Parents / Guardians

Work placements help young people prepare for life and work 

Focus Training works with schools and parents/guardians to provide work experience programmes for students.  We encourage young people to consider how education and training can help them achieve their career goals.

Many learners aren't sure what job they want to train for so work placements can give them a good idea of what different jobs involve.

In many cases young people are given the opportunity to demonstrate initiative and responsibility. This can have a very positive effect in terms of personal confidence and self-esteem.

Above all, work experience is a valuable part of the transition to adulthood. Students are given their first opportunity to function within a workplace and to feel happy and confident in that environment.

Parent/guardian participation and encouragement is an essential factor in the success of your child’s work experience. We encourage communication and will send you end of term reports and keep you updated on their progress.

How can I help my child?
These are some of the ways you can help your child get the most out of their work experience:

  • Make sure that the Parent Consent Form is returned quickly.
  • Ensure that your child attends the placement regularly and punctually.
  • Please make sure that the employer or Focus Training is notified if the student is unable to attend their work placement.
  • Help them to understand the goodwill shown by the employer offering the work placement.
  • Help your child to be realistic about what to expect. They may well spend some time making the tea or helping with cleaning tasks. Encourage your child to have a positive approach to the placement, even if it isn't quite what they expected.
  • Remind your child that if they find they don't understand how to do something they should always ask someone.
  • Talk to them during the placement about what they are doing and how they are getting on.
  • Inform Focus Training of any difficulties experienced during the placement.
Successful work placements can be a catalyst for positive changes in attitude in the home environment.
To learn more about how we manage student health and safety on the Steps to Success programme
Click here for Student Health & Safety
We welcome feedback and are always at hand to discuss any issues affecting your child’s placement.
Click here to contact us

Success Stories

  • "Jacob learnt very quickly that working isn’t such an easy ride! He very much enjoys his work experience and is very proud of himself for doing so well. At school he is much calmer and has shown great interest in applying to college to study animal care. Jacob said the programme is perfect. I like the fact that Martin is easily contactable and approachable"
    Parent
  • "This has had a brilliant effect on my daughter – so much so, she has been offered a trial position in a local tea shop! I highly recommend Focus Training. Thank you for giving Tamara an opportunity to do better in life"
    Parent
  • "I'm really pleased with Aaron's progress.  He has been sitting his exams, last one today.  I can't believe the turnaround and I'm glad he is doing this for his own reasons.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the help and support that you have given Aaron and also myself. With your help, you managed to change a very bleak situation into a great opportunity for Aaron. Thank you so much".
    Parent
  • "Stephen started his work placement not knowing what line of employment he wanted to do when he left school. He was offered a position with a local car dealership working in the spares department; ordering parts on computers and dealing with the public. He has impressed his bosses with his attitude and commitment to the firm so much that they have offered him full-time employment when he leaves school. We as parents feel the programme offered by Focus Training has proved invaluable to Stephen through giving him the opportunity to experience life in the ‘real world’ outside of his education; and would like to thank the Focus Training team for their hard work and perseverance to a successful outcome."
    Parent
  • "Bradley has come on leaps and bounds doing his work experience. He has learnt many skills and works well with the mechanics. He has lots of confidence in the jobs he is doing. He would like to go to college to learn more."
    Parent
  • "Since Andrew has been doing his work experience, he has got more confident and has grown from a boy into a young man."
    Parent
  • "This program has helped Danny make his choice in life and helped him understand what work life is all about. Danny has decided to broaden his skills learnt and joined the army – Remes; he is due to start in Sep at Harrogate. Many thanks to your great team for all your help and support you have offered Danny and myself."
    Parent
  • "Reece did very well on this programme and with the help of everyone concerned he stuck at it for 18 months. I hope the things he learnt will stay with him for life. I think the team at Focus Training could not have done more. I have nothing but praise for you all. Thank you."
    Parent
  • "By attending Irwins on a weekly basis, Jackson’s confidence has grown and the exposure to different elements of the trade has greatened his knowledge. I am extremely pleased Jackson was given this opportunity."
    Parent