Callum Parrish, who recently spent two weeks’ work experience with SSAT, writes…
My name is Callum Parrish and I’m a sixth form student at Madeley Academy, Telford.
I believe that work experience is absolutely vital for a student who is in the process of entering adult life. The only way students can possibly understand what it is like to work in ‘reality’ is by experiencing it for themselves.
Employers are always looking for people who are willing to give 100% and not expect a reward.
I’ve always had a passion for education due to the realisation that everybody’s dreams and potential are formed from the advice and experiences that students receive, along with vital teaching from members of staff in schools.
My other passion has always been for the sports industry, because of my background of being a massive football fan/sufferer (!).
I believe education and sport work well in conjunction. Every footballer has got where they are by receiving an education specific for that role. Every student gets where they are by receiving an education catered to their needs.
I have done work experience along with internships with sports education companies in the past. However, I wanted a different feel this time and wanted to explore the pedagogy that is involved with delivering teaching and how it positively impacts on students.
My experience at SSAT
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I turned up for my work experience at SSAT, as I have never done anything quite like this before. I was given a timetable a couple of weeks before, so I could judge what I liked and didn’t particularly want to do (which I could have changed).
I kept it as it was because I don’t believe that you can dislike something without actually trying it in the first place.
On my first day, I was put on a pod with a great group of people not much older than me. It made a great working environment, which resulted in me staying on an extra week! Some of the activities I pursued included attending an event with head of project resourcing Grace Hardy about spreading numeracy across the curriculum.
This allowed me to understand how certain subjects can be included with others to create deeper and broader learning. I then had to process the evaluation forms along with drafting an email to all the attendees. This allowed me to gain more knowledge on the aftermath of these events as well as key functions on computers.
This [attending an event on cross-curriculum numeracy] allowed me to understand how certain subjects can be included with others to create deeper and broader learning
Another event I attended was TEEP (Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme) level 1 training with subjects and pedagogy coordinator Andy Williams.
I found this very enjoyable, and Andy had some kind words for me, including, ’Callum gave a considered response that reflected an understanding of the education landscape at a wider level, indicating a high degree of metacognition that is not always exhibited in schools I train, certainly not expected in a young person of just 17 years of age.’
The benefits
All of these experiences showed that, even as a young student, I had gained information and knowledge from a teacher’s point of view and could demonstrate this.
I hope this will also give me a head-start in the future when showing my capabilities to potential employers. A lot of the skills I have learnt are easily transferable, allowing a wider range of jobs to be accessible to me.
I have also made a lot of friends at SSAT, which I’m sure will become useful again in the near future!
One of the most important things I learnt whilst with SSAT is that it is important to share your vision, ideas and opinions rather than just contain them. It also proved that adolescents are capable of providing a valued input in a mature adult conversation. Some may need prompting and encouraging but adults can learn from young adults the same way we learn from them.
it is important to share your vision, ideas and opinions rather than just contain them
How to make better use of the experience – the students…
I think it is important that, before a student begins the work experience, they research a bit about the company as it stands you in good stead.
If you have knowledge of the company you will ease in more fluidly and understand how to do things in their specific way. It also allows you to express ideas about what you feel would help you get the best out of this opportunity.
…and employers
However, it is two-way traffic, meaning companies also need to get this on the mark. My first week at SSAT was different in many ways to the second. I don’t feel that one week is enough because you don’t get to see everything that goes on.
Seeing companies on a good and a bad week will help students to use their initiative and also observe how complicating circumstances are resolved. After one week a student may think that this is the profession for them. But after another week, they may decide that it isn’t all it was cracked up to be (or the other way round).
I also think sending a pack out to a student beforehand allows them to understand what their placement will consist of, and in the process help them prepare for any challenges they will be undergoing.
I will definitely be returning to SSAT in the future and would like to thank absolutely everyone for their kind words, help and friendship.
SSAT footnote
It is great that Callum enjoyed his work experience and clearly felt he had benefitted from the experience. However it’s worth remembering that employers can benefit from providing work experience too. Providing work experience places helps businesses to:
- Help prepare young people coming into the labour market
- Build links with local schools that can help to attract school leavers into jobs
- Raise the profile of career opportunities within the organisation – sometimes dispelling unwarranted stereotyped views
- Participate in education-business links which can provide motivation for employees.
Students can be a source of fresh ideas, as well as providing an additional resource within the work place. It may be worth emphasising these points when looking to attract employers to support your work experience activities.
Relevant links
Visit Prospects’ website for info on work experience and internships.
Follow SSAT on Twitter: @SSAT
