V OCATIONAL E DUCATION AND T RAINING

1. VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING WORKPLACEMENT TIPS Catholic Education Office. This is an enhancement resource and should be used in conjunction with the CEO Workplace Learning Documents 2002: VET Delivery Guide, Student’s/Parent’s Workplace Guide, & Employer’s Guide to workplace Learning

2. I n d u s t r y • Industry has been asked to assist students by allowing you to complete your workplacement with businesses • Time & effort has been placed into securing quality workplacements for your benefit • Employers usually look forward to your workplacement, and loose interest if you fail to attend • Employers are expecting you to phone them at least one week before your workplacement, to introduce yourself and check details.

3. Ge n e r a l Ti p s • Act as an ambassador for your school • You are a representative of the business organisation *Thef i rst i mpress i on you give, is how you will be perceived. *Keep personal problems at home. • Be reliable • Don’t feel like you are doing the Employer a favour by being there.

4. Ge n e r a l Ti p s • Let your host employer know if you suffer from any medical condition or disability that may affect your work performance • Carve the standards for other students to follow • Be a team player • Have apos i t i veatt i tude – show an interest in the work

5. At t e n d a n c e · Workplacement is a mandatory part of your course · Have a p e r f e c t a t t e n d a n c e record. Contact the workplace and your school as early as possible if you are unable to attend by the nominated starting time • You will need to make up any hours missed in your own time · Obtain a medical certificate for any absences · B e p u n c t u a l – to work and after breaks · Employers expect you to meet the normal business hours of work not school

6. Be c o u r t e o u s and p o l i t e · Make yourself proud – do not behave in a way that will embarrass your employer or fellow workmates. · Follow the routine & customs of the workplace – each company has a different workplace culture. · Be prepared to discuss your progress with the workplace supervisor, and to accept correction of your actions. Be h a v i o u r

7. Developing skills and knowledge • Course competencies may be achieved or enhanced whilst on-the-job • Take every opportunity to be involved in the business activity · Practice the knowledge and skills you have developed at school · Be in a l e a r n i n g frame of mind rather than “ I know it all ” · If in doubt A S K your supervisor for H E L P

8. Pe r s o n a lPr e s e n t a t i o n • Dressa p p r o p r i a t e l yfor the job -follow the host employer’s request • Be neat, clean and tidy at all times - For example: Business shirts need to be tucked in and ties need to meet a buttoned collar • Polished closed-in shoes • No jeans, no joggers, no midriffs

9. S a f e t y - In The Workplace · Comply with all necessary OHS regulations. - For example: Wear protective clothing and use safety equipment when required • Take g o o d c a r e with the property of the employer. • Wilful misconduct during workplacement could lead to the loss of insurance indemnity

10. S a f e t y - In The Workplace • Accidents can be prevented if you - do not put the public or other workers at risk - obey reasonable instruction - work in a s a f e and r e s p o n s i b l e manner - follow the correct m a n u a l h a n d l i n g procedures

11. I n s u r a n c e • Take your Medicare card or number with you in case you need medical attention, as you are not covered by workers Compensation • Report any accident immediately to the workplace supervisor and the school

12. Ant i Di scr i m i nat i on • R e s p e c t all workplace employees and customers · Treat everyone equally regardless of race, religion, age, gender, … · Joining together to joke about another employee is an offence - You cannot claim ignorance about offending another person. I f t h e r e i s a m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g i n t h e w o r k p l a c e s p e a k t o y o u r s u p e r v i s o r a n d c o n t a c t y o u r V E T t e a c h e r i m m e d i a t e l y .

13. Conf i dent i al i ty ·If you are privy to confidential information about the business and clients, you are expected to m a i n t a i n p r i v a c y by not repeating any of the information. Find out from your workplace supervisor what is considered confidential. · In some cases you may be required to sign a confidentiality contract.

14. Think about your performance: - You could become a futureemployee of that company - They will remember you. FuturePr o spec t s • Many students receive Traineeships, Apprenticeships, part- time or full-time employment as a result of successful workplacements