Essential Tips for Successful Vocational Education Workplacement

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