Guidance For Young People

We've compiled answers to the most common questions we get from employers below. Can't find the answer you need? Drop us an email at youngpeople@workfinder.com

• Getting Started
• Types Of Roles
• Payment
• Under 18s

Getting Started

• What is Workfinder?

  Workfinder is a platform that allows you to connect to local businesses and hosts and create industry experience opportunities.

• Is your service open to all young people?

  Yes, all young people are welcome to use the Workfinder service. The service is most suited to 16 to 24 yr olds. Under 16s and their guardians should read the guidance below on roles.

• Is your service open to all recent graduates?

  Yes, recent graduates are welcome to use the Workfinder service.

• How can I access the Workfinder network?

  You are able to download our iOS app or use the web app to access the Workfinder network.

• Do you have vacancies on the platform?

  We do! We also have a network of incredible hosts at exciting companies, so we recommend the ideal host at each company for you to apply to. We guide you through the process of sending a speculative application directly to them.

• What is a speculative application?

  A speculative application is the process of contacting a company to ask if they have a suitable work placement opportunity for you, despite the fact that they aren't advertising a particular vacancy.

• What types of industry experience can I get through the Workfinder app?

  There are a variety of different types of experiences you can request through the Workfinder app including industry placement years, insight weeks, internships, micro-internships and remote projects. Why not download the app and explore it!

• What does it cost me?

  It is FREE. We strongly believe that opportunities should be open to all young people, that is why Workfinder will always be free for our young people to use.

• How do I register?

  1. Download the app and make your first application! During your first application you will register with our service.
  2. When you have made an application our recommendation engine will start to understand what you are looking for, and we will begin to send you more opportunities as they become available.
  3. The more you apply, the quicker our algorithm will learn more about which opportunities are of interest to you and we will be able to help you secure a placement.

• Why are the recommendations you send me important?

  The recommendations we send you are tailored just for you. We strongly encourage you to apply to the companies we send to you because we know those companies have been active recently and match what you are looking for!

• What are the key benefits of using Workfinder?

  We remove barriers created by lack of personal networks and we give every student access to a wide network of hosts who can be approached to request industry experience.

  Our algorithm simulates a virtual career advisor, using data and technology to serve the right opportunities to you at the optimum time.

  There are already over 11,000 companies on the platform and over 30,000 hosts.

• Can I use the Workfinder service at any time?

  Workfinder is an on-demand service, meaning you can access the platform at any point in time. We want to encourage you to engage with companies for industry experience at a time that is suitable for you.

• How long are the projects expected to last?

  Project lengths will vary by project and employer. The remote industry experience projects are designed to be a short and intensive two-week activity that will provide value to both sides.

• What hours would I be expected to work?

  The working hours for this would be decided between yourself and the host.

• Am I able to search the app for project opportunities?

  You are able to filter by subjects, location, companies and interests.

• How do I receive information on the live projects?

  Once you have sent your first application, our recommendation engine will fire up and start sending you tailored recommendations as they go live on the platform.

• Will the projects be accessible to young people of all levels?

  Yes. The project templates will be finalised by the business, they will be industry-standard projects. The hosts are aware that you may require additional support and guidance.

  If offered a placement opportunity on a remote industry experience brief we encourage you to be open and honest about your skills and strengths. This way the host can ensure you are supported where needed and they can allocate tasks appropriately.

• How are duties managed to deliver a whole project?

  The project is managed by the host.

• What happens if someone in my team is not pulling their weight?

  Every project is designed to have multiple opportunities to check in with your host. Your host should spot if someone in the team is not contributing. Having clear responsibilities within your team will help you identify if a member of your team needs additional support. Finally, if you still have concerns we encourage you to raise these with your host immediately.

• What support is there for me when using Workfinder?

  The very way that the platform is designed ensures that you are fully supported through the whole process, it is designed with you in mind.

  1. We intelligently recommend the ideal host you should apply to because we know that it is the right fit and that the host is open to receiving applications.
  2. We guide you through the application process.
  3. We encourage you to apply to different companies and hosts to increase your chances of securing a placement.
  4. We will run weekly webinars for you to join pre-placement through June, July and August, covering topics such as how to work in a remote team, communication channels, working in a healthy and managed way, what to do in the event of an issue.
  5. We support you through the placement itself with a programme of online resources hints and tips during the two-week project.
  6. If at any time you feel you need additional support you can contact us directly. We operate an online helpdesk for both students and hosts.You can contact the Workfinder team directly on 020 8419 7915 or by email at support@workfinder.com if you have any questions or concerns.
• I have applied to a few companies and haven't heard anything yet, what should I do?

  Don’t give up!

  Act on the recommendations we serve you first - these are the best place to start because we know those hosts are active and responding to applications.

  If you think you may have a technical hitch, please report it to us on support@workfinder.com so we can investigate. Please provide us with as much detail of the problem as possible when reporting.

• How do I know what I need to do to prepare for my placement?

  We will send you reminders of what to do when you have a confirmed placement! Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the whole process.

• What if I don’t like my placement?

  We ask you to go into every placement with an open mind and give it your best. However if you don’t like your placement you can express this at the end of the placement when we ask you to rate your work experience. Sharing your ratings are important so that we can help the host understand if they need to change their approach and so we can share ratings with other students who may be thinking about applying to that host.

• What do I do if there is an incident on my work experience placement?

  If an incident occurs during the work experience placement, please inform us as soon as possible. You can contact the Workfinder team directly on 020 8419 7915 or by email at incident@workfinder.com if you have any questions or concerns.

  In case of emergency please contact the authorities - 101.

• How is Workfinder responding to Covid-19?

  Like many businesses, the team at Workfinder are now working remotely and continue to support both businesses and students to make meaningful connections.

  We have launched a new programme to enable the flexibility that both candidates and employers need.

  We offer remote work experience projects which are designed to be short and intensive two-week activity that will provide value to both sides. Our intelligent algorithm matches the best young people with their placement. We provide practical tips, guidance, and regular check-ins needed to keep the project on track and deliver value.

Types Of Roles

• What is a remote industry experience project?

  A remote industry experience project is a chance for you to get the experience you need right from your own home. Working remotely (away from the company office) you will get the chance to work on a live project brief, having direct value to the company and getting that all important experience you need for your CV.

• What would I be expected to do during the placement?

  Your responsibilities will be fully explained to you by your host but all projects require you to work in a team and they all have a clear structure with interim deadlines to help you all deliver on the brief.

• How many young people will be in a particular project?

  Collaboration is a key skill needed within industry, the projects will provide an excellent opportunity for you to work in partnership with students you have not met before. For the project briefs, we encourage the hosts to work with a team of 2-3 students, so they can separate the workload and utilise the skills and talents of each of you appropriately, in turn, you have others who you can rely on and will feel less pressure to be the only person delivering on the project.

Payment

• Will I be paid for my project?

  We absolutely believe you should be paid for the work you do for a company. We strongly advocate that companies pay a living wage for all students and this is built into our platform.

  Some companies offer voluntary roles as a learning experience. These can range from virtual work experience roles to specific placements which give you an insight into a role, career, company or sector. They can help you start to develop you skills too. It is important to note that unpaid opportunities with companies are voluntary. You should not be asked fill an existing or potential vacancy, be offered incentives (e.g. future work or bonuses) or for the role to be long term in nature. Charities and placements linked to university degrees do not have to follow this guidance.

• Will I know if a project is paid before applying?

  Absolutely, you will receive details of the project, the company, the suggested activities and the expected outcomes before you decide to apply to be part of a remote team.

• Will I get a job?

  We can’t guarantee that anyone will get a job as a result of a placement through Workfinder, but you should always put your best foot forward, first impressions last a lifetime and references will go a long way for your career.

Under 18

• Can I undertake Work Experience during term time or on the weekend?

  Our service allows you and the host to agree mutually beneficial dates for your work experience placement.

  You should check with your school or college before accepting a placement that is during term time. Legally, you will require their permission to be on a placement during term time. We have a great sharing feature built into the app, so when you receive an offer you quickly can forward it to your parent or guardian and your teacher to get the permission you need to accept.

• What are the Terms and Conditions of accepting a placement through Workfinder?

  By accepting the offer of a work placement: you agree to the following:

  1. You agree to take full responsibility for your actions at the work placement.
  2. You agree to show up on time and do all that is required; You will notify your school/college and your host if you are going to be late or absent.
  3. You will adhere to the company mobile phone policy and complete all tasks to the best of your ability.
  4. You will make a responsible adult aware of anything you think is not right immediately.
  5. You agree to Workfinder sharing your name, date of birth and contact information with the host so they can perform the legal obligations associated with providing you with a work experience placement.
  6. You agree to Workfinder sharing details of your placement with your educational institution.
• Will I have to sign a contract with a company?

  Under 18, in England and Wales (or under the age of 16 in Scotland) you can not legally enter into an enforceable contract. We advise the companies in our network to ask you to sign an ‘Agreement of Working.’ This defines an agreement between you and them and lets you know what the right procedure is if you were to fall ill for example. It covers both your responsibilities to the company and the responsibilities of the company to you. We advise that you always read through any agreements with a parent or guardian before signing.