I wanted to do some work experience to get something ‘extra’ than school could offer me. I thought it would help me get on the job ladder too. First I spoke to the school Connexions PA about doing a placement in ICT at the Council, as that’s what I’m studying and most interested in.

I decided to choose a placement working on the Connexions 360 website. I had a meeting with Ella, who would be supervising me, and we chatted about my experience and what I wanted from the placement.

So I now work one day a month in the E-Business team. On my first day I was a bit nervous. I have a visual impairment so I use a special computer magnification software, but that was all set up for me here when I started. It took me a while to get used to using a different computer and finding my way around, but everyone’s been friendly and welcoming. They were also younger than I expected!

The work I do here includes researching other websites, putting together reports and diagrams and using Flash. It’s been good putting what I’ve learnt into a real life situation. I also go to board meetings and meet all the different people who are involved in putting the website together.

Work experience has taught me a lot about what it’s like in the real world of work, as I’d only worked for my dad before. I think you learn best by doing things and I think experience is worth just as much, if not more, than good grades. I’d definitely recommend it.

Paul, 18, from Eastbourne

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