PLANNING & PREPARATION

WORK EXPERIENCE L 5

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Industry / Sector Prospects

Industry / Sector ProspectsUseful Websites:

www.careersportal.ie/work_employment/labourmarket.phpContains information on skills needed on most professions and jobs. Also links to OECD current information.

http://www.ibec.ie/IBEC/BA.nsf/vPages/Home~business-sectors?OpenDocumentContains links to information and statistics for different business sectors.

www.esri.ieContains information on the current labour market dynamics and future occupational forecasts.

Snapshot Of Industry / Sector

Go to 2.1 (p3), outline:

1.The types of organisations in your vocational area • e.g. private, public, voluntary etc.

2.The structures of those organisations.• e.g. are the very bureaucratic or informal?

• Do they have quality management systems?

(Watch the video on the next slide for an explanation)

3.The types of roles within those organisations.

Next Video 4 min 40 sec

Quality Management Systems

• Aim: To ensure that the processes within your company are consistent and of good quality.

• Result: A product / service that is also consistent and of good quality.

• Usually is made up of four parts:

1. Planning

2. Control

3. Assurance

4. Improvement

Quality Management Systems

Quality Management Systems • Go to 2.2 (p4) and after watching

the previous video:

1. Write down the four basic components of a quality management system

2. Brief description of each.

• You will be assessed on your learning in relation to any Quality Management systems within the company as part of your work placement.

Skill SetsA skill is an ability to perform a particular task in a

competent manner.

A skill set is the combination of skills that you, in particular, have.

There are three main skill sets:

Skill Sets1. Transferable skills - can be ‘applied’ in many settings.

E.g. ‘organising’ / ‘analysing’ - can be used in lots of different jobs.

Skill Sets2. Knowledge based skills - relate to the knowledge and

understanding needed to perform a particular task. Often obtained as a result of training.

Skill Sets3. Aptitude based skills - innate in a person, such as spatial

awareness, mathematic ability and verbal intelligence.

Snapshot Of Industry / Sector

• Go to 2.3 (p5).

• Outline some skills sets needed in the roles you wrote down in 2.1 (p3).

• Go to 2.4 (p5).

• Explore the below work related issues and needs for your vocational area:

• What is the average salary?

• What are the working options like (e.g. shift work, job sharing,

part-time, seasonal, etc)?

Snapshot Of Industry / Sector

• What is the working environment like?

• Identify some job stresses / challenges:

• What is the dress code?

• What are the chances of promotion or career

progression?

GOAL Setting

Goal Setting – What To ExpectIn this section you will think about any prior learning you have had and then complete two inventories:

1. Skills Audit

2. Personal Attributes Inventory

The results from the above will inform you about the goals you will set yourself.

Self Directed Learning

• Self Directed learning is a requirement of all students at Level 5.

• Any section marked pink is an opportunity to demonstrate this.

• Expand your thoughts on the question as much as possible and include any additional material in the appropriate place.

Life Essay

•Go to 2.5 (p6).

•Write down any life learning and / or experiences that are significant to your current work aspirations.

Skills Audit – Part 1

• Go to 2.6 (p7) and begin the Skills Audit.

• Rate yourself on each skill then fill in the purple boxes (A) using the following scale:

1. UnskilledI have no experience in this area at all.

2. PassableI have the very basics required in this area.

3. Moderately GoodI am OK in this area.

4. Very Good

5. Excellent

Skills Audit – Part 2

• Go back to the start of the Skills Audit (p7).

• As a class, in conjunction with your teacher, rate the importance of each skill to your chosen vocational area, then fill in the blue boxes (B) using the following scale:

1. UnnecessaryOf no importance at all to my

area.

2. Some RelevanceHas some links to my area.

3. RelevantApplies to my area.

4. Very Useful

5. Essential

Skills Audit – Part 3• Go back to the start of the Skills Audit (p7).

• Take away each score in the purple boxes (A) from each score in the blue boxes (B) and fill in the answer in the green box:

• Do not worry if you get minus scores. This audit is just a tool to highlight what you could focus on when setting your goals.

Interpersonal Skills Rate Yourself (A) Rate Importance (B) Difference (A-B)

Able to interact

successfully with a

wide range of people.

Knows how to interpret

& use body language.

3 4 -1

Skills Audit – Part 4

• Go to p9.

• Transfer your results from the green column to the Skills Summary Sheet.

Skills Audit – Part 5

Results

• Any skills that score from 0 to 5 could be used in your C.V. or for an interview for a job.

• Do not worry if you get minus scores. This audit is just a tool to highlight what you couldfocus on when setting your short term andmedium term goals.

• List your strongest skill, an example of where you have used it and why it would be useful to your vocational area on p10.

Next Video 3 min 25 sec

Why Writing Down Your Goals Is Important

Goal Setting

Short Term Goals:

• Select the three lowest scores from your Summary Sheet results and write them down in 2.7 (p11).

• Briefly describe how you are going to improve in these areas before your work experience.

Goal SettingPrompts:

• To improve Oral Communications skills - look for professional help / mentoring from a Coach with communication expertise.

• To improve Interview Skills set up mock interviews in your school / centre.

• To improve Leadership Skills read a self-help book on this topic.

But try and come up with your own ways to improve.

Goal Setting

Medium Term Goals:

• In 2.8 (p12), outline how you will continue to develop your skills during your work experience.

• In your initial meeting with your supervisor be ready to ask if it’s possible to get experience / training in the areas that you need to improve in.

Goal Setting

For example: to improve Customer Service Skills, look to work shadow someone who is strong in this area.

Also make sure to look for opportunities to work on improving them in your own time.

Personal Attributes InventoryGo to 2.9 (p13). Fill in the Personal Attributes Inventory using the below scale:

On completion, look at where you are strongest & contemplate how these strengths complement your vocational area.

1 Not at all like me 4 Like me

2 Not like me 5 A lot like me

3 A bit like me

Goal Setting

Long Term Goals:

• In 2.10. (p14), list those attributes you scored lowest in.

• Then detail the steps you might take towards self-improvement over the longer term.

•Watch the following video for some ideas.

Next Video 3 min 25 sec

Lessons Of The Seasons

Jobsearch

Next Video 2 mins

How To Write A Cover Letter

Cover Letter

Go to 2.11. (p15-16). Use the template to write your own draft cover letter.

Replace p16 with a typed version of your own cover letter.

Next Video 2 mins

How To Write A C.V.

Curriculum Vitae

Go 2.12 (p17-18). Use the

template to help you create

your own C.V. Then replace

these sheets with a typed

version of your own C.V.

Insurance Letter

• Most employers will look for insurance cover before you are accepted for a work experience placement.

• Your school / centre should provide this for you. Ask your tutor for an insurance letter.

• A copy should be kept in your Appendix section.

Next Video 2 mins

Jobsearch Skills

Jobsearching - What Does It Take?

The cost:

• Travel

• Photocopying, stationery & stamps

• Clothes

Job Searching - The Cost

Item Cost

Clothes

Stationery

Phone Credit

Travel

Other

Total =

Go to 2.13 (p19) and calculate the costs.

A person who spends 1 hour a day searching for work will take 7 times longer looking for a job than someone spending 7 hours a day.

When you are unemployed your job is being a “jobseeker”.

Jobseeking is a full time job.

Jobsearching – Time

Jobsearching – Before You Start

• You are now ready to begin your search for a work experience placement.

• But, before you start contacting companies it is worth considering the information on the following 7 slides.

• These will help you improve how you come across to a potential employer and also help you understand what employers are looking for in their employees.

Next Video 3:50 mins

Pre-Work Experience Interviews – Preparation

Pre-Work Experience Interviews –Preparation

In 2.14 (p19) list the five steps for good interview preparation:

1. Research the company.

2. Tailor your accomplishments.

3. Know who you will be talking to.

4. Plan and prepare what you’re going to wear.

5. Take your materials with you.

• Watch the clip on the next slide.

• Then go to 2.15 (p19) and write down three reasons you think good body language is important in your vocational area.

Next Video 1 min 40 sec

Next Video 2 min 26 sec

Employer Skill Requirements

•Go to 2.16 (p20).

•Watch the next clip, then write down the top ten attributesthat employers look for.

Finding Work Experience

Go to 2.17 (p20) and

write down the most

appropriate ways that

could help you to find

work experience.

Prompts

• Friends / Family

• Internet job searches:

– www.goldenpages.ie

– www.irishjobs.ie

• Local employment directory / newspaper

• Local SOLAS office

• Recruitment Agencies / Fairs

• Shop windows / Notice boards

• School Work Experience Co-ordinator

• A good place to begin searching for work experience is Goldenpages.ie

• This will give you information on companies in both your geographical area and the area you would like to work in.

• Complete a Goldenpages.ie search in to find companies that may take you on for work experience.

Finding Work Experience

Step 1. Search Parameters

2. Enter your geographical area

3. Click ‘Find’

1. Enter the area you’d like to work in

Step 2. Get Your List Of BusinessesList of 865 Beauty businesses in Dublin

Basic Details on highlighted business

Navigation feature

Call

All required Job searching information

Step 3. Get All Required Information

Step 4. Record Potential Job Contact Details

Record any potential work placement contacts achieved through networking in 2.18 (p21).

Next Video 2:40 mins

Good Phone Skills

Step 5. Contacting Companies

Have your personal details

plus any information such as

dates, length of placement

and basic requirements of

placement ready.

Step 5. Contacting Companies

In 2.19 (p21) prepare a basic phone script for making contact with a company. It is always a good idea to do a couple of

practice role plays in class first.

Step 5. Contacting Companies - Script

Receptionist: Hello, FAB Face and Beauty

You: May I speak to Jane Smith please.

Receptionist: Who’s calling?

You: John Murphy.

Receptionist: One moment please.

Jane Smith: Hello, Jane Smith speaking.

You: Hello Ms Smith, my name is John Murphy. I would like to undertake a work experience placement with your Company and wondered if

this were possible?

Job-Finding StrategiesGo to 2.20 (p22) and write a short report on how you applied for a placement using another job-finding source discussed earlier.

Try and use different technology this time e.g. email or Facebook.

Remember to print out and save your attempts in your Appendix

Job-Finding Strategies

Answer the following questions in 2.20 (p22).

• What percentage of people find work through this method?

• Which method has the highest success rate for finding work?

Next Video 4 mins

Go to 2.21 (p23). Watch the next video clip write down five reasons why networking works.

Networking – Five Reasons

1. People do want to help.

2. Gets you in front of people i.e. interviews.

3. Self-perpetuating. It can build on its self. Always ask for at least two names of people that can help.

4. You gain information about: Yourself Your area Where the jobs are

5. Creates a lasting impression on the people you meet.

Sports & Social ClubsBeing involved in the local community is another way of

finding out about jobs.

• You get to meet new people.

• People in clubs take care of their own.

• People in clubs look out for each other.

• You are in the loop.

• You are part of a network.

Networking - Evidence

• Go to 2.22 (p23). Write down the names of three peopleyou have approached who may be able to help you gain awork experience placement. For example:

• Try and get two further names from each.

• Which contact was most successful and why?

1) A Family Member 2) A Friend 3) Someone In School / Centre

a) a) a)

b) b) b)

Job-Finding Strategies - Technology• Technology is absolutely vital to today’s work place.

• It is crucial that you have at least a basic level of technology skills.

• If you feel you need to brush up on these skills, maybe add them into your short, medium and /or long term goals.

• Go to 2.23 (p24) and record what technology you used to communicate during your work placement search.

Before you begin…

Before Your Work Experience

• Go to 2.24 (p24).

• Record your expectations, hopes and worries before your placement.

• Use the Word Bank on the next slide if you need to.

Word Bank

• Hopeful

• Worried

• Anxious

• Concerned

• Nervous

• Confident

• Optimistic

• Positive

Contractual ArrangementsIrish employment states that an must you a written statement

of their terms and conditions of employment - a contract -within 2 months of you starting work.

The next few slides list the basic terms which could appear in a work experience employment contract / statement of terms.

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

1. The name of the employer and employee.

2. The address of the employer.

3. The job title and a brief description of the nature of the

role.

4. The date the employment started.

5. Details of rest periods & breaks as required by law.

6. Remuneration rate & payment interval (if relevant).

7. The relevant terms and conditions in relation to hours of

work, including overtime.

8. Company contracts / statements of terms are signed and

dated by or on behalf of the employer.

Can you think of any other information that could be used in

a contract?

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

Prompts:

• Confidentiality

• Behaviour Codes

• Health & Safety

• Dress Codes

• Garda Vetting Requirements

• Your Medium Term Goals incorporated into your job

description.

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

• Go to 2.25 (p25-26).

• Write down your contractual arrangements for your period of work experience.

• You should do this before day one of your placement and in conjunction with your employer.

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

Work Experience Contract

Between

Employer: The Company Name: ______________________________

Address: The Company Address: ____________________________

And

Employee: Your Name: _____________________________________

Start Date: _________________ End Date: ________________

Hours: The hours you are required to work: __________________

Rest Periods: Length and amount of your breaks: _________________

Remuneration: The amount you will be paid (if any) ________________

For the position of: Your Job Title: ______________________________

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

Employer’s Expectations of Student:

A brief description of the duties you are expected to carry out:

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Student Expectations:

Include your Medium Term Goals from 2.8 (p12) here:

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

Contractual Arrangements For Work Experience

Before filling in the below information, check with your employer as it may or may not be required. If available, ask for a company procedures booklet which may cover it:

Confidentiality Clause Behaviour CodeDress Code Health & Safety RequirementsGarda Vetting Requirements

Insurance Letter Submitted? Circle Yes? No?

Signed: ____________________ _____________________EMPLOYER EMPLOYEE

The contract must be signed by your employer and yourself.

Coping Strategies

Class Discussion

• For the following six slides, read through each of the situations you might find yourself in on your work experience.

• Discuss what you should do in each case.

Work Situation 1

You are sick

and can’t

make it to

work.

What do you

do?

Work Situation 2You absolutely hate the work experience & don’t feel

you are learning anything.

What do you do?

Work Situation 3

You are late on your first day and your boss gets annoyed &

shouts at you.

What do you do?

Work Situation 4

You are asked to

go and get a ‘sky

hook’ from the

store room. When

you return without

it everyone is

laughing at you.

What do you do?

Work Situation 5

You are being bullied, or you are made to feel

uncomfortable by somebody you work with.

What do you do?

Work Situation 6Your contact person is not available.

What do you do?