Young people are using work experience to make contacts with the world of business and try out possible careers.

Natasha Bent, 23, from Hove, is halfway through a six-week programme of work experience to make her the envy of any music fan.

She is studying a vocal diploma at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music (Bimm).

She has done a two-week stint in London with the radio promotions department at music giant BMG, which publishes music by Robbie Williams, Beck and Dido.

She said: "I was nervous before I went there because I wondered what the people would be like but everyone was friendly and gave me advice.

"I was doing mailshots, answering phones and sending faxes but the main benefit was getting to meet important people from the company's various departments.

"This kind of exposure to the industry is a dream come true. I aim to go into international music promotion when I finish my course so experience like this does not get any better.

"They couldn't give me a huge amount of responsibility but it was a chance to get in there and meet people.

If there is a job in the future, they might be able to recommend you so it's a foot in the door.

"It's definitely worth giving a go - the company get something out of it but there's just as much in it for you."

Natasha has also spent time at Anglo Plugging, the largest independent music promoters in the UK, which looks after the likes of Paul Weller and Oasis.

Not everyone's work experience is as glamorous but that doesn't mean it's not useful.

Lisa Laker, 15, from Newhaven, is a student at Tideway Community School and Sixth Form Centre. She said the week she spent at Meeching Valley Primary School was "positive and helpful".

She said: "I want to do psychology with children and I thought this would be a good chance to see what working with them is like.

"It was very useful because I helped to take the children out and watch them while they were playing."

Paul Punter, head of careers at Tideway, said work experience was valuable because it gave young people a taste of what it's like to go to work.

He said: "It's important they have a chance to get up for work, organise transport and work in an adult environment.

"We liaise with employers to ensure the students get to experience different parts of the business and aren't stuck in one place for a week."

Margaret Coward, an associate of Sussex Careers specialising in work placements, said students mostly had positive work experience placements.

Students have to complete a period of work experience as part of the compulsory GCSE in citizenship.

She said: "Companies are generally very interested, especially the smaller ones. It's a big step up from school to work and concepts such as having responsibilities and being treated like adults can be difficult for students to get used to.

"Getting experience of a particular job is just part of the bigger picture."

Tuesday April 8 2003