IMVC Structured Work Placement Induction Handbook

3rd Edition

Inner Melbourne VET Cluster Inc

Level 1 (Front Tenancy) 71 Palmerston CrescentSouth Melbourne, VIC 3205 T: (03) 9686 2354F: (03) 9686 3572www.imvc.com.au

IMVC Structured Work Placement Induction Handbook

The Workplace Learning Coordinator Program is funded by the Australian Government under the National Partnership On Youth Attainment and Transitions. A joint initiative of The Australian and State and Territory Governments.

Who is the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC)? 1

What is structured work placement? 2

Section (A) Finding your own placement 3

Section (B) IMVC finds your Structured Work Placement 7

Section (C) Student expectations in the workplace 8

Section (D) Employer expectations in the workplace 9

Section (E) Thank you letter 10

Section (F) Suggested classroom activities 11

Appendix (1) Sample letter 12

Appendix (2) Sample Resume 13

Who is the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC)? 1

What is structured work placement? 2

Section (A) Finding your own placement 3

Section (B) IMVC finds your Structured Work Placement 7

Section (C) Student expectations in the workplace 8

Section (D) Employer expectations in the workplace 9

Section (E) Thank you letter 10

Section (F) Suggested classroom activities 11

Appendix (1) Sample letter 12

Appendix (2) Sample Resume 13

Who is the Inner Melbourne VET Cluster (IMVC)?IMVC provides young people with opportunities to explore a diverse suite of career options and enhance their employability through applied or vocational training. The IMVC’s programs address skill shortage areas within vocational employment and lead to lower unemployment levels. The IMVC is contracted to provide the Workplace Learning Coordinator Program (WLCP) in the Capital City, Inner Northern and Eastern Metropolitan area.

WHAT IS THE WORKPLACE LEARNING COORDINATOR PROGRAM?

The objectives of the Workplace Learning Coordinators Program are to:

• increasethenumbersofyoungpeopleundertakingworkplacelearningplacementsinplacesofemployment,especially in industries that provide strong vocational outcomes for students;

• increasethealignmentbetweenvocationaleducationandtraining(VET)provisionandlocalindustryneeds;and

• increasethenumberofKoorieyoungpeopleundertakingworkplacelearningplacements.

What is structured work placement?A structured work placement enables a student to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in an industry setting. During the work placement a student will have specific tasks to undertake in order to demonstrate competence. They will be regularly monitored and may be assessed on the job.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENT AND WORK EXPERIENCE?

Work experience is generally undertaken in Years 9 or 10. It involves secondary school students in short-term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. In general, students observe different aspects of work within the industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor.

This is different to structured workplace learning students who are undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools programs. These students must undertake tasks or activities that enable them to acquire skills and knowledge in an industry setting as part of an accredited vocational training program.

BENEFITS OF STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENTS FOR STUDENTS• Exposuretothe‘real’worldofwork

• Agreaterunderstandingoftheworkplaceenvironmentbehaviourandexpectations

• Thechancetoputintopracticeskillsandknowledgeyouhaveacquiredinyourstudies

• Improvedcommunicationskills–throughinteractionwithadultsinavarietyofworkplacesituations

• Anopportunitytodevelopcontactswithpotentialemployers

• Assistanceincareerplanningthroughcontactwithemployers

• Anopportunitytotestfuturecareerchoicebeforeleavingschool

• Improvedself-confidenceandselfawareness

1IMVCSTruCTurEdWorKPlACEMEnTInduCTIonHAndbooK

Inner Melbourne

Eltham College City Campus

KensingtonCommunitySchool

Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School

Melbourne Grammar School

MelbourneHigh

New Generation College

Ozford College

Simonds Catholic College

St Aloysius College

Stotts College

Taylors College

universityHighSchool

Victorian College for the Deaf

WesleyCollege–StKilda

Inner North

Academy of Mary Immaculate

Alphington Grammar

Antoinine College

Australian International Academy

ballertMurrupCollege

CoburgSeniorHighSchool

Coburg Special Development School

Collingwood Alternative College

Collingwood College

Croxton School

Darul Ulum College of Victoria

Distance Education Centre of Victoria

East Preston Islamic College

FitzroyHighSchool

Glenroy College

Glenroy Specialist School

John Fawkner Secondary College

Kamaruka

lynallHallCommunitySchool

Melbourne Girls’ College

Mercy College

northcoteHighSchool

Northern School for Autism

Northland Secondary College

Parade College

Pascoe Vale Girls College

Preston Girls’ Secondary College

PrincesHillSecondaryCollege

Reservoir District Secondary College

Santa Maria College

St. John’s College

Sydney Road Community School

The Island Work & Education Training Unit

ThornburyHighSchool

Inner Eastern/Gateway

Ashwood School

Ashwood Secondary College

Avila College

berengarraSchool

bialikCollege

blackburnEnglishlanguageSchool

blackburnHighSchool

boxHillHighSchool

boxHillSeniorSecondaryCollege

brentwoodSecondaryCollege

bulleenHeightsSchool

Camberwell Grammar School

CamberwellHighSchool

Canterbury Girls’ Secondary College

CareybaptistGrammarSchool

Caulfield Grammar School

ChristianbrothersCollege

De La Salle College

Doncaster Secondary College

Donvale Christian College

East Doncaster Secondary College

Elwood College

Emmaus College

Fintona Girl’s School

ForestHillCollege

Genazzano FCJ

Glen Waverley Secondary College

HawthornSecondaryCollege

HeatherwoodSchool

HighvaleSecondaryCollege

HuntingtowerSchool

KewHighSchool

KingdavidSchool

KingswoodCollege

KoonungSecondaryCollege

KorowaAnglicanGirls’School

Lauriston Girls’ School

loretoMandevilleHall

Marcellin College

Mazenod College

MacrobertsonGirls’HighSchool

MelbourneHighschool

Methodist Ladies College

Montague Continuing Education Centre

Mount Scopus Memorial College

Mount Waverley Secondary College

Mullauna College

Nunawading Christian College

Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College

Our Lady of Sion College

Presbyterian Ladies College

Preshil

Presentation College

Port Phillip Specialist School

Rossbourne

Ruyton Girl’s School

Sacre Coeur

SacredHeartGirlsCollege

Salesian College

Scotch College

Siena College

St Catherine’s School

StKevin’sCollege

St Michael’s Grammar

St Paul’s School

StrathconabaptistGirls’GrammarSchool

South Oakleigh Secondary College

Swinburne Senior Secondary College

Swinburne TAFE

Templestowe College

Trinity Grammar School

Vermont Secondary School

Victorian College of the Deaf

Warrandyte Secondary College

Wellington Secondary College

WesleyCollege–StKilda

Wesley College - Glen Waverley Campus

WheelersHillSecondaryCollege

Whitefriars College

Xavier College

SCHOOLS SUPPORTED BY IMVC TO DELIVER STRUCTURED WORKPLACE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:

2

Section (A)

Finding your own structured work placement There are a number of ways of finding a work placement:

1. Your personal network

Ask your immediate family, or your extended family. Talk to other people that you know, neighbours, friends of your parents, people your parents/guardians work with, etc.

2. The neighbourhood

It is often worth your while to walk around the area you live in and look at the businesses which are closest to you. Walk in and ask the staff if they are willing to take you on. If you are nervous about going in on your own, take down the organisations details (name, address, and phone number) and pass them on to your VET coordinator or an IMVC Project Officer.

3. The internet and phone book

Use the internet/phone book - make a list of companies to call that you’re interested in.

CONTACTING AN EMPLOYER

There are a number of ways to contact an employer:

1. Send them a letter requesting a work placement

The letter should always be typed and include the following:

• Appropriatelayout(refertoAppendix1)

• Correctspellingoftheemployer’sname,title and company

• Correctgrammarandpunctuation

• limitedtoonepage

• Accompaniedbyaresume(refertoAppendix 2)

2. Cold calling the employer

Using the telephone is an important skill in searching for jobs for the following reasons:

• Alotofemployerspreferthismethodofcontact

• Youhaveabetterchanceofgettingthrough to the decision maker

• Itisfasterandmoreefficientthandoorknocking or writing a letter

• Youdon’thavetodressuptousethetelephone

• Ifyouwishyoucanuseascriptorprompts to help you

WHEN USING A PHONE, USE THE FOLLOWING TIPS TO HELP YOU:

DO’S

• beprepared–haveyourscript,pen,paperandpossiblequestions

• Investigatetheorganisationorbusinessbeforeyoumakecontact

• Knowwhatyouaregoingtosay.Practice,practice,Practice

• usenames-yourown,thereceptionistsandtheemployer(write them down)

• befriendlyandco-operative

• Speakclearlyandconcisely

• Soundconfidentbutnotoverlyconfident

• Makealistof5to10peopleorcompaniestophonebefore you begin

• Thefirstcallisthehardest.Itwillgeteasier.don’twastetime start now

• Ifyoudon’tgettheresponseyoulikebepolite,thankthemand quietly hang up

• Turnoffthetelevisionandmusicsothereisnotalotofbackground noise and distraction while you are on the telephone

DON’T

• don’tbepushyoraggressive

• don’tgivethemyourlifestory

• don’ttalkoverthetopofthem

• don’taskaboutjobopportunitiesstraightaway

• don’twhingeorcomplainonthephone

• don’tworryorgetdiscouraged–ittakestimeandallthepractice will help make it easier.


TELEPHONE SCRIPT – THE COLD CANVAS CALL

EXAMPLE OF WHAT TO SAY TO AN EMPLOYER

Give your name “Hello, my name is …………………………………….”

Ask for the name of the person in charge

“Could you tell me the name of the person who is responsible for recruitment of work experience?”

Their reply “Their name is ……………………………………………”.

Ask to speak to the person “May I speak to ……………………….please?”

Their reply What is it regarding? OR I’m sorry they are not available. Can I have them phone you back?

Your response I am seeking work placement for ………… OR It would be easier if I phone them back. What would be the best time to get them?

Their reply I’m putting you through OR The best time would be …………………………………

Your response “Thank you”

Greet the employer Hello,…………………………………………..?”

Give your name “My name is ……………………………………?”

If you were referred by someone the employer knows, say so at this point

“Mr/Mrs……………….from……………. suggested I speak with you?”

Say what you have to offer the company (i.e. experience, skills, interest, personal qualities, etc)

“I am really interested in the opportunity of a work placement with your business and I was hoping that you could offer me a position for one/two weeks. I am currently in Year ….. and have worked at ……..My other skills include………I enjoy …………….

Ask to meet the employer “Could I arrange a time this week that is convenient to you so I could show you my resume and get some feedback and talk to you about possible opportunities?”

Their reply

Yes, how about ……………………………………………. OR No, I’m too busy OR I don’t have any positions available at the moment

Your response “Thank you very much for your help”(arrange a time and address. Double check that you have the correct address) OR “Thank you for your time.” OR “Thank you very much for your help. Would you mind if I phoned back in a month to see if you are looking for anyone with my skills if I am still seeking work?”

Their reply Yes, that’s correct. I look forward to seeing you then OR Goodbye OR That would be OK

Section (A)

4

Section (A)

THE JOB INTERVIEW

Prior to offering you a Work Placement some employers may want you to attend an interview

Before the interview

Haveyouresearchedthecompany,industryandposition? Yes No

doyouknowthenameofthepersonwhoisgoingtoconducttheinterview? Yes No

Haveyoupracticedtheinterviewwithfamily,friendsorcareersteacher? Yes No

Haveyouplannedhowyouwillgettotheinterviewandhowlongitwilltake? Yes No

Haveyouplannedwhatyouaregoingtowear?Areyourclothesandshoesclean? Yes No

doyouneedtohaveahaircut?Areyourfingernailsandteethclean? Yes No

Haveyouwrittentwoorthreequestionstoasktheemployer? Yes No

Haveyoupreparedacopyofyourresumeandcoverlettertotaketotheinterview? Yes No

Haveyouadvisedyourrefereesthattheymayreceiveaphonecallfromanemployer? Yes No

Tips for on the day of the interview

• Arrivetentofifteenminutesearly

• Piercings–out!

• Giveyourselftimetogatheryourthoughts

• Checkyourappearance

• Practicesomerelaxationtechniques

• readthroughyourresumeandcover letter

• letthereceptionistknowyouarethere

• Makesureyouhavethrownawayany chewing gum, turn off your mobile phone and don’t smoke before your interview

Introductions

• Greettheinterviewer,introduceyourself, shake hands (firm), smile and look the interviewer in the eye

• Ifthereismorethanoneinterviewer make sure you shake hands with everyone

• Waituntilyouhavebeenoffereda seat in the interviewer’s office

• Watchthewayyousit–don’tslouch, put your feet on the seat or sit with your legs wide open

• Avoidnervoushabits–don’ttappens, play with your fingernails, keep your hands off your hair and don’t play with jewellery.

Main part of interview

• Volunteerpositiveinformationabout yourself and your ability to do the job

• Stresswhatyoucando,noTwhat you can’t do. If there are things that you don’t know don’TFAKEIT, but acknowledge that you don’t know and that you are willing to learn

• Smileandmaintaineyecontactduring the interview ensuring you look at everyone in the room

• beconfident,enthusiasticandbEYOURSELF

• Avoidslangwordsandspeakclearly

• Ifyoudon’tunderstandaquestion, ask the interviewer to repeat it or rephrase the question

• Takeyourtimetoanswerquestions and answer as honestly as possible

• Keeptothepoint,don’trambleon when answering questions

• Ifyouarefeelingreallynervousbe honest with the employer and ask for a glass of water

• don’ttalknegativelyaboutschool, previous employers etc

Ending the interview

• Statewhyyouareinterestedinthe job

• Taketheopportunitytohighlightany skills, interests or courses that you have not already mentioned that could be relevant to the job

• Asktheintervieweryourprepared questions

• Mentionthatyourrefereescanbe contacted

• Askwhenandhowintervieweeswill be notified of interview outcome

• Thankalltheinterviewersfortheinterview opportunity and shake their hands

• donotstandupuntiltheinterviewer has stood up and wait to be shown out of the office. DON’T just get up and walk out.

After the interview

• Evaluateyourperformanceinthe interview but don’t focus on negative only

• didyoutaketheopportunityto“sellyourself”totheemployer?

• Wasthereanythingyoucouldn’tanswer?doyouneedtodomoreresearchnexttime?

• Ifyoudon’thearfromtheemployer within three days ring up and ask for some feedback on your interview


INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - TYPICAL RESPONSES

An interviewer has the task of discovering what kind of person and worker you will be in a short time period. Therefore the questions asked by the interviewers tend to be fairly similar.

Sample question: Tell me about yourself?

This question is directed at finding out about you as a person, as well as about your job skills, qualifications and experience.

Remember to relate any information back to the job you are applying for.

1. Your interests and experiences should relate to the position you are applying for. Emphasize hobbies that may be job related. For example if you are applying foraSchoolbasedApprenticeshipandTraineeshipinAutomotive you may want to talk about your passion for cars, reading car magazines, going to races at Calder and how you have an old motor at home that you work on.

Also mention non-job related interests such as club memberships or organisations you may be involved with. This shows that you probably enjoy communicating with people, that you enjoy team work. Good examples include being a member of the local netball team or volunteering with Red Cross.

2. Your past work experience including paid casual or part-time work and volunteer work and how this would relate to the job.

3. Your education and training and how it relates to the job.

4. Your strong interest in working for the employer and in that industry.

Sample question: Tell me about school

Always talk about the positives at school and NEVER mention anything negative. Talk about your favourite subjects and why they are your favourite, any awards you may have won including academic, sporting or other extra curricula activities you have been involved in including school plays, debating teams, community services etc.

Sample question: Which subject is your favourite?

This question is designed to help the employer get a better understanding of whether you enjoy academic or practical subjects, whether you are into sciences, business or arts subjects. You may also talk about how a teacher has inspired you to perform better in a subject you had previously not done well in.

Sample question: Tell me about your hobbies and interests?

This question will give you the opportunity to highlight to the employer other skills that you have that could be useful in the workplace. You may have mentioned these when you were asked to “Tell me about yourself” so either talk about them again briefly or mention some others that will show your good qualities.

Sample question: What are your greatest strengths?

Mention your skills, reliability, experience, enthusiasm, persistence, efficiency, ability to get along with others, that you are hard working, a quick learner and eager to learn new things.

Sample question: What are your weaknesses?

Do not fall into the trap and start listing all your weaknesses or what you DON’T do well. Instead, respond by telling the interviewer that you do not have any weaknesses that will prevent you from being an excellent employee.

An alternate response is to offer a weakness that you have now turned into a positive. For example, you could mention that previously you had been made aware that your time management wasn’t very good. You would then go on to explain that over the last 6 months you have worked on improving your time management skills and have put a number of strategies in place such as keeping a diary and a “To Do List” and working out how long each of your tasks should take.

WHATEVER THE QUESTIONS ARE, YOU MUST:

• Listencarefullytothequestionbeingasked

• Think,andbecarefulhowyouanswer

• Staypositive

• Respondtothequestionanddon’tramble

Section (A)

6

Section (A)

Sample question: Why do you want to work here?

This is your opportunity to show an employer that you have done your homework and that you know something about the company. The employer wants to know that you are going to stick around and not take the next job as soon as it is offered to you.

Always be positive and talk about:

1. What you know about the organisation (use websites to research)

2. The goals and values of the organisation. This will be called a mission statement on the website.

3. Why you think that this is the right job and workplace for you

Sample question: What five words would you say describe you best?

SimilarquestiontoWhatareYourGreatestStrengths?Think about the words you have used to describe yourselfinyourcoverletterandresume.(Howwouldotherpeopledescribeyou?)

LEFT FIELD QUESTIONS

Left field questions are unexpected questions that the interviewer may ask you. An example could be “If you were a car what type of car would you be and why?”Thereisnorightorwronganswertheyaresimply seeing how you will react under pressure or how you respond spontaneously.

INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS

Sometimes employers will ask inappropriate questions. They may ask you whether you have a boyfriend/girlfriend, what religion you practice or what country you were born in. You do not have to answerthesequestionsbutitcanbetricky.Howdoyourefusetoansweraquestionwithoutbeingrude?Herearesomesuggestions:

1. Politely point out that the question is not relevant to your ability to perform the job

2. Deflect the question. “I’m sure my personal life won’t interfere with my work”

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS

This is usually at the end of the interview. Do not attempt to obtain complete information about the job at this point. You should have researched what the job involves prior to the interview. Never ask about the pay rate during an interview. This question should be asked either prior to applying for the position or once the job has been offered to you. Some good questions you could ask are as follows:

• Confirmyourstartandfinishtimes

• Whatarethedressrequirements?

• Howsoonwouldyouwantthesuccessfulapplicanttostart?

• Isauniformrequiredorprovided?

• Whenwillyoubenotifyingthesuccessfulapplicant?

• Whataretheopportunitiesfortrainingandadvancement?

If you are offered a work placement during the interview, ensure that all the relevant sections of the “Structured Workplace Learning Arrangement From” have been completed. When you come back to school, give this form to your VET coordinator. The Principal will then sign the form and forward a copy to the IMVC.


Section (B)

IMVC organises your structured work placement1. IMVC regularly contacts employers to try and

source Structured Workplace Learning Placements for students. When an employer offers a work placement, IMVC will advertise the position on their website www.imvc.com.au click on Workplace Vacancies. You should regularly check and register your interest on line for any placement that you would like to apply for. Pay particular note to the job description, placement dates, any special requirements and location. Make sure to ensure that it is relevant to you and that you can get there.

2. Once you have registered your interest online, an IMVC Project Officer will check that this work placement matches the requirements of the VET certificate you are studying.

WHAT HAPPENS IF….

A change to your structured work placement occurs

• Iftheemployerchangesyourworkplacementandit has been arranged through IMVC, you will be notified immediately

• Ifyouneedtochangeorcancelyourworkplacementyou must notify your VET, VCAL or Careers Coordinatorimmediately–pleasenote,afeewillbecharged to students cancelling a work placement.

8

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE• Showenthusiasmandinitiative

• Acceptandcompletedutiesplannedbytheworkplace supervisor

• listentoinstructionsandaskquestionswhenyouareunsure

• Askforjobswhenyouhavenothingtodo

• bepolite,courteousandwell-manneredthroughoutthe placement with all staff members

• dressappropriatelytoindustrystandardsintheworkplace.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY• Startyourplacementontimeeachday.Ifyouare

going to be late, phone your employer immediately and let them know you will be arriving soon. DO NOT MAKEAHAbIToFbEInGlATE.You’llbEFIrEd!

• Takeonlytheallocatedtimeforyourbreaks

• ContacttheemployerandIMVCfirstthinginthemorning if you are unable to attend on a particular day

• Attendyourplacementforthenormalhoursofworkfor that job, unless you have negotiated otherwise

CONFIDENTIALITY• Youmaybeexposedtoinformationaboutthe

business and/or clients that will be confidential. You will be expected to maintain privacy by not repeating any of this information. In some cases employers may want you to sign a confidentiality agreement. Find out from your work place supervisor what is considered confidential.

COMPLETING YOUR LOGBOOK• Inordertobeassessedasachievingaskill,youneed

to demonstrate the skills according to the statements in the student logbook. You are responsible for the logbook and require the employer to sign off the relevant skills gained. These must only be signed off when the employer is sure you are competent.beingcompetentmeansbeingabletocomplete the task, or demonstrate knowledge to the standard required in your workplace.

• Attheendoftheplacementtheemployerwillalsobe required to complete a student evaluation form. This will be posted to the employer before you commence the placement.

SAFETYYou must comply with occupational health and safety guidelines:

• Youmayberequiredtowearprotectiveclothing

• Youmustworkinasafemanner

• Youmustreportanyaccidentstoyourworkplacesupervisor immediately

• YoushouldnotifyyourworkplacesupervisorandIMVC if you identify any hazards in the work place

Often an employer/workplace supervisor will ask you to perform tasks that are not directly related to your vocational studies (e.g. collecting lunch, rinsing dishes, cleaning duties). It is important to remember that a large part of work involves cooperating with and helping fellow employees, and ensuring the workplace is a neat and comfortable area. Everyone has to help out with tasks that could be considered trivial or mundane but are essential to the smooth running of the workplace.

Section (C)

What is expected of you in the work place?


A good attitude is what employers want most!

WHAT HAPPENS IF…

You are injured at work

• Studentsonworkplacementaretreatedinthesameway as other employees under WorkCover Laws.

• WorkCoverisemployeeinsuranceandisprovidedfree to students undertaking work placement

• Yourhostemployerwillhavespecificproceduresto follow if you are injured while on your work placement

• nomatterhowtrivialyouconsidertheinjurytobe,you should report it to your host employer/supervisor immediately and this should be registered in the injury book if required

• Youremployershouldseekimmediatemedicalorfirstaid assistance for you

• Youremployershouldthencontactyourparent/guardian, school and/or IMVC

• YouwillneedtocompleteWorkCoverforms–pleasesee your school VET Coordinator

HANDY HINTS WHILST ON STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENT• Personallyshakehandswithandthankyourhost

employer on the first and last day of your work placement

• Acceptadvicethatisofferedtoyou.Evencriticism,when used constructively, helps you to improve

• Keepyourhostemployer’sandIMVC’sphonenumberin your wallet/purse during your work placement

• Ifyoursupervisorgivesyouanumberoftasksatonce–writethemdown.

• Ensureyoucompleteallrelevantareasofyourlogbook and remind the employer to also complete your evaluation

• Whenpeoplearebusyatworktheymaynotshowthe level of enthusiasm or communication that you expect. You may feel you are being ignored or not receiving adequate feedback. If you feel this way there is no harm in asking about your overall performance or clarifying whether you are performing a set task correctly.

• bepositive!Yourpositiveattitudeisoneofthebestqualities you can bring into your host organisation. Your host employer will appreciate it if you can contribute to the experience and workplace in a positive manner

Please note that if your Structured Workplace Learning Arrangement Form is not completed you will not be covered by WorkCover.

Section (C)

10

Section (D)

What is expected of the employer?

The employer is expected to:

• Provideasafeworkingenvironment

• Inductyouintotheworkplacebyshowingyouwhere toilets, fire exits, discuss breaks and any organisational policies that may be relevant to you

• Makesureyoureceiveadequatebreaksthroughoutthe day

• Providesupportforyouintheworkplaceandencourage you to participate in a range of activities

• Provideadequatesupervisionatalltimes

• Signoffoncompetenciesinthelogbookandcomplete the student evaluation form

• Payyouaminimumof$5.00adaytocovercosts such as transport and lunch (not for profit organisations and Government Departments are exempt from paying

WHAT IF YOU EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES DURING THE PLACEMENT WITH YOUR EMPLOYER?

Problems experienced by students could include:

• Harassment(e.g.verbal,physical,sexual)

• Communicationproblems(e.g.withaco-workerorsupervisor)

• Inappropriatetasksbeinggiven(e.g.tasksthatarenot related to your program)

• Startingand/orfinishingtimes(e.g.youarehavingdifficulty attending the workplace)

If you are concerned about a situation at work, you should first discuss it with your work place supervisor and then inform the school and/or IMVC. If you find it difficult to discuss the problem with your supervisor, you should contact your coordinator and /or IMVC immediately.


Section (E)

Completion of your structured work placementSend a letter of thanks to your host employer. A letter of thanks is not only polite, but also demonstrates to the employer that you really enjoyed your work placement experience. An example of the letter is below.

<Your name><Your address><Your telephone>

<nameofHostEmployer/Supervisor><Name of Department (eg Sales Department)><nameofHostorganisation/Company><Address>

<Date>

Dear<nameofHostEmployer/Supervisor>

I would like to thank you for providing me with a work placement during <Month of Work Placement> this year.

During the course of my work placement with<nameofHostorganization/Company>,I gained a greater understanding of your industry and of the workplace in general. In particular I learnt <describe what you learnt about the organisation, industry, staff, how the work placement relates to your studies>.

Thank you again for allowing me to enhance my vocational studies through work placement. Your expertise, time and commitment to me while I was with the company are very much appreciated.

I wish you and your organisation every success in the future.

Yours sincerely

<Your Name>

REMEMBER

It costs your host employer/organisation in time and money to host you as a work placement student. Please make the experience a worthwhile one for both of you.

12

Section (F)

Suggested classroom activities to help teachers to prepare their students for work placement1. Safe@work

The Safe@work website has various activity sheets, assignments, word sleuths, crosswords and other puzzles to educate students about occupational health and safety issues. As well as general information about working safely and risk assessment and control, there are activities to specifically cover hazards in:

• Electricity

• Falls

• Hazardoussubstancesanddangerousgoods

• Manualhandling

• Mechanicalequipment

• noise

Safe@work activities can be accessed at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/safe@work/index.asp

2. VET Way to Go

This website is designed to provide teachers with resources to educate students up to the Year 10 level about the benefits and pathways associated with VET options. The Year 10 lesson plans and classroom activities are also applicable to students about to undertake Structured Workplace Learning placements, by reminding them as to why they have chosen to do VET studies:

• lesson1–VETCaseStudies(exploringVETpathwaysandbenefits)

• lesson2–VETWayToGo(preparingguestspeakerandexcursionprograms)

VET activities can be access at:

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/sensecyouth/careertrans/careereducation/vetteacherresources.htm

3. Myfuture

The Myfuture website has a number of different worksheets activities that can be incorporated into Structured Workplace Learning classroom programs. Two specific activities of relevance are:

• Activity24:TheFacts:Workrightsandresponsibility

• Activity64:MyGuide:doing–StartanewJob

Myfuture is located at: http://www.myfuture.edu.au/


APPENDIX (1)

Sample letter

299boxStreet

Melbourne VIC 3000

25december2010

Mr Smith

HumanresourcesManager

Kmart

71 Palmerston Crescent

SouthMelbourneVIC3205

Dear Sir/Madam

I am a Year (year level) student at (school name) and I am seeking a work placement with your organisation from (start date) to (end date).

Currently I am completing (VET course or other program) as I am very interested in (job title) as a future career. I would welcome the opportunity to undertake training and to gain practical experience in this area.

I have attached my resume that lists all the subjects I am currently studying (in this paragraph you can also indicate other attributes or skills that would make you attractive to an employer)

If you require any further information regarding this application please contact either myself or the school’s VET Coordinator, (name of coordinator) on (phone number).

I will contact you in a fortnight to discuss any work placement opportunities.

Yours sincerely

(your name)

Enc

<Your contact

details>

<Date>

<Employer name,

title and address>

14

Sample Resume

Johnnybrowne2 Starlight St, Albert Park VIC 3206Ph: (03) 0000 00000 Mobile: 0000 000 000 Email: [email protected]/12/1989

CAREER OBJECTIVEIamseekingaSchoolbasedApprenticeshipandTraineeshipintheautomotiveindustry.

SUMMARY OF SKILLS• Goodcommunicationskills• Computerliterate(softwarepackagesincludeMicrosoftWord,Excel,

Photoshop and Internet and Email)• Abletoworkaspartofateam• Abletofollowinstructions• Teamplayer• Goodorganisationalskills• Cashhandlingskills

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND AWARDS2006 St John’s Ambulance: First Aid Level II2005 Achievement Award for Robotics

EDUCATION2006 South Melbourne Secondary College Intermediate VCAL Certificate Subjects: Wood Technology, English, General Maths, Personal developmentSkills,WorkrelatedSkills,businessManagement

WORK EXPERIENCE2010 Melbourne Auto: 2 weeks Work Experience Duties: Assisted with changing tyres Checking oil and water Detailing cars and general workshop cleaning Observed other mechanics completing services.

EMPLOYMENT HISTORYJan 2009 Bob’s Cafe (Casual) - current Duties: Customer service Money handling Use of store equipment Taking orders General cleaning Stocktaking.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES2006 redCrossdoorKnockAppeal2005 Captain,under18’sAlbertParkCricketClub

PERSONAL QUALITIESHonest,reliable,Hardworking,Quicklearner,Punctual,Enthusiastic

HOBBIES AND INTERESTSbasketball,Football,Snowboarding,Swimming,readingandlearningaboutcars

REFEREESbobbrown SallySmithbob’sCafé,AlbertPark Year11CoordinatorPh: (03) 0000 0000 South Melbourne Secondary College

Ph: (03) 0000 0000

APPENDIX (2)

Make sure your personal details including your phone number and email are up to date and all your spelling is correct.

This is an opportunity to highlight the skills you have toofferanemployer.Highlightyour strengths especially if your school report is not going to be that great.

Include training and awards you have received either at school or outside ofschool.Keepaphotocopyof your certificates to give topotentialemployersbuTalways keep your originals.

Your education details should be listed with the most recent first. List the subjects you are completing or at least the subjects you are good at.

Include all your work experience positions. Give a brief outline of the duties you performed as part of your work experience. If the experience has gone well, ask the employer for a reference or if you can use them as a referee. Include any casual, part-time

or school holiday jobs you have had. List all your duties that had to perform as part of the job as this will highlight to a potential employer your employability skills.

This area of your resume should highlight any volunteer work you have completed. You can also add sporting commitments and positions or your involvement in other community groups such as a local theatre company. Highlightallyourpersonal

qualities. If you are unsure what these might be ask your friends, family or a teacher to describe your best qualities. Sit down and really think about what people like about YOU and what qualities an employer may be looking for in an employee for this particular job.

List a few things that you enjoy doing outside of school, during evenings or on weekends. Also think about the type of job. If the employer is looking for a team player then you should mention that you are part of the local footy or netball team. If the employer is looking for someone who has good communication skills then you would mention hobbies and interests such as being part of the debating team or coordinator or the footy tipping competition at school.

Make sure your referees detailsareallcorrect.Haveyou asked permission to use thispersonasareferee?Will they give you a good reference?


NOTES

16

NOTES


3rd Edition

Inner Melbourne VET Cluster Inc

Level 1 (Front Tenancy) 71 Palmerston CrescentSouth Melbourne, VIC 3205 T: (03) 9686 2354F: (03) 9686 3572www.imvc.com.au

IMVC Structured Work Placement Induction Handbook

IMVC Structured Work Placement Induction Handbook

Documents

Transcript of IMVC Structured Work Placement Induction Handbook