Work Experience

Work experience is a valuable way for students to experience a workplace environment and apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations to increase their employability.

Work experience, which is mandatory for 16 – 18 year olds on full-time courses, allows students to explore their career options in a placement which is relevant to their course or career aspirations.

Businesses also see the benefit of work experience, as placements allow them to meet future employees and gain new ideas from a young person’s perspective.

Furness College currently works with 700 Cumbria-based businesses in a variety of sectors, including BAE Systems, Gilmours, Travis Perkins, Barrow AFC, Carefree Travel, Risedale Estates, Abbey House Hotel, United Utilities and a large number of local nurseries, primary and secondary schools.

As well as making connections with local employers, Furness College works collaboratively with other colleges in the area to provide the best experiences for our students.

Furness College also supports Speakers for Schools’ Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) programme, which aims to connect top employers with ambitious young people, wherever they reside. Learners can take part in virtual work experience placements with employers such as Spotify, Cisco, Marie Curie and BP. Click here to register with Speakers for Schools.

Furness College is also launching T Levels in: Digital, Science, Health and Education & Childcare starting from September 2021. T Levels have a 20% work placement involved in the study, for more information visit: https://www.furness.ac.uk/16-18/t-levels/

To find out more about work experience at Furness College, contact Debbie Gribble or Alison Gill, Work Placement Co-ordinators, at deborah.gribble@furness.ac.uk or alison.gill@furness.ac.uk