will need to complete the attached application form and then be invited to attend a 20 minute interview.  The interview will cover areas such as your skills and experience, so make sure to prepare before hand.  The interview will be a formal one and you should dress accordingly.

Constructive feedback will be given at the end of the interview with regards to your strengths and weaknesses in order to help you better prepare for future job applications. 

Where are you based? 

You can find our offices on 8 Colmore Row, Birmingham, B3 2QD directly opposite Snow Hill station.  I can be contacted via email on lara@cbeb.org or by telephone on 0121 694 5137.