Health and safety at work

An Australian video called "The 10 Commandments of Workplace Safety" but it covers the basics of workplace safety.

On our work experience placement we will have to follow health and safety guidelines. Thanks to Janet for finding this short video

Writing a C.V.

Suggestions for writing a C.V.

Finding work experience

Outline one method of finding work experience.

1.       Through your own part time work.

2.       Sending an Email.

3.       Making a personal visit.

4.       By telephone

5.       Personal Contact  through the careers  teachers

6.       Do a search on an internet site eg Citizens Information.

7.       Checking newspaper for potential placement

8.       Radio Advertisement on jobs

Thanks Orlaith for the answer.

Benefits of work experience

Three benefits of doing Work Experience would be the following:

1.     It is seen as a chance to gain an insight of the working Environment.

2.     The employee would be favourably looked upon when applying for any permanent position as the employer has seen in the persons CV that he/she has had experience in work therefore will be more likely easier to work with.

3.     The person doing work experience can see first-hand what happens in a typical day on the job so they know what is to come when applying for a permanent placement in the future.

Thanks Shona for the answer

Interview preparation

Describe 3 ways you would repare for a job interview:

1.Carry out research on the job/firm

2. Prepare appropriate clothes so you make a good impression

3. Make your transport plans so you arrive on time

4. Have a mock interview so your used to the questions

5. Take a course on interview techniques.

Thanks Aisling for the answers

Writing a letter

When you are asked to write a formal letter to an employer seeking work experience as part of your Link Modules programme marks may be allocated like this:

Your address }

Addressee }                                                   1m

Date                                                               1m

Opening & closing                                          1m

Introduction                                                    1m (refer to LCVP or to Link Modules)

Statement seeking work experience.                1m

Layout                                                            1m

Spelling                                                          1m

Grammar, paragraphing, punctuation               1m

Preparing for work experience

List four steps you might take to secure a suitable placement for your work experience/shadowing.

1. Prepare CV.
2. Research company/job, talk to careers guidance teacher.
3. Write/telephone/email letter to potential employer.
4. Telephone to confirm dates/time.
5. Prepare for interview.
6. Consent forms from parents/ Garda clearance/ insurance from school.

Work Experience SLO's

Link Module I Unit 1-Introduction to working life
Specific Learning Outcomes
1.8 Identify and understand the main differences between school and work
1.10 Understand current regulations/legislation relating to the employment of young workers
1.11 Understand current Health and Safety regulations in workplaces
1.12 Role-play a situation that could give rise to a dispute in the workplace
1.13 Understand issues related to diversity in the workplace
1.14 List the different forms of assistance for unemployed people
1.15 Arrange a visit to a training scheme in the locality and/or invite an appropriate speaker from such an organisation to visit the group in the school
1.16 Link the activities in this unit to learning in relevant Leaving Certificate subjects

Link Module I Unit 3-Career Investigation
Specific Learning Outcomes
3.6 Plan and set up an opportunity to interview and/or work shadow a person in a selected career

Link Module I Unit 4- Work Placement
Specific Learning Outcomes
4.1 specify personal goals in relation to a work placement
4.2 plan and organise a work placement
4.3 attend punctually for a specific placement
4.4 dress appropriately for a specific placement
4.5 follow a set of procedures in accordance with specific instructions
4.6 communicate effectively with other workers in a particular placement
4.7 follow a specific set of instructions relating to Health & Safety
4.8 review personal experiences in relation to a work placement
4.9 analyse reports by adults of personal performance in a workplace
4.10 reflect on and evaluate a specific work placement in the light of career aspirations
4.11 describe how what has been learned can be applied to work at home, in school and in the community
4.12 present a diary/written/verbal report on a specific work placement
4.13 link the activities in this unit to learning in relevant Leaving Certificate subjects