Work Experience

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Work Experience
What makes a good placement
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Themes

• What employers should expect
• Employers responsibilities
• Learning from work experience
• Contributes to work related learning
• Common challenges for employers and schools
• How can we improve the programme?

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A well planned placement
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Employment of Children
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Definition
Work experience may be defined as a placement on
an employers premises in which a student carries
out a particular task or duty, or a range of
tasks and duties, more or less as would an
employee, but with the emphasis on the learning
aspects of the experience (DfES 2002)
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You should expect schools/students to

• Contact you in writing
• Possibly ring or call in before the placement
• Prepare students for work experience
• Ensure students are briefed about appropriate
  clothing
• Bring their work experience diary on placement
• Monitor the student on placement
• A follow-up letter from the school/student

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We Like Employers to Provide

• A suitable job description
• A well planned and organised placement
• An induction to the workplace to include health
  and safety
• Good supervision and support
• A suitable and sufficient young persons risk
  assessment
• A safe working environment

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Job Descriptions
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New Quality Standards for Work Experience (two
examples)

• The employer supports the learner in recognising
  and developing the skills and qualities regarded
  as important in the workplace. There should be a
  structured programme with variety and a number of
  hands on meaningful tasks
• Learners, supported by employers compile a record
  of tasks, achievements and challenges during
  their placement

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(No Transcript)
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Common Challenges for Employers

• Mismatching of students to placements
• Poor student preparation
• Limited contact with schools
• No or poorly organised monitoring
• No follow-up letters from schools

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Common Challenges for Schools

• Limited number of placements
• Matching students to appropriate placements
• Student motivation
• Reluctance of students to travel
• Volume of students
• Timing

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Please discuss in pairs

• What you can do to improve work experience for
  students
• What can we (The EBP) and schools do to improve
  the programme

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Summary

• Emphasis on learning and development
• Schools have responsibilities towards providers
• Provider role is critical to a successful
  placement
• Work experience is a major contributor work
  related learning