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Work Experience
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Work placements, part-time jobs, volunteering, and shadowing professionals are excellent ways for young people to explore future careers. At Chiltern Hills Academy, we believe that real-world experience helps students grow in confidence, develop skills, and make informed decisions about their next steps.
In Year 12, every student completes one week of work experience. This is a valued part of Sixth Form life and an opportunity to gain insight into the world of work while building skills that will stay with you for life.
Where Our Students Go
Our students have enjoyed placements in a wide range of industries, including:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Veterinary and Animal Care
- Healthcare and Social Care
- Technology and Digital Media
- Finance and Business
- Fashion and Retail
- Film, Theatre and Creative Arts
- Charities and Community Organisations
From local businesses to world-class companies such as Pinewood Studios, these experiences give our students a valuable head start in the workplace.
Why Work Experience Matters
Work experience provides benefits that go far beyond one week:
- Career Exploration – try out a role and see if it’s right for you.
- Skill Development – build teamwork, communication, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Confidence Boost – learn new skills and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.
- Future Opportunities – stand out when applying for university, apprenticeships, or jobs.
Principal Insight
We believe that work experience contributes not just to employability, but also to students’ personal, social, moral, and cultural development. It shows them the real-world relevance of what they are learning in school.
Support for Students
Finding the right placement can feel challenging, but we provide resources and guidance every step of the way:
- Tips from Unifrog – watch this 2-minute video on finding work experience
- Application Support – advice on writing CVs and covering letters
- Step-by-Step Guides – practical resources on how to apply for placements successfully
Use this guide to understand what to include in your letter and application process:
Student Stories
To give you a real flavour of what work experience at Chiltern Hills Academy is like, here are some stories from our Year 12 students.
Behind the Scenes at Pinewood Studios
“Working at Pinewood Studios was incredible. I got to see behind the scenes of the film industry, and it really opened my eyes to creative careers I’d never considered before.”
– Year 12 Student
Hands-On Veterinary Experience
“My placement in a veterinary practice confirmed that I want to study animal care at university. I loved the hands-on experience and felt part of the team from day one.”
– Year 12 Student
Engineering in Action
“Spending a week with an engineering company gave me a real insight into how maths and science are used in the workplace. It motivated me to work harder in my A Levels.”
– Year 12 Student
Caring for the Community
“Working in a care home gave me a new perspective on compassion and responsibility. I realised how rewarding a career in health and social care can be.”
– Year 12 Student
Exploring Fashion & Retail
“My fashion retail placement was fun and fast-paced. It helped me build confidence in talking to customers and gave me ideas for a future career in design.”
– Year 12 Student