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Students
Getting ready for life in the work place |
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| Life after school |
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When you're at school, the workplace can seem a distant prospect.
Let's face it; with homework, coursework and exams to think about, it's difficult to start making long-term plans for your future.
If you're lucky, you may already have a clear idea of your 'ideal' job - if that's the case, congratulations! But if you're in the vast majority, you're probably unsure about what awaits you in the outside world.
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| Help at hand |
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 TWEBLO is here to help you find out about the world of work and to help you make one of the most important decisions you'll face in your lifetime - choosing the job, the career, that's right for you.
It's important to find a job that suits you; that suits your interests and suits your skills. But how do you go about it? That's the problem!
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| What's in it for me? |
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If you're looking at this site in the comfort of your new home, why not bookmark it so your parents/carer/brother or sister can look at it too?
Connexions Tyne & Wear will provide your school or college with a list of employers who will be happy to take you on work experience. Alternatively, you may have a family member who works in an organisation that would provide you with a placement. Normally, your Careers Teacher or Work Experience Co-ordinator will try to match you to a suitable employer. Sometimes, for a whole range of reasons, you may not be able to find a placement that you want, but Connexions will do their utmost to find an alternative for you.
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| What does work experience offer you? |
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 It's a chance to see what the working world is all about. In years 10 and 11 you will be thinking of the type of career you want to follow and a work experience placement will give you the chance to find out exactly what it's like getting up and going to work every day
Work experience lasts for one or two weeks, usually in year 10, sometimes in year 11 and gives you an opportunity to see the challenges of working.
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Help you to see how important it is to work as part of a team |
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Build your self confidence and self esteem |
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Give some meaning to your work studies |
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Increase maturity and initiative |
It can also help you to discover:
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How businesses are organised |
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What management is about |
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What real work skills are |
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The real differences between work and play |
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| What do I need to do once I have my placement? |
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 Find out as much about the organisation as you can - telephone the week before to see if you can visit. Most employers will be impressed with this kind of attitude. Have a look and see if they have a website, find out what service they offer or what products they make.
Ask questions such as:
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What time should I start work? |
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How should I dress? |
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How do I get there? |
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Who do I ask for when I arrive (always be there early) |
Knowing all these things will make you feel much more at ease once you do get there.
You will no doubt be given a tour of the organisation and introduced to lots of employees, don't worry if you can't remember everyone's name, in lots of places the employees have name badges. Make sure you remember the name of the person who is supervising you.
Most schools give students a work experience diary to complete whilst on placement. There are various sections to fill in and the information that you have to complete will help you understand the work place and how things operate.
Health & Safety in the work place is extremely important and when you arrive on your first day, your supervisor will take you through what is known as an induction. You will be given information about the organisation, told your hours of work, who to report to, where the fire exits are, where you can and cannot go, what you can and cannot do and most importantly told all about Health & Safety rules. Some work places can be dangerous places and it is important that you follow the rules to avoid causing accidents to yourself and others.
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| Stop & think! |
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Just think about this: in today's very competitive business world, employers are looking for more than just academic qualifications. They are looking for young people with drive and energy. They want young people who are creative and enterprising. They want young people who can work as part of a team - but who can also think for themselves and use their initiative.
Here at TWEBLO we can help to broaden your horizons, and we can help make your move from classroom to career a little easier.
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| What to do next |
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Fill in our online contact form, pick up the telephone or send us an email - our contact details can be found on our 'Contact Us' page.
To find out more, talk to your teachers, discuss your plans with your parents or guardians - and explore the rest of our website to find out more about what TWEBLO can offer. |
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