Work Experience

Work experience is a short period of time spent within a workplace, to learn more about the specific role or occupation.

Work experience is hugely worthwhile and can help you decide if the role or industry is somewhere you see yourself in the future. It’s a short term commitment, which gives you the opportunity to see what is actually involved in doing a certain job. By shadowing and watching employers at work, you will have the opportunity to find out first hand if the job is right for you.

As well as improving your technical skills, a work experience placement can help you learn soft skills. These are really important skills to employers and some examples are problem solving, time management, communication and team work skills. It also gives you the opportunity to add some industry specific work experience onto your CV, which can help set you apart from the crowd.

Employers look favourably on work experience and the confidence and skills that it can give you, to help you succeed in employment. Regardless of whether your plans are for university, employment or an apprenticeship, getting some great work experience, while you are at school will put you in a positive position when it comes to getting hired.

If you are thinking of applying for an apprenticeship, many of these prefer you to have some work experience. If you are thinking of studying at university, it can come in useful when you apply for internships. It can also help you to understand work that you do or don’t enjoy and help with future career planning.

If you are thinking of applying for an apprenticeship, many of these prefer you to have some work experience. If you are thinking of studying at university, it can come in useful when you apply for internships. It can also help you to understand work that you do or don’t enjoy and help with future career planning.

Most schools arrange work experience through the Gateway programme. However, if you talk with your Careers Advisor and Teachers, there can be the opportunity to obtain some work experience, even if you are not enrolled in Gateway.

Work placements can be arranged as one or two days a week. They can be in place for one term only, or ongoing throughout the year. We can also arrange them during school holidays, for one/two weeks. Some work placements could lead into paid employment.

If you have an idea of what you would like to do as a future career pathway, work experience is a good way to find out more about this career, before you sign up for further study or take paid employment.
If you are a college student and would like some help securing a work experience placement, contact our Education to Employment Coordinator, Amanda Walters on 04 939 9821 or email amanda@hvchamber.org.nz.