Are you considering a trade career but want to try it out before committing to an apprenticeship? A work placement could be the perfect way to explore your options.
What Is a Work Placement?
A work placement is a formal arrangement where you spend time working with an employer to gain hands-on experience. Placements are usually short-term and often unpaid, but the benefits can be significant.
Why Consider a Work Placement?
1. Try Before You Commit
A work placement gives you the chance to experience a trade firsthand. You’ll observe real projects, learn basic skills and get a feel for the work. Best of all, there’s no obligation—so you can decide if the trade is right for you before taking the next step.
2. Understand the Work Environment
Every job has its own routines and culture. A placement helps you see what a typical day looks like, from start times and commuting to interacting with co-workers and following workplace rules. This insight is invaluable when deciding if a trade career suits your lifestyle.
3. Develop Your Soft Skills
Work placements aren’t just about technical skills, they help you build soft skills like teamwork, communication, problem-solving and time management. These skills are highly valued by employers and will benefit you in any career.
4. Boost Your Employability
Employers value practical experience, and a work placement gives you exactly that. It can set you apart from other candidates and even lead to job offers or referrals. Performing well during a placement can open doors to apprenticeships and long-term opportunities.
Ready to Explore a Trade Career?
A work placement is a smart way to gain experience, build confidence and make informed decisions about your future. If you’d like to learn more about work placements or trade career pathways, contact Skillset today.
The Benefits of Taking a Holiday
You may also like
How to manage your nerves in a job interview
Let’s face it, job interviews can be nerve-racking. […]
Getting Career Ready for 2026
If you’re thinking about putting your job search […]
Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.