Year 10 Work Experience 2026: Confidence, Skills and Career Insights
This summer, our Year 10 students stepped beyond the classroom and into the workplace, spending a week immersed in a diverse range of professional environments. From hospitals, laboratories and engineering firms to schools, businesses and charities, students experienced the realities of working life while gaining valuable insight into future career pathways.
While many began the week feeling apprehensive about entering unfamiliar environments and meeting new people, they returned with increased confidence, a wealth of new skills and a deeper understanding of their strengths, interests and aspirations. For some, the experience confirmed long-held career ambitions; for others, it opened doors to possibilities they had never previously considered.
Through hands-on learning, professional interactions and real-world challenges, students developed the communication, teamwork and adaptability skills that employers value so highly. Above all, work experience provided an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the wider world, helping students make informed decisions about their futures and recognise the many pathways available to them.
One student summed up the experience perfectly:
"It opened my mind into the office sector of work and also the range of jobs and paths I can take to get to where I want to be."
For some students, work experience reinforced existing career ambitions. One commented:
"I now know that I definitely want a job in medicine."
Another explained that their placement provided:
"An insight into what the work week would be like for a chemical engineer. It helped me to envision my future."
Equally important was the opportunity to discover what was not the right fit. Several students found that experiencing a workplace first-hand helped them refine their career thinking. As one student observed:
"I learned that I don't want to do an office job; I would rather do a hands-on physical job."
A recurring theme throughout students' reflections was personal growth. Many described becoming more independent, professional and comfortable communicating with unfamiliar people.
One student shared:
"Being able to do many more things independently and to not always be so unsure."
Another reflected on:
"Understanding what legal work is really like and gaining confidence in a professional environment."
Students also gained a deeper appreciation of the skills employers value most. When asked which skill they considered most important, communication emerged as the clear winner, with students recognising its importance in building relationships, collaborating effectively and solving problems.
Alongside communication, students highlighted adaptability, teamwork, confidence, professionalism and organisation as essential qualities for success in the workplace.
The breadth of experiences undertaken by our students was remarkable. Placements included operating ground robots, using specialist software, working with children, observing wildlife surveys, exploring medical research, learning how businesses operate and gaining hands-on experience with technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters and soldering equipment.
Perhaps most importantly, students discovered that workplaces are built on relationships. Many commented on the sense of community they experienced and the value of learning from professionals working across different sectors.
One particularly thoughtful reflection captured this perfectly:
"What you may assume from only observation may not always be the case behind closed doors."
As part of their evaluation, students were asked what advice they would offer next year's Year 10 cohort. Their responses were remarkably consistent:
- Be confident and willing to get involved.
- Ask plenty of questions.
- Keep an open mind about different careers.
- Be organised and prepared.
- Make the most of every opportunity.
One student advised:
"Choose something you know nothing about because you might end up really enjoying that line of work and it will show you all the different careers you can choose in the future."
Another suggested:
"Enter more than one sector of work; this helps you find out what you want to do but also, more importantly, what you don't want to do."
And perhaps the most powerful reflection was:
"Make the most out of it. It's very fun and engaging but remember to learn, reflect and think about it. It can be really helpful not just for work but also develop skills as a person."
At Hockerill, we believe careers education is about far more than choosing a future pathway. It is about developing the confidence, resilience, skills and self-awareness needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Work experience plays a vital role in bringing learning to life, helping students connect their education with the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Student Reflections
Mia Smith
During my work experience placement at the Fleet Street Clinic, I spent five days exploring the world of private healthcare. Shadowing different departments gave me a fascinating insight into how patient care operates behind the scenes, from nurses planning vaccination programmes to the corporate team managing healthcare plans.
I also spent time in the optometry department, learning about the science behind eye care and helping to assemble prescription glasses using specialist equipment. One of the biggest challenges was absorbing the large amount of medical information, including understanding vaccine interactions and laboratory data. I overcame this by taking notes, staying focused and asking questions throughout the week.
My favourite part of the placement was working in the pathology laboratory, where I was able to run diagnostic tests using real laboratory equipment. This experience inspired me to learn more about immunisation and disease testing and has strengthened my ambition to pursue a career in healthcare.
Giselle Ng
My work experience placement provided a valuable insight into the legal profession. During the week, I learned more about how legal disputes are handled and how solicitors communicate with clients.
I developed my communication skills through negotiation exercises, observing client meetings and speaking with different members of the team about their roles and career journeys. One challenge was understanding legal terminology and procedures, but I overcame this by asking questions and listening carefully to explanations from colleagues.
The highlight of my placement was seeing how real cases are managed and learning about the variety of roles within a law firm. The experience has strengthened my interest in law and confirmed that it is a career I would like to pursue in the future.
We would like to thank all the employers and organisations who generously supported our students this year. Their willingness to share their expertise and provide meaningful workplace experiences plays an invaluable role in helping our young people develop the skills, confidence and aspirations needed for the future.
