Unpaid work experience is exploitative of you, why should you work hard to please a scrooge employer when he/she thinks so little of you that you do not even deserve to be paid? Don't believe it when you are told that it is a "valuable learning experience", it's not, some teachers have kidded themselves that it is, but it is a scheme manipulated by employers to get free labour from teenagers. Although there are some employers who participate in the scheme for honest reasons, these employers are rare and it is likely that your work experience will consist of boredom, skivvying for your "superiors", and harassment from the paid staff, and exploitation. The only training that you will receive is how to be an obedient worker, how to do as you are told, how to do what others want you to do and disregard your own wishes. And anyway, why work for them now when very soon, if you're unfortunate, you can work for them for the next 45 years of your life!
Some action that you can take if you don't want to take part in the work experience scheme is to either refuse to participate altogether (remember that no-one can force you to do it), or demand that you receive the same wages as paid staff, or perhaps turn up to your workplace in fancy dress, anything to piss off the bosses. It would also help if you got the support of your parents on this matter, encourage them to write letters to teachers giving your reasons for refusal. If you would like to receive more info about this campaign or the group please write to:
ANGRY YOUTH @ 17 WEST MONTGOMERY PLACE, EDINBURGH, EH7 5HA. or e-mail us at: angry@punk.org.uk