In Year 10 or 11 you'll have the chance to do work experience for up to two weeks. The idea is for you to find out what work is like and what employers expect, and it'll look good on your CV!

If you have a job in mind it can be a brilliant way of trying it out to see if it suits you. For some jobs and courses you'll need to have done work experience before you'll be accepted, like childcare, veterinary work, social work and law. But remember there are some jobs where you can't go on Work Experience if you're under 16 because of safety or confidentiality.

As lots of young people go on Work Experience at the same time, you may not get the placement you want. But whatever work experience you do, give it a chance. It might not be your ideal job but you'll still learn a lot and it's a great opportunity to test those key skills employers are so keen on.

'Almost without exception, employers felt that young people who had undergone a period of work experience while at school were better equipped than others for the world of work.' (source:www.jrf.org.uk)

Careers Wales may work with your school to help arrange a placement for you. You might also need to fill in an application form and let the school know where you would like to go. Some employers will want to see you before the placement and some may even call you in for an interview! Ask your Careers Co-ordinator or Teacher how placements are arranged in your school.

Careers Wales also ensure a Health & Safety & employers liability insurance check is done before the pupils are allowed to go on any work experience.

Top tips for making the most of your work experience!

Make the most of your work experience lessons to find out about things like what you should wear or health and safety.

• Have a practice run to make sure you know how to get there and how long it takes. You don't want to be late on your first day!
• You don't get paid for work experience so don't buy those new trainers yet!
• Ask for more work if you're not busy. If you impress the employer they may offer you a job in the holidays or after you leave school
• Don't be afraid to ask questions – you're there to learn
• Let the employer know what you are interested in learning, this way you are more likely to get what you want out of the placement
• Read your health and safety book before you go.
• Remember to fill in your work experience diary each day

If you've always fancied being your own boss, maybe you could contact a local business about a placement. Although you won't be in charge, it will give you a taster of how things are done and the opportunity to ask lots of questions.