“I currently volunteer at Frimley Park Hospital - the placement was so easy to find as the College hosted a talk with their Volunteering Coordinator!" Amisha Alwis (formerly of Sandhurst School)
The world of work is changing faster now than at any other time in history. 
We believe that work experience is an important element in helping you to develop and make yourself stand out from the crowd. We know that students who have been exposed to work placements become more confident, well-rounded and work-ready people. It shows admission tutors and employers that you are motivated, inquisitive and have developed critical employability skills, including communication, organisation and team working.
Many people are often convinced that they have found their career of choice only to complete a work experience placement in that field and realise it is not for them. Equally, for many, the work experience placement can help to confirm that it is the right career option for them.
“I recently undertook work experience at Tomlinscote School in the PE department as I was interested in the Sports sector. Before this work experience, I had completely ruled out the education route within sports (becoming a teacher) but after spending a week with the teachers and students, I have completely changed my mind and think this may be the route I want to take.”
“Following my work experience placement, I know that I definitely want to work in the field of aviation. I found that whilst on placement I wasn't staring at the clock and wishing the hours away, but actually hoping for my time to last as long as possible because I enjoyed it so much. Work Experience is something I feel a lot of young people should try.”
During your time at college, you will be expected to source a work experience placement which must total a minimum of 21 hours. To support you and us with this process, we are using the award winning work placement software platform Grofar. Grofar is an online digital platform that we are introducing to you to plan and track your work experience activities throughout your time with us. Your initial introduction will take place in a tutorial lesson.
Current students can find further information about how to use Grofar and our internal processes by accessing the Careers page on the Study Directory.
Work Experience Placements that involve working with vulnerable people such as in a care or education setting will require you to have a clear Enhanced DBS certificate prior to you starting with them. We use the ‘umbrella body’ Strictly 4S Ltd to process DBS applications. The following DBS Guide can help you to complete your online application. You should allow at least 4 weeks for your application to be processed. In busy times, this can take up to 8 weeks.
The cost for an Enhanced DBS Certificate is £50, which you will need to pay. This includes a £12 administration cost which is imposed by Strictly 4S Education. You will be invoiced for this after you have registered and completed the form.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the work experience team via wex@prospecttrust.org.uk or visit the Careers department. Work experience drop-in clinics are available to book via the Study Directory.