Year 10 Students Gain Real‑World Insight Through Work Experience Programme

Following on from the success of our Year 11 work experience programme earlier this year, our Year 10 students recently took part in a voluntary work experience week as part of our careers programme, gaining invaluable first‑hand insight into the world of work.

We were delighted that 116 students successfully completed placements with over 90 businesses and organisations across East Sussex, Kent and London. Students experienced a wide range of professional sectors, including law, teaching, animal care, construction, finance, carpentry, hospitality and engineering, helping them to explore future pathways and develop vital employability skills.

Mrs Harrison, Careers Adviser and Work Experience Coordinator, commented:

“Work experience is an integral part of our careers programme at Uplands Academy. It offers students the opportunity to build networks and develop key employability skills in a real business environment. Students took part in a variety of tasks, and the enthusiastic feedback from both students and employers will help shape the future provision of our programme.”

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the employers who generously hosted our students and contributed to their professional development. We were particularly proud to receive such positive feedback about students’ conduct, attitude and enthusiasm.

One host commented:

“Christopher’s time at The Wrist Watcher was a strong introduction to the realities of the vintage watch trade. He showed a genuine interest in horology, quickly picking up knowledge around different brands and references. He was reliable, asked the right questions and demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout.”

Another employer shared:

“During his placement at Howard Brothers Joinery, Samuel demonstrated exemplary conduct and a genuine willingness to learn. He was polite, respectful and highly motivated, with mentors consistently noting his enthusiastic approach to all tasks.”

Local business Buy the Weigh commented:

“Emelia was most helpful, engaging with customers and colleagues. A real pleasure to have with us – I would be very happy to employ her in the future.”

Further praise included:

“Jack worked on technical drawings for an investment bank near St Paul’s Cathedral. He quickly learned basic AutoCAD commands and successfully completed two levels of drawings for validation works, producing work with minimal errors. In addition to his drawing tasks, Jack also assisted the accounts team by accurately completing purchase order ledgers and invoice summary sheets. ” – Direction Fire Ltd

“Amelia was absolutely outstanding and a great help around the campsite. She was motivated, engaged and proactive – it was a pleasure working with her. She helped us make a lot of improvements to our business ” – Cedar Gables Campsite

“Work experience has never been more important for young people entering the workplace. Ellen approached every task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, supporting our sales team and assisting with a range of marketing activities.” – Sheppex Asset Finance

Several employers also expressed their enthusiasm to host Uplands students again in the future, commenting:

“We would love to have any students from Uplands School in the future.”

Equally impressive were the students who remained in school throughout the week. They gained valuable insight into local career routes and workplace skills, approached their lessons with maturity, and helped break ground on our new horticultural project, which will benefit the school community for many years to come.

Mr Cunningham, Assistant Headteacher and Careers Lead, reflected:

“Following the universal success of Year 11’s work experience earlier this year, it was inspiring to see Year 10 take up the baton and run so far. With a full year still to go before the public examinations, it has been gratifying to hear so many plans being made for how to build on this. From civil aviation to horticulture and horology, it is galvanising to bear witness to so many plans, dreams and hopes for the future. Having witnessed our students' drive firsthand this week, I have no doubt at all in their ability to succeed in all those goals.”

As a school, we are proud to work closely with businesses and organisations to provide meaningful career opportunities for our students and welcome the chance to develop further partnerships.

If your organisation would be interested in supporting our work experience programme in the future, please contact Mrs Harrison at lharrison@uplands‑academy.org.