Nicholas Craig column

Jul 21 2006 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

Young, keen and sometimes unappreciated.

Work experience students are part of our working lives at this time of year. They have been a great help in my place of employment, with the sort of enthusiasm and willingness that is refreshing to have around.

Not all employers appear to plan the time of the students, however, and as a result the pupils learn very little and employers benefit even less. Work experience is such an excellent idea, and so valuable for sixth formers and graduates to get a firm grip on the "world of work" that it is well worth employers taking it more seriously.

Structured work experience gives the students a genuine taste of the pace and complexity of the workplace. Taking part in a project from beginning to end is rewarding for anyone at work, but is a great start for people preparing their record of achievements for university or first jobs. Photocopying and making tea does not compare to "real" work, and is insulting to those involved.

The most important elements for a happy job are interest, meaningfulness and positive feedback. If we who are in a position of some responsibility when it comes to work experience and placement students took that to heart, I believe we would attract long-term interest in our professions from motivated young people.

It is vitally important that the region nurtures and keeps the next generation of outstanding businesspeople. That starts with a properly thought-out work experience package agreed long before the student is standing at your desk eager to get under way.

Student life alone does not prepare them for dealing with conflict in teams, for example, or for seeking out information in a hierarchy. Work experience can help to get first-hand understanding of the ways in which people work together.

Some of our work experience students have had the ability to find fresh ways to tackle problems. They also give us a chance to bring some flexibility to staffing, freeing other staff to complete jobs.

Perhaps others would take it more seriously if they had to pay more for the students' time.

It's odd that if assistance is free we don't always value it highly.

In this case, we should.