Work Experience
Real-World Experience. Real Career Insight.
At Talbot Heath, we believe that career exploration should be more than a one-week placement or a handful of talks. That’s why every Lower Sixth student takes part in our unique, fully organised work experience programme, designed to provide meaningful insight into the world beyond school.
While many students elsewhere are expected to arrange placements independently, our dedicated Work Experience Co-ordinator works closely with students and employers to secure valuable opportunities that align with their interests, aspirations and future career ambitions.
Embedded within the Sixth Form timetable, students attend their placement each Wednesday afternoon from October to Easter, enabling them to gain sustained, real-world experience while continuing their academic studies.
A Programme That Sets Talbot Heath Apart
Our work experience programme forms a central part of the wider Talbot Heath Sixth Form experience, helping students bridge the gap between education and employment.
Through regular placements with local and regional organisations, students have the opportunity to:
- Explore potential career pathways
- Develop confidence in professional environments
- Strengthen communication and interpersonal skills
- Gain an understanding of workplace expectations
- Build valuable networks and industry connections
- Enhance university and apprenticeship applications
Most importantly, students gain first-hand experience that helps them make informed decisions about their future.
Diverse Opportunities Across a Range of Sectors
Our students benefit from placements across a wide variety of industries and professions, including:
- Healthcare and medicine
- Dentistry and allied health professions
- Education and early years settings
- Business and corporate environments
- Marketing and creative industries
- Charities and community organisations
- Retail and customer-facing businesses
Recent placements have included organisations such as Royal Bournemouth Hospital, LUSH, Colourworks and Diverse Abilities, alongside numerous local businesses and professional services.
Developing Skills for Life
Work experience offers more than career insight. It helps students develop the transferable skills that universities and employers value most.
Our students learn to:
- Work effectively within professional teams
- Take initiative and solve problems
- Manage their time responsibly
- Communicate with confidence
- Adapt to new environments
- Demonstrate professionalism and resilience
These experiences complement our academic programme and help students develop the confidence to thrive in higher education and beyond.
Exceptional Feedback from Employers
Employers consistently praise Talbot Heath students for their maturity, professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to contribute. Many students make such a positive impression that employers offer additional opportunities for further experience and engagement. This feedback reflects the qualities we strive to nurture throughout a Talbot Heath education: curious minds, generous hearts and adventurous spirits.
Partner With Us
We are always keen to expand our network of professional partners and create new opportunities for our students.
If you are a business, organisation or professional who could offer a regular work experience placement, we would love to hear from you.
By partnering with Talbot Heath, you can play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of professionals while helping students gain invaluable insight into your industry.
To find out more about becoming a placement provider, please contact our Work Experience Co-ordinator, Mrs Hawes (email hhawes@talbotheath.org)