Meet The Team: SS&L’s Work Experience Officer

Becoming a Work Experience Matchmaker

I often describe my role as being a bit like a dating agency!

My job is to match the right learner with the right employer, make sure all the practical arrangements are in place, and then help both parties build a positive and successful relationship.

Once a potential match has been found, I work with the learner, employer, tutor and, where appropriate, parents or carers to make sure everyone has the information and support they need.

My aim is always to find a placement that matches a learner’s interests and aspirations. However, I can’t always guarantee the perfect match. Even so, every placement offers valuable experience.

Sometimes discovering what you don’t want to do can be just as important as discovering what you do!

A Day In The Life of a Work Experience Officer

Day to day my role involves meeting with our learners one-on-one. I want to understand what interests them, what they enjoy doing, the type of environment they feel comfortable in, what they are curious about.

The better I understand a learner, the better chance I have of finding a placement that they can excel in.

The other half of my day involves researching, contacting, and meeting employers. I need to find businesses willing to support a learner through a work placement.

Finding the right opportunity is not always easy. It takes time and patience to identify a business in the right location, offering the right experience, and staff who have the time and willingness to support a learner.

My Background

As I often explain to learners and employers, I’m not a tutor! I come from the business world. Over the years I have worked for employers, run my own award-winning businesses, and gained experience across a wide range of sectors.

I combine this experience with my practical knowledge and plenty of energy to make things happen!

I am passionate about helping learners find their path by opening doors to opportunities they may never have considered. Equally, I hope to match a local employer with a learner who can positively impact their business.

Positive Outcomes

What I hope employers will offer is a meaningful role with clear tasks and opportunities to learn practical skills within a welcoming and supportive environment.

What I hope learners will offer is a willingness to turn up, give it a go, do their best, and be open to learning. Every experience helps build confidence, develop skills, and open doors to future opportunities.

Most importantly, I want both learners and employers to enjoy the experience and feel that they have gained something worthwhile from working together.

Of course, the best result is a local employer finds their next great employee!

Future Ready Learner Sophie has been offered a permanent position following her placement at Wags and Whiskers Pet Hotel.