Work experience, work shadowing and work place visits expose students to the world of work. The placements encourage students to explore career areas they think they will like, prepare them for the routine of work and the expectations within it. The potential benefits for each student can be life enriching, including the chance to re think their plans, meet new people, develop networks and increase their skills. Students have more to put on their CV and job applications, learn to identify skills gained and create better job prospects. Employers value communication, confidence, problem solving and initiative, all of which are skills Macmillan Academy students are encouraged to develop in their journey as young professionals, through a rich work related learning programme.

In Year 9, all students have the opportunity to apply for an internal work experience placement in numerous key areas of the Academy. The placement is 3 days, with the student completing a daily diary of what they did, the skills gained and the staff they worked with.

In Year 10 all students are encouraged to actively start their work experience placement search, using networks at home, extended family, friends, school etc. This process can include a CV and covering letter and an interview. Personal Protective Equipment is available for students at school. Students learn to navigate bus routes, working hours, take responsibility for their lunch, their safety and the safety of others.

In Post 16, all students are advised to gain work experience linked to their career pathway. They are all supported in finding weekend and part time job applications, voluntary or charity work.

Macmillan Academy students are offered work placement visits through curriculum time. These can be linked to the subject studied or to their career interest. They can be specifically targeted to areas where there is a local labour market need or the need to balance gender inequality. Companies may contact ourselves, sometimes offers come directly via organisations, the local community, or directly from parents or through our active alumni.

For further details on companies we work alongside, please follow the link to the Annual Careers Report 2021/22, found in Gatsby 1.