Recently I had a Y12 pupil from St Bede’s School in Lanchester on work experience with me for a week, and we had such a great time I felt compelled to tell you about it in the hope that you will in the future consider taking on young people on placement with you.
For starters, schools still tend to promote and gear their pupils towards employment rather than self-employment, so I love sharing what it is like to be your own boss: the good and the bad!
It is important to expose teenagers to another option. Then you end up learning so much about your own business, or at least reflecting on it, when you have to spend a week (or longer) sharing it with someone. The other person comes in with another perspective and more often than not comes up with amazing ideas that help you! So it really is a win-win situation. I am by myself but pay employer’s liability (which is not much at all on top of public liability) for the opportunity to do this. I have only ever had good experiences with young people (normally Y11 or Y12) but Isabelle was something else: she was so enthusiastic, could see what the children needed, wanted to help, was involved in everything… She truly was a joy to have around!
So when will you take on a young (or any) person on work experience with you? If you are interested, I am happy to pass on your email to the schools that have my details and regularly call up on me. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you and have a great day! Nathalie
