What is work experience?
Work experience is an invaluable opportunity for students to step into a workplace and gain firsthand insight into a professional environment. A placement does not necessarily need to tie directly to a student's ultimate career goal; rather, it is about developing vital employability skills, building confidence, and gathering real-world experience to help make informed decisions about future pathways.
When is Year 10 Work Experience?
We are delighted to offer our Year 10 students the chance to complete an external work placement this academic year. Dates: Monday, 10th May 2026 – Friday, 14th May 2026 During this week, standard timetables are suspended so students can immerse themselves in the world of work and learn directly from employers.
Next Steps and Finding a Placement
Students were introduced to the programme during our launch assembly on the Friday 17th July 2026 to allow them time over the summer to source their placements. Parents were also provided with the letter linked below. We strongly encourage all students to be proactive and secure a "self-placement" to ensure they find an opportunity in an environment they are genuinely happy with.
- Research: Students should begin researching placements and approaching local employers.
- Support: Dedicated guidance on how to contact employers and access our careers platform will be provided during Personal Development lessons and form time.
Coordinating Work Experience via Unifrog
Blackpool Aspire Academy now uses Unifrog, ‘the complete destinations platform’, to coordinate, track, and approve all work experience placements. This platform replaces traditional paper forms, ensuring that all employer details, risk assessments, and parental consents are managed securely in one place.
Once an employer agrees to host a student, the entire administrative process is handled directly through the Unifrog platform.
Guide: How to Record Your Placement on Unifrog
For a placement to be officially authorised by the Blackpool Aspire Academy, it must go through the Unifrog system. The platform uses an automated chain of emails, meaning each step must be completed in order.
- Student Logs the Placement:
Log into your Unifrog account, navigate to the Placements tool, and click 'Add new placement'. Fill in the core details, including the employer's business name, the placement dates, and a direct email address for the person supervising you. - Employer Confirms Details:
Unifrog will automatically email the employer using the address you provided. The employer must click the link in the email to formally agree to the placement and complete their required health, safety, and insurance declarations. - Parent or Carer Gives Consent:
Once the employer submits their information, Unifrog automatically emails your parent or carer. They will be able to review the placement details, check the safety information, and provide their digital consent. - School Finalises Approval:
After the employer and parent sections are complete, the Academy's careers team receives a notification to do a final check. Once we verify everything, your placement will be officially approved on your dashboard!
Further support can be obtained through viewing the video below or making contact with Mr. Ewart, Deputy Headteacher and Careers Lead at the school on 01253 353155 or via d.ewart@aspire.fcat.org.uk