Year 10 Work Experience
At Cardinal Heenan we support our students in finding meaningful work experience placements. Work experience is an opportunity for young people to gain an insight into the world of work, and to help them prepare for the responsibilities and opportunities of adult life.
All of our Year 10 students will take part in a work experience placement during the last two weeks of term.
Next years work experience is Monday 6th July - Friday 17th July 2026.
Arranging a work experience placement
Students are initially encouraged to arrange their own work experience placement, known as a self-placement. To do this, they should first consider the type of placement that interests them. Then, they need to contact potential employers directly—whether in person, by phone, letter, or email—to secure their placement. Some employers may request a CV, so students are supported with CV writing and guidance on how to approach employers during tutor sessions and through the Unifrog Platform. Additional helpful advice can be found via the link below:
https://www.unifrog.org/know-how/for-students-a-guide-to-work-placements
Things to consider when arranging a work experience placement
-
We discourage students from arranging placements with parents or relatives, as a key part of the experience is working with new people in a different environment.
-
Placements involving one-to-one working with others cannot be accepted for safety reasons.
-
Some placements require protective clothing, which may not always be provided by the employer—students should check in advance.
-
Placements involving work with children or vulnerable adults may require a DBS (police) check.
-
Students working with animals are advised to ensure their tetanus vaccination is up to date.
-
It’s important to research transport options and travel times before committing to a placement.
Completing the Unifrog placements tool
Once a work experience placement has been secured, students are required to complete the Unifrog placement tool by uploading their employer’s details. After submission, the employer will receive an email prompting them to log into Unifrog to confirm the placement and provide necessary insurance and health and safety information. Once the employer has submitted all the required details, a parent or guardian will receive a link via Unifrog to review and authorise the placement.
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to upload your employers details.
Work Experience Preparation Day
All Year 10 students participate in a dedicated Work Experience Preparation Day. During this day, they complete a range of activities designed to help them thoughtfully prepare for their upcoming placements. The sessions cover:
-
How to prepare effectively for a work experience placement
-
Strategies for making the most of the placement opportunity
-
Developing key employability skills
-
Understanding essential health and safety guidelines
Prior to the Work Experience Placement
Each student will receive a Work Experience Log Book, which they are expected to complete thoroughly throughout their placement. Clear instructions on how to fill out the log book will be provided. A digital copy of the log book will be made available later in the academic year.
During the Work Experience Placement
Work Experience Log Book
We ask that students complete their log book thoroughly during the placement, and bring it back into school with them in the first school week in September. There are sections in the log book for their employer and parent/carer to complete.
Absence/Lateness
If a student cannot attend/will be late for any reason we ask them to contact the work placement and school by phone. If the work experience placement is closed the student must attend school that day.
Issues/Concerns
If a student has any issues/concerns during the work experience placement we ask their parent/carer to contact us.
Staff Visits
During the placement staff will visit the employer and student to find out how they are getting on.
Email to Employers
An email will be sent to employers asking them to complete feedback on the student.
After the Work Experience Placement
Students are asked to bring their work experience log books back into school in the first week back in September. We use the information in the log book to support them with CV writing, personal statements, and college/6th form interview preparation.
