This exemplar provides an overview of seven specific work placement opportunities put in place for learners in Dumfries and Galloway in order to support the develop of skills and attributes they need to achieve positive and sustained destinations. These ‘case studies’ are part of the ‘Guide to work-based learning in Dumfries and Galloway’ which relates directly to the newly developed Work Placements Standard. It supports professional reflections around the Career Education and Work Placements Standards as well as School / Employer Partnerships.

How to use this exemplar

This is an exemplar of interesting practice. It aims to inspire reflective thinking by practitioners engaged in curriculum development and Developing the Young Workforce. In particular it focuses on career education and the provision of work placements for young people in the senior phase as well as partnership working between schools, employers and third sector organisations. This exemplar is solution focused and outlines practical ideas on how to provide learners with the opportunity to enhance skills for learning, life and work (including STEM), meaningful experiences of the world of work and gain additional qualifications as a result.

You are invited to use this exemplar to reflect on the following questions:

• How effectively do you plan for career education opportunities and progression pathways for learners from 3 - 18?
• In what ways do you ensure that you meet the needs of all learners 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 extend are partners involved in delivering meaningful, work related experiences for learners, the delivery of skills and qualifications as well as prospective career opportunities?
• How do your plans address equality issues and help close the attainment gap

Explore this resource

What was done?

Dumfries and Galloway Council is developing a wide ranging career education and employability programme in collaboration with schools, employers and colleges. The programme includes a 'guide to work-based learning' with 7 illustrative examples of work placement opportunities offered by a number of local employer. These include:

• The Galloway Hospital
• Laing O' Rouke
• Jas P. Wilson
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
• Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
• Care Training Consortium Ltd
• Cream O' Galloway

For more information please refer to the DYW Interesting Practice summary documents and the guide below, which should be considered as part of the overall employability and skills education strategy of Dumfries and Galloway.

Why?

In order to realise the ambitions set out under the DYW agenda, Dumfries and Galloway increased the work-based learning opportunities for young people across the authority by developing links a wide range of local employers. This is part of a wider career education and employability workstream developed to support the progression of career pathways and increase the opportunities for our young people to develop the skills and attributes they need to achieve a positive and sustained destination.

What was the impact?

Young people are becoming more aware of opportunities available to them when they leave school and can make more informed choices.

Employers are able to share their experiences and learn from each other on how to engage with schools and young people to benefit their own business.

Employers are directly approaching the team to discuss how to work directly with schools and offer work based learning or other opportunities.

More young people are benefiting from extended work placements which is helping them to develop the skills and attributes they need to move into life, learning and work.

Downloads

Word file: Cream O' Galloway (173 KB)

Word file: Galloway Community Hospital (175 KB)

Word file: Fire and Rescue Service (172 KB)

Word file: Laing O' Rouke (173 KB)

Word file: Jas P Wilson (172 KB)

Word file: Royal Infirmary (172 KB)

Word file: Care and Training Consortium (171 KB)

PDF file: Guide to work-based learning (1.3 MB)