The LCVP is funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan Preparing students for Work Experience

The LCVP is funded by the Department of Education and Science

under the National Development Planwww.lcvptpn.net

Preparing students for Work Experience

Helena Collinswww.collane.ie



First impressions are important

The students represent the teachers and the school and therefore the preparation of

the student for work experience is of key importance



Current Employment Market

More challenging Use this as a Positive The students need to take themselves

seriously and be focused about where they are going, what they want to achieve and more importantly, what they can do



Planning and Preparation

WHAT LOCAL EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR ATTITUDE: Diligent, conscientious, honesty, reliability, pleasant,

enthusiastic, willing, respect for company and staff. SKILLS: Communication, literacy, computer (what is specific to

their work experience) EXPERIENCE: Doesn’t necessarily have to be course related – use

experience in how they can apply themselves eg. Sports, projects, interests & hobbies, part time work etc..

QUALITY!



Examples

Examples!



Work experience may not create an immediate job but it is a great reference point where they could be contacted again at a later date if a vacancy arises or recommend them for another position through their business networks.



PreparationThe student should be focused and clear about what

they can do and what they want to achieve out the work experience placement

Personal and vocational skills audit Identify and be clear about specific goals Types of tasks that they feel comfortable doing and what

they would like to improve on or learn Identify the days and hours that they can give a

commitment to Location Type of work environment



Preparation and Planning

The student needs to be aware of their weaknesses in skills, attitude and ability as well as the barriers, challenges or difficulties they may experience in the workplace.

They should have contingency plans in place to deal with any challenges they may feel might hinder the success of their work experience placement



StrengthsWhat areas do I feel comfortable in?SkillsAbilityAttitude

WeaknessWhat areas do I need to improve?SkillsAbilityAttitude

OpportunitiesWhat are the benefits for me?What is there for me to achieve?

BarriersWhat is preventing me from being successful?What issues do I have to overcome?



Curriculum Vitae

This document is used to promote the student to the prospective employers.

Recommended that the CV should follow a template Employers are now screening cv’s and interviewing students for

work experience placements. They identify areas of competencies expressed in the CV that are

relevant to their organisations requirements, CV should reflect this by providing the relevant information.



Curriculum VitaeIt is a selling tool, which should be accurate, adaptedto suit the position being applied for, amended andupdated to reflect new modules and workexperience. What was used last year is no longercurrent.

• LAYOUT• LANGUAGE• SPELLING• ACCURACY AND NEATNESS• RELEVANCE OF INFORMATION PROVIDED



Covering letter

The covering letter is a tool used to screen and identify the competencies of the applicant.

e.g. Initiative, neatness, attention to detail, grammar, spelling, relevance of information



Covering Letter

Points to be included in letter. Addressed directly to the person responsible for

recruitment Title and position Reference made to where the position was advertised Clarify the position which the candidate is applying for Provide an outline of their qualities, skills, attitude Letter can be handwritten or typed Accuracy, layout, grammar and spelling are important.



Obtaining Work Experience

Identify companies Identify the most appropriate

contact person Forward a copy of CV and letter

either by email or post Follow up with a call either in

person or by telephone



Going for Interview

Preparation is very important it gives the student confidence. This is also useful for their Learner Record and Assessment ReportTalk to somebodyDo some researchReview their personal and vocational skills auditPractice answering questionsBring a copy of their CVDress neatly and appropriatelyGet clear directions



Under the Employment Equality Act 1998

Employers are obliged to ask competency based questions which enable them to assess the candidates ability to carry out the tasks assigned to the position they are recruiting for



QuestionsTherefore, they would ask questions which start with

“please describe…” or “explain what you did when…”

These are not hypothetical questions starting with “when would you,,,,” or “how would you….”

With competency questions, you have to explain the process or procedure in how you carried out or dealt with a particular situation you had experienced.



Co-ordination Question

“Please describe a situation when you had several tasks to complete in one day and your supervisor asked you to complete another activity.”

This is normally followed by a probing question

“How did you prioritise your workload and how did it affect you in completing your work load at the end of the day?”



The students should be able to talk comfortably about what they can do, how they applied themselves to and the approaches they took in carrying out their course work and their interests and hobbies. Honesty is always recommended.



Work ExperienceKEY TIPS Always be on time.. If they are not feeling well.. If they are unsure about the task given to them… If they have not completed a task… They should be thorough and neat in their approach to their

work. Keep their work area tidy.. Give adequate notice They should try to find a way of fitting in Look for other things to do Observe or assist them Keep a daily record



Daily Record

From an employers perspective

Provides focus and information of what the student has completed and identify areas where the student still needs to gain experience in

Assists in evaluation



Concerns of employers They don’t have sufficient time to guide the

student Not enough work to keep the student busy without

supervision Having allocated tasks to be completed the

student does not arrive for work The tasks assigned do not challenge the student

and provide the opportunity to develop sufficiently The student reacts negatively to constructive

criticism The student does not participate actively with the

team, to support and observe them



Feedback from employers

Great resource to assist company during busy periods, get tasks completed that are left and provide cover and support for staff

Fresh ideas of how things could be carried out more efficiently or up to date procedures and processes

Good opportunity to identify potential employees



The success of the student on work experience placement is a reflection on the tutors and the Institute



Overview & Questions Planning & Preparation C.V. & Covering Letter Interview Conduct on Work Placement Expectations & Feedback from

Employers



Thank you!

Presented by: Helena Collins

049-4371500www.collane.ie

Documents

The LCVP is funded by the Department of Education and Science under the National Development Plan Preparing students for Work Experience