1. TY Work Experience Preparation Thursday, Oct 3 rd 2014

2. How to preparing effectively? What to expect? Getting the most out of your experience? An employer’s perspective? Reflecting and de-briefing?

3. Dates Work Experience 13 th -24 th October Review of Work Experience Tuesday 11 th November

4. Get Organised!Organised Community Care 1Community Care 2 8th – 19th December2nd – 6th March Work Experience 2 18 th -29 th May

5. WORK EXPERIENCE IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO…. What’s important is that you experience something different. That you learn something of the world outside the school gate. Learn important skills needed to operate in the professional world.

6. Who’s who?

7. A Learning Experience – New Skills

8. Interpersonal Skills You could find that you are very good with customers/clients/patients and putting people at ease.

9. Technical Skills You might discover that you have a talent for design, computers, machinery, instruments etc.

10. Organisational Skills You may discover that you have excellent organisational and task management skills, that you can meet deadlines and complete tasks effectively.

11. An Opportunity … To find out more about yourself! What you like and what you don’t like…… …and to cope with courtesy and appropriate behaviour whatever happens.happens

12. Getting a head start! May help you decide the kind of direction you’ll take in the future. Work experience is essential for some courses & careers after Leaving Certificate.

13. Avoid a Work Experience fail!Work Experience fail NB: 8.08 – 8.58 Be prepared! What do you need to know in advance ?

14. What do you need to know? Type of clothes, equipment you need? Training needed? Duties involved? Responsibilities? Reporting to? Special care needed? Confidentiality?

15. Working with others Reliability, Honesty, Humility Openness to new experiences Friendly, personable demeanor Personal hygiene Gratitude for experience Respect /deference to experienced workers Particular sensitivity to gender and cultural issues

16. EMPLOYER’S EXPECTATIONS Co-operation Ability to follow intsructions Honesty Dependability Openness to Learning Initiative Interest Loyalty Discretion

17. STUDENTS’ EXPECTATIONS Safe working conditions Introduction to fellow workers Clear explanation of work of organisation Students’ duties, responsibilities, timetable, breaks etc. Mentor or supervisor to advise and assist you Feedback on performance Report at end of placement

18. FIRST IMPRESSIONS !IMPRESSIONS Introduce yourself. Smile! Stand up/Stand back Please / Thank you/Excuse me Behave with courtesy & good humour at all times. Thank all involved for giving you the placement and for their help/advice. Ask if you don’t understand Contact school if there is a problem You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

19. Friendly tone Give name of work place and your name Take notes Get details of caller’s name, number, work place and message. Be polite and helpful even to awkward customers. Check details of message before putting through to someone or finishing call Explain your position if you cannot help Thank caller-with his/her name Pass on message TELEPHONE ANSWERING SKILLSANSWERING

20. Reflection What’s interesting or boring depends on Your Perception No work is completely one or the other Kepp an open mind!

21. Your first day! DO 1. Arrive on time 2. Dress appropriately 3. Phone employer/school if you can’t turn up or are going to be late 4. Listen attentively 5. Respect confidentiality 6. Find out about Health & safety measures DON’T 1. Be discourteous to anyone 2. Criticise other employees or the boss 3. Smoke or chew gum 4. Disappear during the day with out telling anyone 5. Be afraid to ask if you’re not sure of anything

22. Confirm Work Experience Arrangements in advance!

23. Work Experience??? Sorted!!!