Work Experience (WEX) helps bridge the gap between education and employment, at Leicester College work experience is a crucial part of any study programme because it helps to:
develops practical and soft skills and supports classroom learning
provides industry insights
builds confidence and professionalism
helps with career choices
improves networking opportunities
Whether you’re studying construction, business, health and social care, or creative arts, we’ll help you find a placement that matches your goals and supports your future career. Our dedicated Work Experience Team works closely with local and national employers to offer meaningful opportunities that help you stand out when you move into employment, an apprenticeship, or higher education.
We’ll guide you through every step from preparing for your placement and writing your CV, to reflecting on your experience and using it to boost your next move.
If you’re a student, speak to your tutor or the Work Experience Team to get started.
What is Work Experience (WEX)?
Work Experience is anything that helps you learn about the world of work. It can includes
Going on a placement with an employer
Listening to guest speakers
Visiting workplaces or going on industry trips
Joining online or in-person masterclasses
Taking part in activities that build your skills, like mock interviews, team challenges, or problem-solving events
All work experience activities happen outside of the normal class timetable, so they won’t clash with your lessons.
Work Experience and Employability Skills Framework
Skill | What it means | How you use it in both work and Life |
Industry Skills and Knowledge | Knowing how your chosen industry works, and using the right tools, language and standards. | Work: Follow the correct procedures, use equipment and software properly. Life: Understand how jobs and industries work. |
Digital Literacy and Numeracy | Using digital tools safely and working with numbers confidently. | Work: Sending emails, using spreadsheets, handing data. Life: Online banking, budgeting, using social media. |
Communication and Teamwork | Sharing ideas clearly. Listening to others, and working well in others and a team. | Work: Team projects, sending professional emails and presentations. Life: Building relationships and resolving conflicts. |
Creativity and Problem Solving | Thinking of new ideas and finding solutions when things go wrong. | Work: Learn to troubleshoot, suggest improvements. Life: Making good decisions and be adaptable. |
Positive Behaviour and Attitude | Be professional, reliable, respectful and open to feedback. | Work: Learn to meet deadlines and showing initiative. Life: Build good habits and treat everyone with respect. |
Self-Confidence and Resilience | Believe in yourself and bounce back when things get tough. | Work: Handle setbacks and stay motivated. Life: Overcome challenges and manage stress. |
Industry Placements
Placements vary in length, from short one- or two-week experiences to extended three-month placements as part of T Level qualifications. Each opportunity gives our students the chance to develop their confidence, build professional skills, and gain a genuine understanding of the world of work.
Are you a student looking for work experience?
If you’re a student, speak to your tutor or the Work Experience Team to get started. Our WEX team can advise on the different types of opportunities available.
Work Experience Abroad
At Leicester College, we believe that your education should go beyond the classroom. That’s why we offer opportunities through the Turing Scheme, where you can take part in fully funded, two-week international work placements in Seville, Spain with plans to expand our offer to Thailand and Bali in the future.
These trips are designed to help you develop global employability skills by working with real companies in your chosen field. Whether you’re studying Motor vehicle, electrical installation, hospitality and catering, sport or another subject, you’ll be gaining hands-on experience that sets you apart in the job market.
You’ll also get to experience a new culture, meet new people, and return with greater independence, confidence, and a fresh perspective on your studies. It’s a chance to build your CV and enjoy an unforgettable experience at the same time.
Ask your tutor or the international team about how you can get involved — we’d love to help you go further, literally and professionally.
What our students say…
Student 1
Asia Donaldson-Williams
Hospitality and catering
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to have partaken in international work experience. During my stay I have learned about the diverse culture and rich history. Working in a restaurant that serves high-quality food has greatly inspired my chef journey, it has also given me the skills to improve my overall work ethic and has given me a realistic taste of the chef industry.”
Student 2
Abrar Khalifa
Motor Vehicle
“I found the Spain trip very enjoyable and knowledgeable for the entire time i was there. My reasons for this are because we can go with friends and stay with them whilst exploring Spain after work hours. Being able to work with people who speak a different language was enlightening and overall, a great experience. It has helped me in my future by providing me work experience which i can use for future jobs.”
Student 3
Quinn Frisby
Electrical installation
“During my work experience with 3Si in Lebrija, Spain, I had the challenge of working with a team who didn’t speak any English. At first, this made communication difficult, but I quickly adapted by using hand signals, learning some basic Spanish, and carefully observing how tasks were done. Over time, I became more confident and found ways to work effectively as part of the team. This experience taught me how important it is to be adaptable and patient, especially when working in a new environment. It also helped me grow personally and professionally, and made me more determined to build a career in the electrical industry.”
I am an employer…
If you’re an employer and would like to offer a placement, we’d love to hear from you together we can help shape the workforce of the future.