Year 10 Experience The  World of Work

From the National Grid to charity work, Priory’s Year 10s experienced a week of work!

The Year 10s attended a variety of jobs for their work experience, all gaining a valuable insight into working life in the real world.

Brad has a part-time job at Boots in the near future and he got to spend his week with the chemist, looking at what his job will entail.

“I will work there on Saturdays and over Christmas,” said Brad. “It was a good week. My dad works in the opticians there but I was stocking shelves and working in the storage rooms.

“I enjoyed it but in the future I want to do something with engineering.”

Preston North End season ticket holder Charlie got to take to the pitch at Deepdale.

“I worked with the grounds staff for the week which was a good experience. I did a lot of steps every day!

“I also got the chance to play football at the Academy at Springfields. I don’t really know yet what I want to do in the future.”

Both Will and Oliver worked at the National Grid.

Will said: “We had to be interviewed to get the work experience at the National Grid. We got a tour of the sub stations and learnt about voltages and how much everything costs. It was class.

“I want to go into mechanical or electrical engineering so it was a useful week.”

Oliver said: “It was enjoyable. On the last day we got a taste of Project Management and that was something I found interesting.”

Reese would like to be a marine biologist or a conservationist and she worked on the coast at Lytham St Anne’s with Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

“We were looking at conservation of the salt marshes so it was interesting for me. I want to help to save the coastline.”

Mia went to a hairdressers, Studio 28 & Co. “This made me want to go into hairdressing even more. I learnt to wash hair although I spent quite a lot of time making tea and coffee.”

Lilly spent her time at Willowbrooke Care Home where her mum works.

“It was an eye-opener for me. We were dealing with a lot of dementia patients so it was a very different week for me.”

Alex went to the charity, Integrate Community Support Services. He thoroughly enjoyed his week there.

“It’s a charity which tries to get people, children aged 14 and above and adults, who have learning disabilities and complex needs into work.

“It was really good as I did a lot of practical work, from painting in houses to working with wood, and also co-ordinated some tasks.

“It’s about helping people, perhaps those with autism or ADHD, feel confident to carry out work and get jobs. I found it really rewarding and emotionally it was tough too and I was proud to be a part of it.

“I want to go into law or psychology in the future but I enjoyed helping people and it’s a charity I would like to help, as everyone was so friendly and kind.”

Amelia worked at the Harris Museum, part of her work experience at Preston City Council.

“I helped in the gallery and helped in the shop as well. It was a good experience and something I may do in the future.”

Work experience continues to be a hugely valuable part of Year 10’s learning journey, giving pupils the chance to gain confidence, develop essential employability skills, and discover more about their own strengths and future ambitions.

Reflecting on this year’s placements, Priory’s Work Experience Co‑ordinator, Mrs Eastham, said: “It’s always inspiring to see our pupils step into the world of work and challenge themselves in new environments. The week gives them a real sense of independence and maturity, while helping them build communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills that will stay with them long after they leave school. We see pupils return with raised aspirations, a better understanding own career pathways, and a real boost to their confidence - it’s an experience that genuinely shapes their future."