Read how we have supported students into work experience.
Jamil was in his second year of an Environmental Geography degree at Cardiff University when he was signposted to the GO Wales programme by student support. Initially, Jamil wanted to pursue a career in the financial sector and he knew how valuable work experience would be in securing a graduate job after university. The employment market had become increasingly challenging during the pandemic, and it was essential for Jamil to compete effectively for graduate positions, given he was estranged from his family, without a support network, and had been financially independent for some time. A graduate job would ensure that he could be completely self-sufficient.
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Following an initial work taster with a financial services company, Jamil recognised that his skills were best applied in the environmental sector, so he was placed with Terra Firma, a Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental specialist company. During this opportunity, Jamil benefited from participating in desk studies, shadowing colleagues and participating in onsite investigations to determine whether land was contaminant free. He helped operate different types of machinery, under supervision from his mentor, and worked alongside other public sector organisations, such as Natural Resources Wales.
Jamil’s objectives in undertaking this opportunity were to gain experience of working in a formal environment to develop his workplace professionalism, understand the different tasks and planning requirements before site investigations, and to be part of a project that could develop his skillset. His employer described Jamil as ‘a hardworking, enthusiastic and likeable young man’ and it was clear that Jamil had made a strong impression.
In fact, Jamil’s experience was so successful that his employer offered him a part-time role alongside his studies on completing the work experience opportunity. In addition, he was offered a full-time graduate role, commencing after he completes his course in July 2022.
“GO Wales provided me with an opportunity, a great opportunity! I’ve rarely have had any free time over the last few years and I have always felt behind. I recommend that any opportunity offered should be seized, I took a chance with GO Wales not expecting much. I was provided with Terrafirma, a great company who have provided me with countless opportunities. For once I feel ahead, as if I'm not chasing anything but along a path for a better future”. Jamil Khan, GO Wales participant
Jamil’s experience on the GO Wales programme had provided an opportunity to explore his possible career paths, but it reinforced his decision that environmental geography had been the right choice. The opportunity led him to a guaranteed job on graduating, which will build on his existing skills and present further opportunities for development, enabling him to be fully independent from day one.
"He has made considerable effort to achieve his objectives by shadowing different members of the team."
"He completed various desk studies in order to understand what was needed before site investigations and assisted the team in finding solutions to contamination problems faced."
Claire was in her first year of an Equine and Veterinary Bioscience Degree when she signed up with the GO Wales AtWE programme. Being estranged from her family, and living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a borderline personality disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, Claire previously thought that there were too many barriers for her to progress with her study and think about work experience. As meeting new people and working in large groups increased Claire’s anxiety, the prospect of working with horses in the outdoors was incredibly appealing.
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The GO Wales team arranged work experience for Claire with Tim Vaughan Racing, a top class horse-racing facility located in South Wales with an on-site veterinary practice. Her duties included gaining an understanding of the day-to-day requirements of managing racing stables, helping to take practical care of the race horses, and ensuring the upkeep of the stables. Claire was also able to learn more about the business side of racing, and was hoping to create some contacts in the industry. Furthermore, Claire was hoping this opportunity would increase her confidence more generally.
The experience was not without its challenges, especially due to the distance from the university, so Claire needed to stay in the stable accommodation. The GO Wales team had also implemented a plan for keeping in touch with Claire, and had liaised with the University Well-Being Practitioner to put in place additional support for her during the fortnight opportunity.
Claire’s first day went well, but unfortunately, the challenge of a full-time and physically demanding job had left Claire feeling exhausted, and struggling with her mental health. Concerned for Claire’s welfare, her adviser suggested that she work alternate days, to give her time to rest. Claire’s employer was more than happy to accommodate this change in working pattern, which contributed to her successfully completing the two week opportunity. This led to her having practical experience working with the equine vets, and observing veterinary practices, such as using an endoscope to see a horse trachea, and identifying evidence of a haemorrhage. The experience solidified Claire’s ambition to work in equine veterinary practice.
Claire’s feedback was full of praise for the programme and the opportunity, and she admitted that “I did have times where I felt my mental health was going to cause my work experience to terminate but with phone support I was able to pick myself up and carry on with my work experience. I cannot fault the GO Wales Team, they have all been amazing with supporting me through this experience. I would never have had this opportunity, had it not been for the GO Wales team. It really was a once in a lifetime chance to do this."
"I really enjoyed the days with the vets where I was allowed to observe and assist with the guttural pouch wash, tracheal wash, nasal swab, tendon scan and lameness evaluation"
"I was in awe of the cost of some of the horses on the yard, it was quite sobering to have a £250,000 horse in my hands"
Julia was studying animation when she joined the GO Wales Programme in May 2019. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Julia struggled with interacting and communicating with people, especially in a formal setting. Loud and busy environments, such as offices, could increase Julia’s stress levels. Furthermore, Julia felt that her social impairment impacted on her ability to plan effectively.
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After Julia joined the programme, she met with a GO Wales adviser on several occasions to explore her areas of interest and discuss potential work experience opportunities. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly stopped the initial work experience plans that had been secured for Julia. Despite this setback, she continued to engage with the project virtually throughout the lockdown period in order to pursue a work experience opportunity.
Following the easing of lockdown restrictions, her adviser sourced a virtual work taster opportunity for Julia with Cardiff Animation Festival to complete an animated video. Although Julia faced challenges with virtual working in terms of getting to know people on a remote basis, and therefore building professional relationships, it also presented opportunities for Julia by removing barriers that might have existed had the opportunity been physically located in an office. Julia did not have to concern herself with unexpected loud noises, for example, which might be difficult for her to cope with in an unfamiliar environment. It also enabled Julia to develop her digital, social and team skills by using alternative forms of communication, such as Zoom, Messenger and G-Mail, to share ideas, receive feedback and send and receive documents and files.
During the placement, Julia successfully worked collaboratively with the team to create a short animation video. Its purpose was to encourage audiences to complete feedback forms after workshop events. It was a creative project, which enabled her to directly apply her animation skills.
Julia also developed other essential skills during her taster, such as time management, and self-reflection on her own performance and behaviour. Julia learned how to negotiate and compromise with clients in a positive and professional manner over design briefs and differing of ideas and opinions, which Julia considered the biggest challenge of her work experience.
Following the virtual opportunity, Julia’s confidence had increased, and she planned to complete her studies in MDes Animation. Julia also received positive feedback from the employer, signalling to Julia that there could potentially be future opportunities for her to undertake similar work. Julia’s positive experience helped her to recognise that this was a career she would like to pursue. The opportunity enabled her to build contacts and networks in the animation industry, which will be helpful for her future employment prospects.
"The adviser has been very communicative and has been able to find me a work placement appropriate for my skillset"
"I am confident that I have a strategy in place to maximise my potential for future employment"
Freya joined the GO Wales programme in April 2019 and was keen to secure work experience in either animation or design. Faced with a probable diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, she also suffered with a visual processing disorder, a sleep disorder and depression. Freya’s impairments contributed towards her anxiety levels increasing and she became reluctant to arrange her own work experience given the unpredictability of her symptoms. Freya was yet to be convinced that a suitable workplace would accommodate her varied conditions.
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From previous contact with AberInnovation, the Aberystwyth GO Wales advisers were aware that the organisation was seeking a Graphic Designer. Immediately they considered Freya, and facilitated an initial virtual meeting between Freya and the employer. Having reviewed Freya’s portfolio of designs undertaken during her Film and TV degree, the employer explained the nature of its work and shared examples of designs to demonstrate the parameters in which the company worked.
Following this successful initial meeting, AberInnovation offered Freya a GO Wales work taster working on a remote basis for a week to produce several different designs. This was an ideal opportunity for Freya, as she could work flexibly without the pressure of set hours. Freya was able to plan her work by taking account of her sleeping patterns, recognising when she would be most productive during the day, which was usually outside of traditional office hours. Remote working also provided a familiar and safe environment in which Freya could engage professionally from a distance. The employer was fully aware of Freya’s conditions and requirements, and supported her by identifying and removing any barriers that might have prevented Freya maximising this work experience opportunity.
Freya hoped this taster would build her network of professional contacts, as well as develop her graphic design skills. Importantly, Freya also wanted to increase her confidence. During the taster, she successfully designed several graphics for AberInnovation, and her feedback on the experience demonstrates how she met her initial objectives.
The employer’s feedback also recognised Freya’s strengths, describing Freya as: “Approachable, polite, receptive, prepared and very good time keeping”
This virtual experience enabled Freya to see the possibilities that freelance work presented, with the benefit of being able to pick and choose work according to interest, and the freedom to determine her own working hours to fit in with life’s everyday challenges. Following the end of Freya’s GO Wales Work Taster, AberInnovation offered, and Freya accepted, a freelance contract to continue to work as a Graphic Designer. This opportunity means Freya can pursue further graduate freelance work, and continue to build her portfolio.
"I improved my confidence greatly through the week although I still have some way to go. This was my largest challenge"
"I successfully built connections that led to future employment. I built technical skills and learned more about graphic design as well as business interactions"
Viktoria knew she wanted to work with animals in some capacity but had limited work experience and wasn’t sure which career path she wanted to take when she made contact with the GO Wales team at Wrexham Glyndŵr University.
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Viktoria struggled with talking confidently with people, didn’t recognise her skills and strengths and presented with low self-confidence and signs of anxiety; she did not feel able to approach any employers without the assistance of her GO Wales Adviser. Viktoria was keen to gain as much experience working with animals as she could in order to develop her skills and knowledge and understand career options.
The GO Wales Adviser arranged a work taster at Welsh Mountain Zoo where Viktoria was able to experience the role of a Zoo Keeper. She worked with birds, observed horse dentistry and learnt a lot about caring for wild animals, including about verbal and non-verbal presence around the animals. The work experience enabled her to meet her objectives of gaining a better understanding of the zookeeper role, gaining confidence in working in new environments and developing team working skills.
Although this opportunity benefited Viktoria, both she and her Adviser felt that there were still some areas that she needed to develop to overcome her anxiety in the workplace. Therefore, the adviser arranged a further placement within a veterinary practice, where Viktoria was able to shadow veterinary nurses and observe the way a practice is run. Following the success of this shadowing opportunity, the employer was keen to offer Viktoria a longer opportunity as she was gaining more experience working with pets and developing a better understanding of veterinary work. Feedback from Daleside Vets was very positive: “Viktoria showed plenty of initiative from the outset in that she was always looking for tasks to complete.”
Viktoria was able to build her confidence in the workplace and develop strategies for overcoming barriers, and to make a decision on her future career path. During her time on the programme, she was nominated for a Future Leaders award, a Wrexham Glyndŵr initiative, in recognition of the work ethic that she demonstrated on the GO Wales programme.
Since leaving the GO Wales programme, Viktoria has been able to secure part-time employment as a Veterinary Nurse Assistant and explained that she applied for this role as she felt her experience, confidence and knowledge had significantly increased as a result of her participation in the GO Wales programme.
Viktoria was nominated for a Future Leaders award, a Wrexham Glyndŵr initiative, in recognition of the work ethic that she demonstrated on the GO Wales programme
“Viktoria showed plenty of initiative from the outset in that she was always looking for tasks to complete.”
Diya was in the first year of her Mathematics degree at Cardiff University when she was first introduced to the GO Wales programme. Originally from South West London, Diya experienced difficult circumstances prior to attending University which had resulted in her becoming estranged from her family. This had made it difficult for her to arrange work experience.
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Diya was keen to make the most out of her time at University, particularly improving her employability through utilising the support of GO Wales. She had no firm career ideas but knew that she wanted to gain work experience in a related field to her Mathematics course. The GO Wales advisers at Cardiff University provided the support and guidance that Diya needed in terms of exploring various future career options, and helped her to consider what type of work experience would enhance her employability in the numeracy field.
The GO Wales Project Officers sourced Diya a work experience opportunity as a Finance Assistant at Cardiff University’s Research and Innovation Services where she was able to fit in a 10-day flexible placement, arranged around her academic studies. The role was developed to provide her with an understanding of the roles within a Finance Department; it also provided her with the opportunity to gain finance administration experience and an understanding of operational and customer service requirements. Diya hoped that the work experience opportunity would “develop self-confidence in a professional working environment, as well as through conversing with the range of roles in the department such as accountants and finance officers”.
Diya enjoyed her placement and commented how she grew in confidence in an office environment, gained an understanding of the department and the job roles. She also commented that she had observed how colleagues worked together to complete tasks and that she had become more proficient and more interested in the tasks that she undertook on placement.
Following the work experience, Diya stated that she was more confident that she had more career-related work experience, she had expanded her network within the field to enable her to source future work experience and she also gained a better understanding of strategies for overcoming her personal barriers in the workplace. Following a review meeting with her GO Wales Project Officer, Diya agreed to apply for an internship via Cardiff University’s Work Experience team and was successful in securing an eight week paid internship in Pinnacle Letting Agents in Cardiff.
Subsequently, Diya has spoken about her experiences to other students and even went with the GO Wales team to Manchester to showcase at the GO Wales programme at the AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Service) Conference.
"The work experience placement I was given has been a helpful introductory insight into the world of work and has motivated me to seek out further work experience opportunities"
"Overall, I enjoyed my work experience placement and would want to work here again if I could"
Miles was in his first year of his Communications and Media degree when he heard about the opportunities offered by GO Wales. Miles was eligible for support, as students with a BME background and mental health difficulties have traditionally faced more barriers in accessing higher education or work experience.
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Upon first meeting, Miles and his GO Wales Adviser discussed his options. As Miles confided that his confidence was low and his mental health was fluctuating, they decided that a flexible work shadowing opportunity would be a good place to start. Miles’ GO Wales Adviser was eager to not only find an employer that would support and be flexible to his needs, but also to provide an opportunity that directly related to his degree.
Miles undertook a work shadowing opportunity within the Communication and Public Affairs department of Aberystwyth University. The work shadowing opportunity was extremely successful, with both Miles and Aberystwyth University receiving excellent feedback.
From the success of this work shadowing, Miles was eager to try something more challenging and was interested in communication through web development.
Menter Aberteifi provided Miles with a six week summer paid placement opportunity. During his placement, Miles supported the team by improving their new web platform, data migration, research and marketing. Miles was able to gain experience of working at multiple locations as Menter Aberteifi were happy for him to work remotely.
Reflecting on GO Wales Achieve through Work Experience’s support, Miles believes that he now has significant work experience that he can draw upon and his confidence has grown. Miles has also developed a number of contacts which will be of real benefit to him for future employment, following graduation.
You can access Miles’ completed project by visiting the ‘Visit Cardigan’ website.
"I think that I achieved the learning objectives that I set out for myself before the placement began. I think the work shadowing improved my confidence in the world of work."
"The most satisfying aspect of my work experience was being able contribute to the construction of a website that will actually go live."
When Sarah (not her real name) was in her final year studying BSc Psychology, her high levels of anxiety in new situations and social interaction, associated with her Asperger’s Syndrome, left her wondering how she would gain the experience needed to pursue a career in neuroscience.
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Sarah previously avoided talking about her Asperger’s because she worried about being labelled. However, with her GO Wales Adviser she discussed anxiety triggers and the way she reacted to and managed stress. This was useful when planning how to manage certain activities during her work experience.
Sarah’s GO Wales Adviser contacted Headway, which works with people recovering from acquired brain injury. The employers were happy to host a placement. They were made aware of Sarah’s diagnosis and were keen to meet with her.
Sarah worked with her Adviser to improve her CV and to set up an initial meeting with Headway. She met with Headway’s Manager and Volunteering Co-ordinator who were very supportive and gave her the confidence to talk openly about her anxiety. They took the time to make arrangements that would enable her to feel comfortable while offering her opportunities to challenge herself.
Sarah was supported by both the employer and her GO Wales Adviser throughout the work experience, which was a great success. Her confidence grew and she was keen to progress to a work taster. She continued with Headway for the entire summer and at the tail end of the year was awarded with Headway’s Volunteer of the Quarter Award. The employer stated:
“Sarah’s journey has been a privilege for all of us at Headway Cardiff and South East Wales to be part of. It was the fear of the unknown to start with, but gradually over time Sarah started to find her feet. We slowly introduced her working with a specific individual for a few sessions and it was through this way that Sarah’s confidence started to grow as she mirrored the actions and behaviours of the staff and volunteers. Sarah now takes on extra responsibilities and is seen as a trusted and valued volunteer support worker.”
Since leaving the Programme, Sarah has continued to volunteer at Headway and is applying for a Master’s degree in Neuroscience.
"I was nervous about taking part in the GO Wales programme at first, but I’m glad I did it."
“My Adviser was very helpful in preparing me for my placement and identifying any issues I might have, so I didn’t feel as anxious going to Headway as I would have done had I not had that support.”
Liz is passionate about following a career in illustration, specifically children’s books, and joined the GO Wales programme at the end of the second year of her degree. Being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and suffering from anxiety and panic attacks made learning and communication challenging for Liz, as she felt unable to make eye contact and often felt embarrassed to speak. She felt that this, along with finding it difficult to go to new places and respond to change at short notice, was a barrier to her future employment and she was concerned about employers understanding her needs.
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The GO Wales adviser was able to help and support Liz to prepare for new experiences and try to minimise the stress Liz would experience heading into the work place. Liz took part in a placement at Cardiff Metropolitan University working on an illustration project to develop images to promote the GO Wales project. The opportunity was based on a different campus to the one Liz studied at, therefore she was able to challenge herself to go to a new environment and meet new people, which was in line with the objectives that she had set for herself before the work experience. The GO Wales adviser provided Liz with a recorded orientation video of the campus to help manage Liz’s stress in going to a new setting.
Liz benefitted greatly from this experience and learned how employers would be able to cater for her. These included having a shorter working day to manage fatigue, booking a meeting room to ensure a quiet space was available and using noise-cancelling headphones to ensure that the environment did not cause sensory demands, and to minimise the potential for any anxiety caused by noise. She was able to manage the number of new people she met, took the opportunity to practice eye contact techniques, and kept an evidence log through her blog of what went well and of areas for improvement to help develop her confidence. Liz developed a trusting relationship with her adviser through the process.
The team manager during her work experience placement was equally as pleased about the opportunity:
“She responded very positively to input into her designs from our staff and was very adaptable and accommodating. The student worked very well under pressure and to a deadline. She worked well at speaking to team members and making eye contact. Overall, we were very impressed – she went over and above what was asked of her.”
Liz incorporated her art work into a blog post as well as her social media accounts and the chosen illustration has been used as a marketing to promote GO Wales in Cardiff Metropolitan University lectures. Liz’s illustrations have also been used to promote GO Wales case studies on the GO Wales website.
"It has been a very good opportunity to help me grow in confidence and self-esteem in terms of getting a taster of the world of work and communicating with other people."
"My independent research and creative skills are gradually improving as a result of the one-to-one sessions with the adviser.”
Harvey was in his first year of his Physics degree when he first made contact with the GO Wales Team. Living with dyslexia and dyspraxia and having an auditory and visual processing disorder combined to make learning and written communication challenging for Harvey, and he was receiving support from his mentor at University to help manage his academic life. He felt that he was not able to contact employers and arrange his own work experience and sought the support of GO Wales.
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Harvey was interested in a career in renewable or nuclear energy, and Harvey’s GO Wales Adviser approached Statkraft’s Rheidiol Power Station, a power station that specialised in renewable energy with a focus on wind and hydroelectric power, to host work experience for Harvey. Statkraft provided the appropriate equipment for Harvey and the programme provided the safety boots so that Harvey could complete the work experience. Harvey’s supervisor was made aware that his dyspraxia may mean that he was clumsy at times, but he received a full health and safety briefing and the employer did not envisage any issues. Statkraft’s employees even helped Harvey to get to the plant, as it is based in a remote location on the outskirts of Aberystwyth.
Harvey gained a wide variety of experiences and skills during his work taster, and was able to support the team in a number of ways during the operation and maintenance of the Rheidol Hydroelectric Scheme. He was able to apply the knowledge developed within his Physics degree in a real life setting, and gained an overview of the renewables electrical production business model. The employer was pleased with Harvey’s performance on his work placement.
The placement allowed Harvey to test whether he would be interested in pursuing any roles he learned about and enabled him to start building networks and contacts in this area which will be of benefit to him for future employment.
“Harvey showed good enthusiasm and interest for all tasks and had a genuine interest in understanding the hydroelectric scheme.”
“He is a bright intelligent young man who seemed to be able to understand the information given to him during the week and apply the information to the tasks he was given.”
Sophie had just completed her 2nd year of an Illustration Degree through Coleg Sir Gâr when she was approached by the GO Wales Team. Her severe dyslexia and dyspraxia often left her exhausted due to the higher amount of energy she needed to complete tasks that others would complete effortlessly. She lacked confidence, didn’t know how to sell her skills to potential employers and was worried that her disabilities would deter employers.
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The GO Wales programme was ideal for Sophie to gain relevant, meaningful work experience so that she could put her skills into context in the world of work, be able to articulate her skills in potential future interviews and enhance her CV. Sophie and her adviser found a suitable work placement with Buzz Magazine in Cardiff, an employer who was not only was supportive but could also provide Sophie with meaningful experience in the world of illustration and graphic design.
Sophie’s anxiety about travelling to new places and the cost of travel were a significant barrier for Sophie. However, knowing that the employer would be flexible in terms of her arrival and departure times, having continuous support from a GO Wales adviser throughout the placement and having access to finances to cover travel costs reassured her and enabled her to participate fully in the placement.
During the work experience, Sophie was able to work through barriers that the work place presented her with. Initially the work experience placement was meant to last for five days. However Buzz Magazine extended this for an extra month so that Sophie continued to work remotely for the magazine and continue her illustration work. The editor was clearly pleased with Sophie’s engagement with the placement.
Sophie feels as though her confidence has increased beyond her expectations following the placement with Buzz Magazine. She felt calmer and more comfortable in herself in the work place and learnt that asking relevant questions and receiving feedback was key to achieving the objectives set by the employer.
She was delighted also that the employer accepted the fact that she had dyslexia and this did not affect her position in the work place. Sophie learned to recognise that the way her brain works means that she is creative and can look at things from a different perspective, which is a strength. She can therefore now articulate her disability in a positive way.
“The student was superb. She will be able to contribute to the magazine from now on as an illustrator, and what we managed to put together looks utterly fantastic.”
Sophie learned to recognise that the way her brain works means that she is creative and can look at things from a different perspective, which is a strength.
Emily was in her first year of her Journalism degree at the University of South Wales when a Disability Adviser told her about the opportunities offered by the GO Wales programme. Emily faced barriers to gaining and attending work experience due to a long-standing back injury that limited her mobility. It was clear that the GO Wales programme could help her gain experience in this competitive field of Journalism and help her to develop mechanisms for managing her work limiting health condition in a real-life work situation.
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Emily was keen to participate in the programme as she would have access to flexible work experience, one-to-one support from her adviser and the support to search for placements that were suited to her individual needs.
With the support of her adviser, Emily was able to secure a six day “Regional Journalism Taster” Work Taster, which she was able to spread over a period of six weeks to fit around her academic studies and personal commitments. The opportunity was based at the headquarters of the South Wales Argus (part of the Gannet UK Group). Emily’s condition meant that using public transport and walking long distances was difficult, so the adviser was able to arrange transport so that Emily could attend the placement.
During the Work Taster, Emily was able to enhance her writing and editing skills and gain a better understanding of an editor’s role through supporting them to develop stories for publications. She also learned how the newspaper operated as a business.
Emily received excellent feedback on her work and her articles were used in the publication, including a piece on the FA Cup’s tour of Newport Schools, which she co-authored and which was on the front page of the newspaper.
This placement was a great success for Emily as it allowed her to undertake work experience which helped her develop her skills and enhance her CV, and to create an article which was published both in print and online. This experience has allowed Emily to develop her professional network in the field of Journalism as she exchanged contact details with a number of people that she worked with who recommended opportunities for future work experience at sister publications. This all contributed to Emily developing her ability to communicate and work with the public, and her overall confidence.
“I went out with reporters and experienced what a journalist's day to day job would be like, which was very fulfilling.”
“I developed my writing skills as well as my people skills throughout the experience and the people there were generally very friendly and welcoming.”
“This experience has allowed Emily to develop her professional network in the field of Journalism as she exchanged contact details with a number of people that she worked with who recommended opportunities for future work experience at sister publications.”