"Work Experience, Internships, and Apprenticeships: How to Build Your Professional DNA"

In our last episode, we broke down the three main tiers of post-GCSE choices. But once you’ve picked your path, how do you actually stand out? In this follow-up guide, we dive deep into the world of Work Experience, Traineeships, Internships, and Apprenticeships. We move past the jargon to explain exactly what these are, when you should do them, and how to land one—even if you don't have a single family connection in the industry.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Big Four Defined: We clarify the crucial differences between a 1-week "taster" (Work Experience), a skill-building "bootcamp" (Traineeship), a hands-on project (Internship), and a formal, paid career launch (Apprenticeship).
• The Year-by-Year Roadmap
• The "Hidden" Network
• Digital Doors: A deep dive into Virtual Work Experience (VWEX). 

Whether you’re a Year 10 student looking for your first placement or a Year 13 student aiming for a Degree Apprenticeship, press play to build your roadmap to the workplace.

🔗 Important Links for Maths Competitions

• JMC / JMO / IMC / SMC – UKMT Competitions
  👉 ukmt.org.uk

🔗 Important Links for UCAS Points

• UCAS Tariff Points Calculator
  👉 https://www.ucas.com/applying/before-you-apply/what-and-where-to-study/entry-requirements/calculate-your-ucas-tariff-points
• UCAS Points Tables by Qualification
  👉 https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/student-advice/applying-to-uni/ucas-points

🔗 Important Links for Work Experience, Internships & Apprenticeships

1. Work Experience (Short-term Tasters)

• Speakers for Schools
• Success at School
• Diamond Light Source

2. Virtual Work Experience & Projects

• Springpod
• Forage
• UCAS Virtual Work Experience

3. Internships (Project-Based & Summer Roles)

• Student Ladder
• ...