Students talking in the common room

At Waltham Forest College we believe that learning shouldn’t stop at the classroom door. That’s why every student has the chance to take part in meaningful work experience or an industry placement as part of their course. No matter your choice of course, we’ll help you connect with employers in your field to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Our strong links with local, national and global companies mean you’ll have access to a variety of experiences from short placements, extended industry placements, workshops, training days and even employer visits. These experiences not only build your confidence and skills, they often lead directly to job offers or apprenticeships once you finish college.

 

What we offer

Work Experience & Industry Placements

All students complete work experience linked to their subject. T Level students and others on relevant courses complete extended industry placements, giving you a deeper insight into your chosen field.

Employer Engagement & In-college Events

Throughout the year we host employers who deliver workshops, talks and training sessions on campus. These give you a clearer picture of what careers look like in practice and help prepare you for life after college.

Career Pathways & Opportunities

Students who impress during placements have been offered further opportunities including jobs, apprenticeships or full-time roles after graduation. It's a chance to open doors and prove your potential.

Who we work with

We work with over 400 employers ranging from local micro businesses through to large global corporations.

kieritvamazonarsenal

audibarts healthmercedeskeltbray

  

Why work experience matters

Work experience or industry placements are incredibly valuable to help you understand your career options in real-life settings. They also:

  • Give you practical skills employers look for
  • Make your CV, UCAS or apprenticeship application stand out
  • Build your confidence, independence and teamwork abilities
  • Connect you with real employers who could offer future opportunities

Exposing yourself to employers will also help your long-term employment and career goals. According to the UK government and The Careers and Enterprise Company:

  • Students with multiple employer encounters are up to 86% less likely to become NEET (not in education, employment or training)
  • They can also earn up to 22% more across their working life
  • Work experience participants are 16% more likely to move into employment

Case studies

Akdas - Business

T Level student Akdas undertakes his industry placement at Morgan Hunt, a leading national recruitment agency.

Tily - Automotive Engineering

Discover Tily's story of joining an Automotive Engineering course at Waltham Forest College and now moving onto an Apprennticeship with Mercedes.

Jake - Automotive Engineering

Discover Jake's story of joining an Automotive Engineering course at Waltham Forest College and now moving onto an Apprennticeship with Mercedes.

Hayley - Engineering

Discover Hayley's story of joining an Engineering course at Waltham Forest College and her work experience at Keir Construction.