WORK EXPERIENCE INDEPENDENT PLACEMENTS

Who are we? We are an independent charity that has been organising work related learning activity since 1993 We work with over 2,000 small, medium and large companies in Reading, Wokingham and surrounding areas We help young people develop the skills they need for the work place We place around 2,000 students each year

Who are we? We can also give guidance on the content of the placement Our team is IOSSH trained and carries out a pre- placement visit with our employers hosting students The visit ensures health & safety standards and appropriate insurance cover for young people We offer guidance on safeguarding and child protection procedures

Background Work related learning is no longer a statutory requirement Government subsidy ended 4 years ago Higher Education establishments continue to ask for evidence of work experience or volunteering Employers continue to expect young people to be work ready

Employers don’t expect young people to be job ready but they do expect them to be able to draw on a range of employability skills, enabling them to become rapidly effective in the work place CBI: Building for Growth 2011 We need to ensure that all young people get an early experience of the workplace, we need to see the requirement for work-related learning restored to its place in the curriculum at Key Stage 4. CBI: Education & Skills Survey 2013

Skills Employability Skills Transferable Skills Work Ready Skills Key Skills

Skills Employability Sills Work Ready Skills Team work Compromise NegotiationReliability Decision Making Risk Taking Leadership Motivator Time Management Adaptability

Practice job search and applications Include in Personal Statement Develop Key Skills Experiential Work Placements

Before starting….. Research opportunities for work experience Think about what the placement may lead to Be positive and keep an open mind Think about the skills that can be developed

What to expect? Students will apply by completing an application form. They will have the opportunity to attend two workshops (dates to be advised) All students will receive a comprehensive placement description and risk assessment On receipt of the form they will have a telephone interview to discuss their options

Dates for the placement: Preferred date 25 th – 29 th July 2016 (with a second alternative week)

Placements A student may find their “Own Placement” The student takes responsibility They choose where they go Practice at approaching potential employers Use network of people (family, friends etc) Some employers only take own placements Using and practising key skills

Placements Own Placement Out of County (Berkshire) – this may incur an additional cost CBEBP find the placement within the Reading & Wokingham areas In all cases pre-placement checks will be completed and the same documents will be issued

What information do we need?

Choosing an industry? It is very important

Choosing an industry? It is very important that reasons are given to help source an appropriate placement

Travelling The more places students can travel to the greater the number of choices open to them

Strengths Let us know what you are good at and where you would like to improve

Medical history This needs to be completed by you More details will need to be given if any answer is ‘yes’ Enables us to provide the employer with up to date information about each student

Own placements Contact details in full and up to date – include an address Employers contact details in full REMEMBER – Employers Liability and not Public Liability Students signature and parents signature Employers insurance details.

Job Description Contact details of the employer Uniform, start time, tasks and responsibilities Is an interview required? Skills to develop.

Health & Safety Details any risks and hazards Outlines any training that may be given as part of the role Lists any special equipment they may use Details prohibited items and tasks

Evaluation and debrief The student will be able to give and receive feedback on completion of their placement

“The most important factors employers weigh up when recruiting school and college leavers are their attitudes to work (85%), their general aptitudes (63%) and literacy and numeracy (44%). These rank well ahead of formal academic results (30%).” CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2014 “Employability skills are the most important factor taken into account when businesses recruit graduates – 82% of employers value these skills” CBI: Building for Growth Survey 2011

Complete an application form Submit the form together with a deposit of 60% to CBEBP A working week with full matching service, pre-placement visit, invitation to workshops, all documentation & monitoring of the placement - £79.50 (£47.70) A working week where the placement is sourced by the student but includes all of the above - £50 (£30) Payment can be made by BACS or cheque What to do next……

Any questions