Block placements, extended placements and flexible placements
This resource outlines the context of work placement and work-related learning activity in Scotland’s establishments. It illustrates the progress that schools have made in order to meet the recommendations for Developing the Young Workforce, the Work Placements Standard, the Career Education Standard (3-18), and the Guidance for School/Employer Partnerships.
Explore this resource
The resource provides an overview of the commitment to support young people in order to make the most of their opportunities in life. It also provides exemplification to support further implementation of work-related learning opportunities nationally.
Placements exemplars
Work placements should enable young people to experience a relevant, challenging, enjoyable and appropriate learning experience within the contemporary workplace. A work placement should help the young person to make informed decisions about their future careers.
Block placement
- Marks and Spencer Glasgow Community Programme
- Castlemilk High Example (PDF)
- Inverclyde Academy example (PDF)
- BHC Building Merchants example (PDF)
Extended placement
- Guide to work-based learning in Dumfries and Galloway
- Work-related Learning at Ellon Academy
- 'Workout’ programme at South Ayrshire Council
- Work-based learning initiatives in Dumfries and Galloway
- Flexible Pathways Initiative: The East Ayrshire Approach
- On a path to working in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian (PDF)
Flexible placement
- Flexible pathways programme
- Moray Skills Pathways
- Work related learning at Ellon Academy
- Flexible learning at Castlemilk High (PDF)
- Moray council work experience placements 1 (PDF)
- Moray Council work experience placements 2 (PDF)
- Manor View Hotels work experience placements (PDF)
- Extended work placements for senior phase pupils (PDF)
Improvement questions
- How effectively do you plan for career education opportunities and progression pathways for learners in your school?
- In what ways do you ensure that you meet the needs of all learners in order to develop skills for learning life and work?
- In what ways does the curriculum provision and timetabling in your establishment incorporate career education for all learners?
- To what extent are partners involved in delivering meaningful, work-related experiences for learners; the delivery of skills and qualifications and highlighting prospective career opportunities?