​Work placements are an opportunity for young people to become familiar with working in a professional workplace, while also helping them learn about and understand the variety of jobs that are available in Shetland.

Work placements can help young people identify the sorts of jobs they may – or may not – be interested in and can help them make informed choices about their future. This includes what subjects they should study at school, or identifying the available pathways into a career such as apprenticeships or further and higher education qualifications.

Undertaking a work placement will also help young people develop transferable skills which will benefit them in whatever job they choose in the future.

Top Tips to make the most of your work placement

Work placement database

Shetland Islands Council's Work Experience Coordinator,  holds a database of local employers who have been approved to undertake a work placement. This database holds a variety of employers and the types of placement they can support.

If you are a pupil interested in finding out about opportunities in Shetland, speak to your pupil support teacher or DYW school coordinator who will liaise with the Work Experience Coordinator to support you.

work placement STANDARD

To support employers, young people, their parents/carers, Local Authority and school in this journey, the standard sets out expectations for everyone before, during and after work placements. Being aware of and following the standard will greatly improve the quality of learning undertaken in the workplace and help everyone, especially the young person, get the most out of the experience. 

WORK PLACEMENT STANDARD

Employers can also find more general guidance on offering work placements to young people on the Work It website.

risk assessment template

Every employer who is on the approved database will have been visited by the Work Experience Organiser for a health and safety and risk assessment check before being approved to take on a placement. Employers should carry out an induction with the young person at the start of the placement to explain the risks and how they are controlled.

We appreciate that many employers may already have an appropriate risk assessment process in place, but if you do not this template has been developed to assist you.

DOWNLOAD RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE

You can also visit the Health & Safety Executive Website who give advice on Work Placement Health and Safety for young people.  The website contains information for Work Experience Organisers, Placement Providers (Employers), Parents and carers, as well as young people.   

The Health & Safety Executive also have a template for a Health and Safety Policy and Risk Assessment should you require these.

HSE TEMPLATE AND EXAMPLES

SUPPORTED WORK EXPERIENCE & PLACEMENTS

In Shetland we have a number of services that support people into employment, either through structured programmes or through tailor-made support to fit the individual person's needs. DYW are pleased to support young people through these programmes to develop their skills and confidence and to be better equipped to enter the world of work.  To find out more, please click on the buttons below.

MOVING ON

COPE

EMPLOYABILITY PATHWAY