How can I help my child get ready for a work placement so they feel more confident?
Going into a work situation, especially if you are in Y10/11 and this is your first time, can be a daunting experience!
The more preparation that takes place before work experience the more confident your child will be turning up on their first day.
Some employers provide a detailed outline of timings and expectations of the placement but it is also fine to ask if these logistics are unclear.
Help ensure your child knows:
- What time they start/finish/have lunch?
- What happens at lunch time - do they need to bring their own?
- What should they wear?
- Who should they ask for?
- How do they get there?
- What are the contact details of the employer - phone/email?
If a young person is going to a place that is new to them or using an unfamiliar bus route, etc., then having a practice run before the placement starts will really help.
It can also be useful to run through what to do if certain things happen, for example:
- Question: What should you do if they miss the bus? Answer: Ring/email the employer and tell them you will be 20 minutes late and apologise.
- Question: What should you do if they are not clear about the task you have been given? Answer: Ask a work colleague or supervisor to explain again "Sorry can you please run me through that again so I am clear?"
The main message for young people is - make the most of the experience by:
- Making a list of all the questions they want to ask
- Keeping a daily record of all of the things they have learnt and all the great skills they are using
- Creating a great impression and talking to as many people as possible on their placement - you never know, a part time job or even an apprenticeship might come out of it!
And finally, don't forget to get your child to update their Careerpilot Skills Profile and/or their CV with details of their work experience.
Answers to these other questions might also help you:
- What is work experience and what are the benefits?
- How can I help my child think about types of work and work experiences that might suit them?
- How can I help my child find a work experience placement?
- How can I help my child see what skills they have to offer to a work experience placement?
- How can I help my child prepare an email to send to an employer requesting work experience?
