Work experience can form an important part of a student’s CV or personal statement. Whether you’re applying for university or a full or part-time job, professional credibility goes a long way to proving you have transferrable skills for further education or employment.

According to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), 29% of employers say that experience is critical when recruiting young people and a further 45% say it is significant. At City of Westminster College, employability skills are embedded into all of our Study programmes for 16 – 19 year olds, and on top of this, we have a dedicated Work Experience platform designed to help our students gain placements in the workplace.

Working together with Capita, nearly 2,000 students were allocated a work placement during the last academic year, with the aim to increase this to nearly 2,300 for 16/17. “We try and target placements to our students; from what they’re looking to do at university to their career aspirations,” said Ricardo Vega, Enterprise and Employability Coordinator at CWC. “A lot of people don’t realise how useful it is to be able to put work experience on a university or job application, but companies will look at hiring someone who has some sort of experience in the workplace.”

The Work Experience (WEX) room located on the second floor of the College has designated opening times during the week, where you can sign up to show your interest in getting a work experience placement. Working with Capita, a number of bulk placements often become available and these will be featured on a noticeboard, where you can express your interest in applying. While the College assist students in finding possible opportunities and advertise certain placements, you are also encouraged to find your own. Previously, students have gained work experience at big businesses including Barclays Bank, Santander, Boots, John Lewis, London Basketball Association, The Conrad London St. James Hotel, Travis Perkins Ltd and BUPA.

“Work placements are in addition to their learning at the College and we want our students to have the best opportunities possible,” added Ricardo. “We’re successful in maintaining important relationships with as many companies as we can in order to secure experience for CWC students.”