Wanted: Work Placement Opportunities

​We are appealing for employers who are interested in offering a work placement to pupils to get in touch with us.
 
Work placements are an opportunity for young people to become familiar with working in a professional workplace, while also helping them learn about and understand the variety of jobs that are available in Orkney.

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Work placements can help young people identify the sorts of jobs they may – or may not – be interested in and can help them make informed choices about their future.  This includes what subjects they should study at school, or identifying the available pathways into a career such as apprenticeships or further and higher education qualifications.
 
For employers, offering a young person a work placement gives you the opportunity to help them develop the skills they will need when they become employees and help them prepare for the world of work.  It also gives you an opportunity to identify potential employees and develop the skills that will suit your business in the future.
 
While we have lots of businesses who already offer work placement opportunities, there are several business areas young people are interested in gaining experience in that we don’t have enough employers available to offer placements.  Some of the areas we would like to offer more placements in include, but are not limited to:

• Garage Mechanics
• Engineering
• Renewables
• Hairdressing
• Beauty Therapy
• Nail Technicians
• Hospitality, and
• Retail

We are also looking for employers in all sectors who would be interested in offering supported placement opportunities to young people with additional support needs.  A supported placement may mean that the young person is chaperoned by a teacher or support worker for some or all of their placement or that you may need to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the young person’s individual needs.
 
Offering a supported placement opportunity is really valuable for young people to help to build their confidence and skills, enabling them to take the next step when they leave school.  Our team will discuss any requirements with you beforehand.
 
Before you can become an approved work placement provider, you will have to undergo a Health and Safety appraisal, complete a work placement agreement and provide us with a copy of your valid Employer’s Liability Insurance.
 
If you are interested in offering work placements to local young people, please contact the team on [email protected] to discuss further.