Our Lady’s pupils find out about the world of work at placements

A wide range of businesses, companies and establishments have kindly agreed to take pupils on, such as primary schools, physiotherapists and solicitors, to name a few.

Work experience is a fantastic way to explore different career pathways and is recognised as an important part of education, with Labour pledging to boost work experience and careers advice for pupils in the UK during their election campaign in June.

What better way to decide your career than by trying them out for yourself?

I have also been gaining work experience this week. On Monday I went to Fisher & Fisher Solicitors. After an interesting talk from one of their trainee solicitors, the other students and I got to observe the duties of a solicitor, as well as read old files of different cases.

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get a placement with the Newry Reporter. Working with their editor, I found out how the newspaper is written and edited, even getting the chance to edit a few articles myself. Finally, I was given the task of writing this article. I spoke to a few other students to get their views on their experience of work placement.

Olivia went to work at Mayobridge Pharmacy and was given the task of sorting out customer’s weekly prescriptions. She said she found it “very informative” and is now considering pursuing a career in pharmacy.

Erin found her placement at the Marina Surgery in Warrenpoint. She chose to do this so she could get the opportunity to “see medicine in practice”, which she certainly did! Erin sat in consultations, as well as helped with vaccination and home calls.

Meanwhile, Emma chose to obtain a placement with SureStart in Newry. Emma said, “I wanted to experience working with children” and she helped entertain and look after them.

I believe work experience is vital for young people making decisions about their future, whether it helps them realise what they want to do or rules a career out.