a guide to choosing work placements 2015 -...

44
1 A guide to choosing work placements 2015 - 2016

Upload: duonganh

Post on 18-Nov-2018

213 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

1

A guide to choosing work placements 2015 - 2016

2

3

Contents

Placement Opportunities Page Number

Introduction 4

Building and Construction 6

Business, Administration and Office Work 9

Catering and Hospitality 10

Cleaning Services 12

Computers and IT 13

Design, Art and Crafts 14

Education and Training 16

Financial Services 18

Garage Workshop and Engineering 19

Environmental, Horticulture and Land Based 21

Hairdressing and Beauty 25

Healthcare 26

Languages, Information and Culture 28

Legal and Political Services 29

Leisure, Sport and Tourism 30

Manufacturing and Production 32

Media, Print and Publishing 34

Performing Arts 36

Residential Care 37

Retail Sales 38

Science, Mathematics and Statistics 40

Uniformed Services 41

Warehousing and Logistics 42

4

INTRODUCTION

Work Experience is a very important part of your school life. It helps you prepare for

your future working life in many ways. You can try out the skills you have developed

in school/college. Careful preparation for work experience will help you get the most

out of your placement. Choosing the right kind of placement for you is very important.

This booklet has been designed to help you make the right choice.

REMEMBER: Ask your Tutor or Work Experience Co-ordinator if you need help with your choices. USING THIS BOOKLET This booklet explains what activities each type of placement involves. Use this booklet to help you to decide which are the most suitable types of placement for YOU. Read through the example placement descriptions. Note down any particular characteristics you need to think about, e.g. if the placements you are considering ask for working with your hands or in a noisy environment or outdoors - is this what you want? HELPFUL HINTS FOR DECIDING THE BEST TYPE OF PLACEMENT

Some career areas are NOT open to work experience or are EXTREMELY LIMITED at 14-16 years old e.g. Uniformed Services

2-3 weeks is not really long enough to give you a complete idea of a career.

Choosing your placement on a career basis might limit the chances of getting the sort of placement you want, so think broadly about the sort of skills you might want to develop.

One of the key benefits of work experience is to give you the opportunity to learn more

about the world of work and to develop a range of skills and qualities that employers value e.g. communication, IT, working in a team, following instructions, using your initiative, etc.

Is the type of placement linked to a curriculum area or subject area you enjoy?

Is the type of placement linked to a career idea/plan for your future?

Will this type of placement give you an opportunity to develop key (transferable) skills? E.g. communication and numeracy skills, working in a team, adaptability, etc.

Will this type of placement give you an opportunity to develop particular skills (if only for a short time), e.g. word processing or using a telephone switchboard?

Do the skills and abilities you have to offer match what the employer asks for? Be honest with yourself!

5

HOW THE PAGES ARE SET OUT Each Job Opportunity is explained in the following pages. Each explanation gives you:

A list of some of the work you might be doing if you choose this type of placement.

A personal profile - the kind of skills and attributes you need if you want to make a success of this type of placement. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. You should check this list very carefully and be honest with yourself. You must try to match yourself to a suitable type of placement. For example, don’t apply for a placement in a leisure centre if you cannot swim!

A list of personal and curriculum opportunities. This tells you how the placement might help you to develop as a person and link to your work at school or college.

Availability of the type of placements you would like. Some placements require you to apply online e.g. NHS and they put forward specific dates throughout the year that students can go out on work experience. You should think about whether there are only a few of these kinds of placements.

Information on where the placements are located - are they in one area of the city?

An idea of whether they are a placement LEBC will be unable to find for you. If so, it will be stated SELF PLACEMENT only.

IF IN ANY DOUBT, ASK YOUR TUTOR, TEACHER OR WORK EXPERIENCE CO-ORDINATOR TO ADVISE YOU.

6

BUILDING and CONSTRUCTION JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Builder’s Assistant

Plumber’s Assistant

Painting & Decorating Assistant

Electrician’s Assistant

Air Conditioning & Heating Engineer

Joinery and Carpentry Assistant

Architect’s Technician / Design Assistant

Site Engineer’s Assistant

Availability These are always very popular and demand for these placements is very high. There are a lot of students studying vocational courses that also look at this sector. Most of these placements are in an office environment with a building or construction related company as insurance cover often prevents under 18’s going onto building sites. If you want to secure a placement within this area it may help you to find a Self Placement. BUILDER’S ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial / domestic properties

General building tasks (e.g. basic bricklaying, mixing cement and mortar)

Loading and unloading tools, materials and equipment

Digging and laying foundations

Carpentry (rubbing down, sanding and fitting)

Plumbing (repairing leaks, unblocking drains, cutting pipes and fixing tiles)

Electrics (chopping out, basic wiring and routing of cables)

Painting and decorating (washing down, priming, undercoating, mixing wallpaper paste)

Plastering

Clearing, cleaning and keeping the work area tidy

Assisting with site surveys (e.g. taking measurements)

Preparing drawings / plans (either manually or using CAD)

Work shadowing skilled employees (e.g. observing construction techniques) PLUMBER’S ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial / domestic properties

Assisting with loading and unloading of tools and equipment

Assisting with the installation, repair and maintenance of central heating systems

Observing and learning about installation, connection and basic assembly of parts

Servicing

Repairing leaks from valves, pipes and taps

Cutting copper / plastic piping

Fitting couplings or similar adaptors

Unblocking drains

Fixing / grouting tiles

Cleaning and tiling

7

General administration tasks

Assisting with delivery of parts / appliances

Assisting with tidying up

Observing skilled workers

PAINTING & DECORATING ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial / domestic properties

Assist with loading and unloading tools and equipment

Setting up facilities (e.g. ladders, tools)

Observing skilled workers

Washing down, rubbing down, priming, undercoating and glossing

Wallpapering (e.g. stripping wallpaper, mixing wallpaper paste and hanging wallpaper)

Applying decorating treatments

Assisting with plastering, coving, tiling and artexing

Cleaning and tidying

General administration (e.g. providing quotes, estimates or invoicing) ELECTRICIAN’S ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial / domestic properties

Assisting with loading and unloading tools and equipment

Observing skilled workers

Assisting with assembling, installing, repairing and maintaining electrical systems

Assisting with basic work including chopping out, basic carpentry (e.g. cutting floorboards), screwing and fixing boxes

Basic wiring and routing of cables

Placing conduit (pipes or tubing) inside designated areas

Fastening small metal or plastic boxes to walls to house electrical switches or outlets

Assisting with tidying up

General administration tasks (e.g. providing quotes, estimates or invoicing) AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING ENGINEER’S ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial and domestic properties

Assisting with loading and unloading tools and equipment

Installation / repair of air conditioning units

Installation / repair of gas or electrical heating systems

Laying and pulling through of cables

Fetching and carrying as required

Assisting with tidying up

Observing skilled workers JOINERY AND CARPENTRY ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial or domestic properties

Assisting with loading and unloading tools and equipment

Observing a skilled craftsperson

Assisting with the assembly of products

Sanding down, finishing products, priming and painting

Backing off machinery (e.g. taking finished products off machinery and stacking)

8

Cleaning and tidying the work area

Going out on site to install products or fittings

ARCHITECT’S TECHNICAL/DESIGN ASSISTANT

Observing a skilled technician

Assisting with research, plans, designs and administration with building projects

General office work (e.g. photocopying, filing and telephone work)

Preparing, tracing / copying simple drawings, sketches and plans

CAD / computer work

Operating print machines

Assisting with site surveys

This placement may mainly be office based, but some site visits may be possible. SITE ENGINEER’S ASSISTANT

Assisting the site engineer, estimator or quantity surveyor

Observing construction on sites

Taking measurements and calculating costs

Sourcing information for materials

Producing bills of quantity

Tendering

CAD / Computer work

General administration work (e.g. inputting data onto database)

Personal Profile 1. You need to be generally fit and healthy. 2. There may be some lifting of heavy loads (after training on how to lift properly). 3. Working conditions may involve dust and fine materials. 4. You must be willing to work alongside and support a skilled person. 5. Your opportunity to undertake skilled tasks will depend on the type of placement and how well

you respond to instructions. There are strict regulations about the tasks you are not able to do at 14-16 years of age.

6. You may be working in people’s homes e.g. painting and decorating, where you will need good communication and social skills.

7. You may be working in cold weather depending on when you go out on placement.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You develop communication and listening skills. 2. You can develop vocational skills e.g. bricklaying or other craft skills. 3. Opportunity to see a range of occupations in the building trade. 4. You will learn about customer service and how important it is to business.

WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SOURCE A SPECIFIC TRADE/PROFESSION FOR YOU – PLEASE BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT A GENERAL CONSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE.

9

BUSINESS, ADMINISTRATION and OFFICE WORK JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Clerical Assistant

Clerical Legal Assistant / Receptionist

Availability There is good availability throughout. The majority of administration placements will be found in the city centre. General and all round skills are necessary for these placements and you will develop skills important in any role. CLERICAL ASSISTANT

General administration tasks (e.g. word processing, photocopying, filing, faxing, emailing)

Dealing with the post

Using the telephone

Invoicing and ordering

Assisting with the compiling of reports and documents

Using the computer to input text, handle data or produce graphics

Assisting in the handling of routine enquiries and provision of information as required

Some general accountancy work

Work shadowing administration staff and supporting staff as required

Visiting clients / suppliers

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc) CLERICAL LEGAL ASSISTANT / RECEPTIONIST

Assisting in reception

General administration work (e.g. post trial admin, inputting data, filing and photocopying)

Assisting with preparation and dispatch of jury summons

Possibly attending court

Attending session with court probation team

Collecting and delivering files to other offices locally

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc)

Personal Profile 1. You must be a neat and accurate worker, with a smart appearance. 2. You need reasonable English and Numeracy skills. 3. You need good communication skills and for accounts, an aptitude for numeracy. 4. You must be able to fit into the office environment, get on with all sorts of people and ask for

more work if you have finished a task. 5. You must be able to follow instructions and work on your own.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. You will be able to develop your communication and numeracy skills. 2. You may develop vocational skills, e.g. word processing, use of fax, telephone, etc. 3. Possible links to GCSE English, Maths, Business, IT. 4. You will learn about customer service and why it’s so important to business. 5. You will learn about the structure of business. 6. You will learn about the different departments within a business and how they operate.

10

CATERING and HOSPITALITY

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Housekeeping Assistant

Catering Assistant

Waiter / Counter Assistant

Bakery Assistant

Butcher’s Assistant

Availability A variety of placements are available both in the city and in outlying areas. However, placements in a bakery are VERY limited and so if you are thinking of going into this area of work it may be wise to source a Self Placement. HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANT

Servicing of bedrooms to the high standard required (e.g. vacuuming, polishing and cleaning bathrooms)

Replenishing food, drink and sundries in the rooms

Maintenance of public areas (e.g. lounge areas, conference rooms)

Providing general assistance as required to members of the public

Work shadowing the housekeeping team

General office work (including Reception)

Some laundry work may be involved CATERING ASSISTANT

Learning about food storage and hygiene protocol

Assisting with the preparation and presentation of hot and cold food (e.g. salads, sandwiches, sweets, vegetables, cooked dishes, etc)

Assisting with cooking

Cleaning

Clearing and setting tables

Pot / glass washing

General catering tasks as required

Observing skilled catering staff at work

Observing cellar work WAITER / COUNTER ASSISTANT

Greeting and serving customers

Counter assistance

Taking orders

Clearing and setting tables

Taking out food from the kitchens to the customers

Cleaning up after the customers

Pot washing / glass washing

Taking money and operating till

Learning about food storage and hygiene protocol

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc) BAKERY ASSISTANT

Learning about food storage and hygiene protocol

Assisting with the preparation of filled rolls / sandwiches

11

Assisting and serving the customers

Filling shelves to maintain adequate displays

Filling of patty pans

Cake decorations

Packing goods

Cleaning and tidying

Using the till (where appropriate)

Opportunity to observe skilled operators at work

Assisting on deliveries BUTCHERS ASSISTANT

Learning about food hygiene relative to cooked and raw meat

Observe daily butchery techniques e.g. boning and jointing out cuts of meat

Assisting with mixing sausages and linking

Making burgers

Mincing meat

Stringing up joints

Vacuum packing meat

Pot washing

Cleaning and tidying

Display of produce

Fridge / freezer temperature monitoring

Assisting with deliveries

Personal Profile 1. You need to be a neat and careful worker. 2. You need a clean and tidy appearance, you will probably wear an overall or uniform. 3. You must be able to follow instructions carefully. 4. You must be able to work quickly at the very busy times of the day when food is being served. 5. You need good health - you are on your feet for long periods of time. 6. You must be cheerful and helpful when working with customers. 7. You must be able to work in a hectic (although friendly) environment. 8. You must be willing to work flexible hours in some placements, e.g. early start, evenings and

possibly weekends. 9. In some organisations you must not bite your nails.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop communication and interpersonal skills. 2. You may develop some vocational skills e.g. preparation and serving of food for a large number

of people. 3. Possible links with GCSE Technology (food), Business Studies, IT and Economics.

12

CLEANING SERVICES JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Valeting Assistant

Cleansing Operative

Availability Most cleaning type jobs are part of premises officers’ roles within schools. Some schools will only take their own students. Please check with your school/college if you are interested in this line of work. VALETING ASSISTANT

Hand washing vehicles

Applying pre-wash detergents

Applying polish and buffing up

Interior cleaning, polishing and vacuuming

Washing / sponging fabrics

Assisting with mobile valeting

CLEANSING OPERATIVE

Sweeping roads

Cleaning, emptying litter bins and removing rubbish

Dusting and washing surfaces

Buffing and polishing floors

Work involves maintaining standards of hygiene

Loading and unloading vehicles

Tidying public areas

Personal Profile 1. You need to be a careful worker. 2. You will probably wear an overall or uniform. 3. You must be able to follow instructions carefully. 4. You need good health - you are on your feet for long periods of time. 5. You must be able to work in a hectic (although friendly) environment. 6. You must be willing to work flexible hours in some placements, e.g. early start and evenings.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. You will either be working in a team or on your own. 2. If working alone, you will need to show responsibility and the ability to work unsupervised. 3. These types of placements are more likely to develop your employability skills than have links

to a specific curriculum subject.

13

COMPUTERS and IT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

IT Technician / IT Support Technician

IT / Web Design Assistant

Availability Demand for these placements is high and so you need to be really interested in this area of work. To secure a placement in this area you may want to find a Self Placement. IT TECHNICIAN / IT SUPPORT TECHNICIAN

Assisting the technician to install and commission new hard and software

Maintaining and cleaning existing hardware and carry out minor repairs (may include soldering)

General maintenance of hardware

Maintaining audits of hard and software

Assist staff in developing new IT projects and / or facilities

Set up IT systems and programmes

Support students in learning environment

Developing IT resource materials

Compiling material and component parts lists

IT procedures (e.g. admin, back up tapes)

Work shadowing IT / WEB DESIGN ASSISTANT

Word processing

Using the computer to input text, handle data or produce graphics

Researching the Internet for website and web design ideas

Developing website ideas with staff

Designing websites

Uploading website content

Assisting with the compiling of reports and documents

Work shadowing IT staff

Create drawings, sketch designs (by hand or using PC’s)

Supporting staff as required

Visiting company clients with staff

Personal Profile 1. You must be a neat and accurate worker. 2. You need reasonable English skills. 3. You need good communication skills. 4. You must be able to fit into the office environment. 5. You must be able to follow instructions and work on your own. 6. You need a smart appearance. 7. You must have an interest in IT.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. You will be able to develop your communication skills. 2. You may develop vocational skills, e.g. word processing, telephone, etc. 3. Possible links to GCSE English, Maths, Business, IT.

14

DESIGN, ART and CRAFTS JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Graphic Design Assistant

Fashion Design Assistant

Photographic Assistant

Availability There are a limited number of placements within the city centre. If you want to secure a placement within this sector you may want to find a Self Placement especially in terms of photography placements.

GRAPHIC DESIGN ASSISTANT

Work shadowing graphic artists

Drawing / creating sketches or designs (either by hand or using PCs)

Creating mood boards

Researching work on the internet

Using various design software packages (possibly CAD)

Watching how the work is printed and produced

Visiting clients

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc) FASHION DESIGN ASSISTANT

Making patterns from original designs

Creating, drawing and sketching designs (either by hand or using software packages)

Creating mood boards

Researching on the internet

Selecting materials

Organising trims and prints

May gain experience in lock stitching

Size, set and sealing samples

Photographing samples

Making and keeping records up to date

Costing

Work shadowing designers

Watching how samples are produced

PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT

Feeding / removing paper off machines

Loading and unloading paper and equipment

Collating and counting (printed material)

Packing and sealing boxes

Microfilming

Photography

Photocopying / scanning

Binding / laminating

Producing printed materials

Cleaning and tidying

15

Personal Profile 1. An important aspect in a lot of placements is a good ability in art and graphics work. 2. You must be able to fit in a busy working atmosphere. 3. You must be able to work on your own and to set deadlines. 4. IT skills would be useful in some placements. 5. Some placements require special skills. These should only be chosen if it is an interest of yours

and you have had some real experience of the skills required. 6. You must have an interest in this area of work.

Curriculum and Personal Opportunities

1. You will develop communication skills. 2. You will develop IT skills. 3. Possible links to GCSEs - art/design, graphics, and photography. 4. Opportunities to see a wide range of occupations in this artistic/design area.

16

EDUCATION and TRAINING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Nursery / Crèche / Playgroup Assistant

Teacher’s / Classroom Assistant

Teaching Assistant

Availability There is a wide range of placements throughout the city and county. There are some schools that only offer placements to over 16’s. Please tell LEBC on your application form which primary school you attended as some placements prefer to host an ex pupil. NURSERY / CRÈCHE / PLAYGROUP ASSISTANT

General observation

Helping to prepare activities and materials

Working with staff to lead activities

Assisting staff with the social integration and interaction of the children

Assisting with reading, number work, storytelling, artwork and practical activities

Inputting ideas for children’s games

Helping to supervise at break and play times

Helping with general administration

Assisting with snacks / drinks

Helping at meal times

Promoting hygiene awareness

Tidying rooms after use

Planning and preparing specific activities

TEACHER’S / CLASSROOM ASSISTANT

General observation

Working with staff to prepare work and help with lessons

Helping to prepare activities and materials

Assisting staff with the social integration and interaction of the children

Assisting with reading, number work, storytelling, artwork and practical activities

Inputting ideas for children’s games

Helping supervise at break times

General administration

Assisting with IT

Assisting with extra curricular activities

Tidying rooms after use TEACHING ASSISTANT

Tasks may be specific to the department in which the learner is working

Working with staff to prepare work (e.g. worksheets)

Assisting with classroom support

General administration duties

Assisting with IT

Learner may attend morning briefings

Assisting with extra curricular activities

17

Personal Profile 1. You must enjoy working with children. 2. You need to be caring and patient. 3. You need to be generally fit and healthy; the work can be very tiring. 4. You must be able to respond to the needs of others. 5. You must be able to work in a team.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. An excellent way to develop communication and listening skills. 2. You can develop your interpersonal skills. 3. Possible links to GCSE e.g. Child Development, Sociology, Health and Social Care.

18

FINANCIAL SERVICES JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Availability Self Placements are usually the most successful here and employers like students to use their initiative. A lot of larger companies have finance departments that you may be able to experience as part of an administration placement if you ask at your interview. JUNIOR CLERK / ACCOUNTS ASSISTANT

General administration (e.g. word processing, photocopying, filing, faxing, emailing(

Checking invoices have been calculated correctly

Matching delivery notes with purchase invoices

Checking incomplete records

Analysis of bank receipts, payments and reconciliations

Some opportunity to observe qualified staff at work

Visiting clients

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc)

Personal Profile 1. You must be a neat and accurate worker, attention to detail is vital. 2. You need reasonable English skills. 3. You need good communication skills. 4. You must be able to fit into the office environment. 5. You must be able to follow instructions and work on your own. 6. You need a smart appearance. 7. You will need an aptitude for numeracy.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop your communication skills. 2. You will be able to develop your numeracy skills. 3. You may develop vocational skills, e.g. word processing, use of fax, telephone, etc. 4. Possible links to GCSE English, Maths, Business, IT.

Junior Clerk / Accounts Assistant

19

GARAGE WORKSHOP and ENGINEERING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Assistant Mechanic / Car Service Assistant

Body Shop Assistant

Electrical / Electronic Assistant

Assistant Motorcycle Mechanic

Availability There are a number of placements within this area. Demand for these placements is very high. ASSISTANT MECHANIC / CAR SERVICE ASSISTANT

Work shadowing a skilled technician

Assisting with fitting and replacing tyres

Assisting with fitting and replacing exhaust systems

Servicing (e.g. changing / checking oil, filters, water levels, tyre pressures, fan belts, driver controls etc)

Assisting with pre-motor checks

Assisting with MOT testing

Handling electronic monitoring equipment e.g. diagnostic tests

Assisting generally on the maintenance of motor vehicles

Cleaning and tidying

Learning about stock levels and ordering procedures

General administration and works duties (e.g. telephone work, greeting / assisting customers)

BODY SHOP ASSISTANT

Stripping and refitting motor body parts and trim

Sanding down vehicle body parts

Masking out areas ready for spraying

May be shown how to paint and spray

Valeting completing vehicles

Assisting with Quality Control

Cleaning and tidying the workshop

Work shadowing a skilled technician ELECTRICAL / ELECTRONIC ASSISTANT

Observing the design of systems (e.g. CAD)

Where appropriate, using computer systems in the development of circuit designs

Soldiering circuit boards

Testing and assembling sub-assemblies

Compiling material and component parts and lists

Work shadowing a skilled technician

General administration tasks

Visiting customers with staff to discuss technical requirements or to repair equipment

Assisting at on-site installations

20

ASSISTANT MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC

Assisting with repairing motorcycles

Servicing (e.g. changing / checking oil, filters, water levels, tyre pressures, driver controls, instruments etc)

General shop tasks as required (e.g. serving customers)

Learning about stock levels and ordering procedures

General office duties (e.g. telephone work)

Cleaning and tidying workshop

Assisting with pre MOT checks

Assisting generally on the maintenance of motorcycle vehicles

Work shadowing skilled staff

Personal Profile 1. You need to be good with your hands and enjoy working with machines. 2. You must enjoy practical work and making things. 3. You should be happy to assist and work alongside a skilled person. 4. You should be able to measure things accurately and with confidence. 5. You must be able to follow Health and Safety Regulations. 6. You must be able to work in a noisy (and possibly dusty and dirty) environment. 7. You may be required to lift and carry equipment. 8. You may have to work in cold weather conditions depending on when you go out on

placement – some employers are reluctant to take student on work experience during the winter.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. You will be able to develop your communication skills. 2. You will be able to develop your numeracy skills. 3. There may be an opportunity to develop vocational skills, e.g. use of machinery, tools,

equipment etc. 4. There may be career opportunities if you turn out to be a promising worker.

21

ENVIRONMENTAL, HORTICULTURE and LAND BASED JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Florist’s Assistant

Garden Centre Assistant

Parks and Gardens Assistant

Ranger / Warden Assistant

Landscape Gardener’s Assistant

Farm Assistant

Equestrian Assistant

Animal Care Assistant

Farrier / Blacksmith Assistant

Vet’s Assistant

Availability There are a limited number of placements working with animals. Placements with vets are

very limited so you should consider a Self Placement, if at all possible. Some placements

working with animals such as the RSPCA only take students who are 15+. Very few of them are in or near the city centre. A lot of travelling may be needed as these employers tend to be out in rural areas. Floristry is also very limited. In some placements you may need an up to date tetanus vaccination and to be able to prove it. FLORIST’S ASSISTANT

Maintenance of flowers, potted plants and ornamental features

Feeding and trimming flowers / plants as instructed

Assisting with flower arranging, making bouquets and applying ribbons

Helping with local deliveries / collections

Assisting with loading, unloading and unpacking goods

General retail tasks (e.g. pricing and displays; assisting and serving customers)

Use of the till after training (if appropriate)

Tidying and keeping the work area clear GARDEN CENTRE ASSISTANT

Stock maintenance which may include learning about plant care

Watering plants and flowers

Filling of shelves and shop floor to maintain adequate displays

Greeting members of the public

Serving and offering help and advice

Wrapping plants and flowers

Ordering / checking of stock

Checking invoices

Loading and unloading goods including plants, chemicals, garden furniture etc

Assisting with deliveries

May be assisting in the aquatics department with cleaning tanks and filtration systems and feeding fish

May assist in small animal department with daily care and health checks of animals, cleaning out and bedding down of cages, feeding and watering

May assist in the café with clearing and setting tables, taking out food from the kitchens to the customers and pot washing

22

PARKS AND GARDENS ASSISTANT

Unloading goods including plants, chemicals, garden furniture etc

Watering and feeding plants as directed by the supervisor

Litter picking and generally cleaning and tidying

Meeting members of the public

Assisting with ground maintenance in parks and gardens

General maintenance of flower beds, potted plants and ornamental features

Weeding

Work shadowing and observing skilled employees RANGER / WARDEN ASSISTANT

Assisting with conservation tasks in an outdoor situation

Planting trees and hedges

Clearing vegetation and pathways

Hedge laying and dry stone walling

Erecting and mending fencing

Assisting members of the public

Wildlife surveys (animal, reptile, bird and insect)

Plant and vegetation surveys

Erecting of bat and bird boxes and improving the habitat and environment

General maintenance of tools and equipment

General painting and maintenance tasks as required

Work shadow skilled staff / wardens / rangers

Administration tasks as required LANDSCAPE GARDENER’S ASSISTANT (HARD AND SOFT)

Loading / unloading goods including tools, equipment, plants and garden furniture

Assisting with ground maintenance either on commercial or domestic sites

Watering flowers, shrubs and plants and the general maintenance of flower beds, potted plants and ornamental features

Weeding and feeding plants as directed by the supervisor

Clearing and replanting flower beds

General tidying jobs around the equipment sheds and stock areas

Mowing

Vegetation clearance

Creating, drawing and sketching designs either by hand or using a PC

Assisting with digging, footings, foundations and ponds

Assisting with moving of soil, sand and gravel

Assisting with laying of slabs, bricks and rocks to create pathways and features and possibly mixing cement

Erecting and mending fences

Laying turf

Work shadowing and observing a skilled landscaper FARM ASSISTANT

Assisting in the daily care and health checks of livestock

Mucking out and bedding down

Providing water and assisting with food preparation and feeding

Cleaning, washing down, tidying and general maintenance of livestock housing and equipment

23

Work shadowing and assisting the stockperson / Shepherd with general tasks as directed

Loading and unloading equipment and animal feed

Assisting with milking and monitoring milk yields and quota targets

Assisting with shepherding

Assisting with general maintenance of farm vehicles and machinery

Erecting and mending fences

Assisting with moving stock to different locations

General building tasks as required e.g. painting, plumbing

Administration tasks e.g. stock movement / medical records

Work shadowing farm office staff

EQUESTRIAN ASSISTANT

Assisting with the daily care and health checks of the horses

Mucking out and bedding down stables / barns

Making up hay nets

Providing water and assisting with food preparation

Feeding under supervision

General cleaning, tidying and maintenance of the stables area and equipment

Grooming

Cleaning and oiling of tack

Leading horses for turning out or bringing in from paddocks etc

Assisting with paddock maintenance

Exercising the horses

Assisting with lesson preparation (e.g. setting up equipment / jumps)

Off site work at local shows, competitions, events or training sessions

Loading and unloading horse boxes or trailers

Observing a blacksmith, vet or dentist

Observe schooling, lessons and lunge work

Assisting yard staff and work shadowing ANIMAL CARE ASSISTANT (KENNELS / CATTERIES / PET SHOP)

Assist with daily care and health checks of animals

Cleaning out and bedding down

Grooming

Providing water and assisting with food preparation

Feeding under supervision

General maintenance, cleaning and tidying of kennels, cages, runs, tanks and exercise areas

Exercising the animals either in exercise area or taking out for walks under supervision

May observe behavioural assessments and socialisation sessions with some animals

Observe a qualified animal groomer

Work shadow / observe skilled staff FARRIER / BLACKSMITH ASSISTANT

Work shadow / observe skilled staff

Assist with daily tasks in the workshops

Work at various locations accompanying Farrier

Loading and unloading tools, materials and equipment

Assisting with leading out of horses that are to be shod

Observe the removal of old and worn shoes, hooves being trimmed and re-shaped

24

Observe the techniques used to make and shape new shoes

Observe the fitting of new shoes, nailing and finishing

May have the opportunity to learn about remedial and medical shoeing

Clearing, cleaning and keeping the work areas tidy

May have the opportunity to practise general forging using a hammer and anvil VET’S ASSISTANT

Assisting with the daily care and health checks of the animals

Cleaning out and bedding down

Providing water and assisting with food preparation for animals

Maintenance of cages and tanks

Feeding the animals

Assisting the nurse / staff with the care of animals which are being treated

Cleaning and sterilising instruments

Cleaning consulting rooms and surgery

Assisting with the general clerical duties (e.g. reception, greeting clients, record keeping)

Work shadow skilled staff

Attending farm visits with vet

Personal Profile

1. You need kindness and good sense for dealing with animals. 2. You may need to work outdoors in all sorts of weather. 3. You must be willing to do ‘dirty’ jobs and put up with strange smells. 4. You must enjoy working with your hands. 5. You must be fit and healthy, check the health requirements – see introductory paragraph. 6. Artistic ability may be helpful if you are working with flowers. 7. You need to be very aware of health and safety – and may need an up to date Tetanus

vaccination.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop a wide range of skills and your ‘communication’ here could include

communicating with animals. 2. Opportunity to observe skilled professionals at work e.g. vets. 3. Possible vocational skills e.g. floristry. 4. Possible links to GCSE Science, Technology. 5. You will learn a great deal about health and safety in the workplace for yourself and the other

staff you will be working with.

25

HAIRDRESSING and BEAUTY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Hairdresser’s Assistant

Beautician’s Assistant

Availability Good availability and widely available. HAIRDRESSER’S ASSISTANT

General reception work (e.g. greeting customers, observation on appointment booking, telephone work

Preparing drinks for customers

Observation of a skilled hairdresser

Shampooing

Tidying shelves and stock and maintaining displays

Cleaning the salon

Laundry work

Using the till after training BEAUTICIAN’S ASSISTANT

General reception work (e.g. greeting customers, observation on appointment booking, telephone work)

Preparing drinks for customers

Observation of a skilled beautician / therapist

Tidying shelves and stock, maintaining displays

Setting up treatment / therapy rooms

Cleaning wax pot

Cleaning in the salon

Some laundry work

Learner may use the till after training

Observing treatments (with client consent

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc)

Personal Profile 1. You must have a friendly and pleasant personality as you are working with members of the

public. 2. You need to be fit and healthy - you will be on your feet all day. 3. You need a neat and tidy appearance; you will probably wear a uniform/overall provided for

you by the employer. 4. You must be able to work in a team. 5. You must be able to follow instructions. 6. You must enjoy working with your hands. 7. You may be required to work weekends, most salons close one day during the week.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop communication and interpersonal skills. 2. Possible connection with LINKS course. 3. Possibility of developing vocational skills. 4. Possibility of Saturday or holiday employment.

26

HEALTHCARE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Medical / Optician Receptionist / Assistant

Dental Assistant

Retail Pharmacist Assistant

Availability If you want to secure a placement within this area you may want to find a Self Placement or if you would like a placement within a NHS hospital you will need to apply online – the link is given below http://www.leicestershospitals.nhs.uk/aboutus/work-for-us/work-experience/work-experience-options/ There are specific weeks the NHS takes students on work experience and they are in high demand and you will need to apply ASAP. You can find a self placement in the NHS and apply through LEBC in the normal way. Be aware that some doctor’s surgeries and dentists will not take you on work experience if you are a patient at their clinic. MEDICAL / OPTICIAN RECEPTIONIST / ASSISTANT

Work shadowing professionals

General administrative work (e.g. reception, computer, telephone and making appointments)

Learning appropriate hygiene protocol (e.g. cleaning and preparing instruments, equipment and surgery)

Greeting and talking to patients / clients

Assisting clients with choosing spectacles

Assisting with the minor adjustments / repair of spectacles

Observing various clinics (with patients / clients consent)

Assisting with general ward duties e.g. helping at meal times, cleaning and tidying, patients social needs

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc) DENTAL ASSISTANT

Assisting with general administration work (e.g. reception, computer, telephone and making appointments)

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc)

Mixing dental materials

Assisting with appropriate record keeping

Observing the following hygiene protocol (e.g. cleaning and preparing instruments, equipment and surgery)

Talking and interacting with patients

There may be some opportunity for work shadowing a dentist / dental assistant/hygienist

RETAIL PHARMACIST ASSISTANT

Restocking the shop

Filing and tidying of shelves and shop floor to maintain adequate displays

Pricing and display of goods

Assisting and serving customers

May use the till after training

Work shadowing

Unloading / unpacking goods

27

Checking delivery notes and assisting with deliveries / collections

Personal Profile

1. You need a real interest in people and their health and care. 2. Good communication skills and a sympathetic manner are important. 3. Generally healthy and fit - patience and energy are needed for these placements. 4. You will need a neat and tidy appearance, for some placements you will wear an overall or

uniform. 5. You must have high standards of personal hygiene. 6. You must be able to work in a team. 7. You must be able to carry out unpleasant tasks if required.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop your communication and interpersonal skills. 2. Possible links to GCSEs and other Health and Social Care qualifications.

28

LANGUAGES, INFORMATION and CULTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Assistant Curator (Museums and Art Galleries)

Library Assistant

Availability There are a number of placements within this area. Libraries are now real community hubs and often have a variety of facilities for the public to use. ASSISTANT CURATOR

Basic housekeeping and cleaning

Dealing with visitors

Archiving and cataloguing

General administration, including telephone enquiries and bookings

Advertising and promotion

Interpretation and display of collections

Helping with restoration work

Helping to organise parties / visits to the museum

Tour organising and commentary LIBRARY ASSISTANT

Dealing with renewals and the new issue of books and materials

Checking in stock

Shelving returned books / recordings and tidying shelves daily

Registering new borrowers

Handling charges incurred and dealing with overdue notices

Reallocating and withdrawing stock

Dealing with general customer enquiries

Dealing with requests from other libraries

Researching as required using public computers

Using audio visual, reprographics and technical equipment

Using the internet, CD Rom, intranet and Microsoft Office

Assisting the Librarian / Development worker

Personal Profile 1. You need to be a neat and careful worker. 2. You must enjoy a quiet working atmosphere. 3. You should enjoy working with books. 4. You need good reading and numeracy skills. 5. You need a smart appearance. 6. You need a pleasing and helpful manner for working with the public.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop organisational skills. 2. You will be able to develop numeracy skills. 3. Some opportunity to develop communication skills. 4. Links to GCSE Maths and English. 5. You will learn about customer service. 6. You will see a Public Sector organisation in operation. 7. You may be able to learn about the role of Trades Unions in organisations.

29

LEGAL and POLITICAL SERVICES JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Clerical Legal Assistant / Receptionist

Availability There is very limited city availability during peak summer term period for non self placements. However, some larger companies will have departments that handle the legal aspects of business, finance, tax and employment law so widen your search to include these and ask what additional experiences they could offer you at interview. CLERICAL LEGAL ASSISTANT / RECEPTIONIST

Assisting in reception

General administration work e.g. pre / post trial administration, inputting data, filing and photocopying

Assisting with preparation and dispatch of jury summons

Possibly attending court where deemed appropriate

Attending session with court probation team

Collecting and delivering files to other offices locally

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc)

Personal Profile

1. You need a good standard of English for dealing with legal documents. 2. You should be a well-organised person. 3. You need neat & well-presented handwriting. 4. You need a smart appearance. 5. You must be interested in finding out how the legal system operates - a lot of time could be

spent listening to legal discussions and observing legal processes. 6. You will need to be aware of confidentially within the business.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop your communication skills. 2. You will develop your listening skills. 3. You will gain some insight into the legal system.

30

LEISURE, SPORT and TOURISM JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Sports Assistant

Golf Club / Greens Assistant

Outdoor Pursuits Centre Assistant

Travel Assistant

Availability There are a limited number of sport placements and they are in high demand. Most of the Sports/Leisure placements are out of the city centre and may involve travelling. Placements in a Golf Club are very limited. Some will only take students who are members at the club and students who have an extreme interest in this area of work. Leisure centres will often insist you are able to pass a swim test. SPORTS ASSISTANT

Working at a sports / leisure facility

Working with a coach at various locations

Working at a school sports facility

General administration and reception work, including taking bookings

Assisting with planning of training and sports programmes

Setting up and dismantling equipment for sport activities

Assisting at fitness training sessions

Assisting with the repair of equipment

Assisting staff and observing them at work

Assisting the PE teacher

Working with groups of children

Cleaning and tidying

Pool area including shadowing pool attendant; general cleaning and tidying of the environment (e.g. changing rooms) and water testing / sampling

GOLF CLUB ASSISTANT / GREENS ASSISTANT

Reception work, including taking bookings

Helping in shop, unloading goods, checking deliveries, pricing, filing shelves, serving customers, general shop tasks etc.

Cleaning and tidying

Assisting with the repair of equipment

Assisting in the maintenance of greens and landscaped areas (e.g. raking bunkers, bunker edging, removing leaves from greens, weeding etc)

Collecting balls from driving range

General maintenance of equipment

May assist in the café with clearing and setting tables and taking out food from the kitchens to the customers

Assisting the staff and observing them at work OUTDOOR PURSUITS CENTRE ASSISTANT

Assisting with the running and development of the centre

General administration work e.g. taking bookings

Researching, resource preparation and planning activities

31

Assisting with maintenance work (e.g. painting)

Ground keeping e.g. litter picking, weeding, cleaning and tidying up

Daily checks and repair of equipment

Setting up and dismantling equipment for activities

Assisting with running various activities e.g. canoeing, climbing

Assisting in group activities

Assist at fitness training sessions

Assist and observe staff TRAVEL ASSISTANT

General administration tasks (e.g. photocopying, filing, use of database)

Maintaining display brochures

Checking window information

Stamping brochures

Ticket work

Greeting customers

Customer service

Work shadowing

Going on errands (e.g. walking to local shops / post office etc) WHEN CHOOSING A LEISURE PLACEMENT YOU MUST BE ABLE TO PASS THE SWIM TEST AS SET OUT BELOW!

1. Swim 25 metres - Head up. 2. Swim 25 metres - Life-saving backstroke (arms may be used underwater to assist) 3. Raise alarm:

- Enter water safely - Surface dive to deepest part of the pool - Collect object (i.e. Helidockan dummy) - Bring object to surface - Tow object to side of pool (minimum distance 5m) using Life-saving backstroke - Land object on to the poolside

4. The assessor will then teach the candidate how to safely effect a reaching and a throwing rescue, using the equipment on the poolside.

5. The candidate will then practice the two rescues and demonstrate they have understood and can use the procedures correctly.

Personal Profile 1. You must be neat and tidy. 2. You must be fit and healthy, you will be on your feet most of the day and you could find the

work very tiring. 3. In leisure centres you may be asked to work evenings and weekends. 4. You must be a good communicator. 5. You need good numeracy skills. 6. You must be able to do a range of tasks, some of which may be monotonous, and do them

cheerfully. 7. You must be able to follow instructions and work on your own in a reliable way.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop communication skills. 2. You will develop interpersonal skills. 3. You will probably develop your numeracy and IT skills. 4. Possible future Saturday or holiday employment.

32

MANUFACTURING and PRODUCTION JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Factory Operative (Manufacturing in Metal)

Assistant Machinist / Factory Operative (Hosiery / Garment Making)

Joinery / Carpentry Assistant

Availability The range of placements can cross different sectors such as Food, Engineering, Construction and general manufacturing. Some design companies will also manufacture. FACTORY OPERATIVE (MANUFACTURING IN METAL)

Unloading basic metals and placing in stores

Observe various machining operations (e.g. turning, milling, drilling, lathes etc)

Checking dimension of finished products against requirements specified in drawings for quality control

Calibrating various instruments used to do checks

Packing finished goods for despatch

Organising dispatch notes and orders

Work shadowing engineers

Learning about programming CNC machines

Assisting with the operation of CNC machines

Learning about using CAD / CAM machining

Assisting with the operation of CMM equipment

Quality assurance

Cleaning and tidying the work area ASSISTANT MACHINIST / FACTORY OPERATIVE (HOSIERY / GARMENT MAKING)

Cleaning and tidying of workshop and machines

Loading and unloading of vehicles

Observe trained staff cutting material and pressing garments

Packing and examining clothes

Hanging and finishing garments

Laying out garments

Experience may be gained in lock stitching, draw-threading, examining and mending

Observing overlocking

Checking delivery notes

Helping to prepare invoices

JOINERY / CARPENTRY ASSISTANT

Work on industrial sites

Work on commercial / domestic properties

Loading and unloading materials, tools and equipment

Observing a skilled crafts person

Assisting with the assembly of products

Sanding down, finishing products, priming and painting

Backing off machinery (e.g. taking finished products off machinery and stacking)

Cleaning and tidying the work area

Going out on site to install products or fittings

33

Personal Profile 1. You need to be good with your hands and enjoy working with machines. 2. You must enjoy practical work and making things. 3. You should be happy to assist and work alongside a skilled person. 4. You should be able to measure things accurately and with confidence attention to detail is

important. 5. You must be able to follow Health and Safety Regulations. 6. You must be able to work in a noisy (and possibly dusty and dirty) environment. 7. You may be required to lift and carry equipment.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop your communication skills. 2. You will be able to develop your numeracy skills. 3. There may be an opportunity to develop vocational skills, e.g. use of machinery. 4. There may be a career opportunities if you turn out to be a promising worker.

34

MEDIA, PRINT and PUBLISHING JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Printing Assistant

Screen Printing Assistant

Photographic Assistant

Reprographic Assistant

Availability There are a variety of placements available but they are also popular choices. If you can find a Self Placement it would be an advantage and it is a necessity for Media.

PRINTING ASSISTANT

Feeding / removing paper off machines

Loading and unloading goods

Packing and sealing boxes

Palletising finished goods

Working on the printing press

Assisting with plate making

Finishing, trimming, folding, collating and counting printed material

Cleaning, clearing and keeping the work area tidy

Quality control

General administration

SCREEN PRINTING ASSISTANT

Applying stencils

Preparing screens pre-printing

Setting up jobs

Printing

Assisting with creating designs

Cleaning and tidying the work area

Work shadowing skilled staff PHOTOGRAPHIC ASSISTANT

Work shadowing a professional photographer whilst in the studio and on location

Loading and unloading equipment

Assisting with the set up of facilities and props

Meeting customers / the general public in a support capacity to the photographer

Learning about different cameras and photographic techniques

Selecting and editing computer digital files

Finishing and trimming

Checking and general administration of prints (quality control

Keeping the work area clean and tidy

General administration and basic photography work

35

REPROGRAPHICS ASSISTANT

Feeding / removing paper off machines

Loading and unloading paper and equipment

Collating and counting (printed material)

Packing and sealing boxes

Microfilming

Photography

Photocopying / scanning

Binding / laminating

Producing printed materials

Cleaning and tidying

Personal Profile 1. An important aspect in a lot of placements is a good ability in art and graphics work. 2. You must be able to fit in a busy working atmosphere. 3. You must be able to work on your own and to set deadlines. 4. IT skills would be useful in some placements. 5. Some placements require special skills.

Curriculum and Personal Opportunities 1. You will develop communication skills 2. You will develop IT skills. 3. Possible links GCSE coursework - art/design, graphics and photography. 4. Opportunities to see a wide range of occupations in this artistic/design area.

36

PERFORMING ARTS JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Performing Arts Assistant

Availability There are very few companies operating in Leicester/shire that can offer these types of opportunities regularly. If you can find a Self Placement, it would be an advantage. Some theatres, such as Curve Theatre want you to apply online. PERFORMING ARTS ASSISTANT

Assisting with current projects / activities

Assisting with classes and rehearsals

Preparation of sets, props and costumes

Assisting technical crew behind the scenes (e.g. sound, lighting)

Assisting staff with the social integration and interaction of the children

Working in various departments including the Booking Office, Reception and Marketing

General administration work

Preparing and creating publicity material e.g. posters, leaflets, programmes and booklets

Distribution of leaflets in local areas

Interaction with customers

Work shadowing and observing skilled professionals

Tasks may be dependant on the learner’s area of interest

Personal Profile 1. You must be neat and tidy. 2. You must be fit and healthy, you will be on your feet most of the day and you could find the

work very tiring. 3. You must be able to work in a team. 4. You must be able to fit in a busy working atmosphere. 5. You will enjoy being creative and outgoing.

Curriculum and Personal Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop your communication skills. 2. You will develop interpersonal skills.

37

RESIDENTIAL CARE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Student Care Assistant

Availability There are a wide range of placements available within this area within the city and county. STUDENT CARE ASSISTANT

Assisting residents / clients with social needs (e.g. letter writing, reading, computer skills, shopping etc)

Assisting with social activities (e.g. games)

Need to be prepared to chat to residents / clients and help maintain a cheerful atmosphere

Assisting residents / clients with personal presentation e.g. hair brushing, nail care

May be asked to take residents / clients out under supervision

Assisting with the preparation and serving of meals, snacks and drinks

Making beds

Cleaning and tidying

Some laundry work

Assist / be involved with care plans and understanding appropriate record keeping

Observing visiting health care professionals (e.g. Physiotherapist, District nurse)

Bus escort duties

Personal Profile 1. You need a real interest in people and their health and care. 2. Good communication skills and a sympathetic manner are important. 3. Generally healthy and fit - patience and energy are needed for these placements. 4. You will need a neat and tidy appearance, for some placements you will wear an overall or

uniform. 5. You must be able to work in a team. 6. You must be able to carry out unpleasant tasks if required.

IMPORTANT – Whilst this is a very rewarding opportunity, some of these placements are very demanding. You may have to do some difficult tasks looking after residents. You must be sure you are capable of doing what is needed. Talk to your Tutor and Work Experience Co-ordinator if you have any doubts.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will be able to develop your communication skills and interpersonal skills. 2. Possible links to GCSE e.g. Child Development, Sociology, Science and Health and Social

Care.

38

RETAIL SALES JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Retail Assistant

Garden Centre Assistant

Florist’s Assistant

Availability Placements are available but there are fewer due to the recession. Retailers were hit hard and many have ceased trading or downsized and no longer offer placements. A number of retail opportunities are popular because they are places you might shop. This is a good sector to try for a Self Placement. Also consider working in charity shops – they are often thriving businesses too and offer a different view on retailing. RETAIL ASSISTANT

General shop tasks (e.g. filing / tidying of shelves / stock and shop floor to maintain adequate displays)

Pricing and display of goods

Assisting with merchandising and stocktaking

Assisting and serving customers

Use of till after training

Unloading / unpacking goods

Checking delivery notes

Cleaning and tidying

Assisting with deliveries / visiting suppliers GARDEN CENTRE ASSISTANT

Stock maintenance which may include learning about plant care

Watering plants and flowers

Filing of shelves and shop floor to maintain adequate displays

Greeting members of the public

Serving and offering help and advice

Wrapping plants and flowers

Ordering / checking of stock

Checking invoices

Loading and unloading goods including plants, chemicals, garden furniture etc

Assisting with deliveries

Assist in the aquatics department with cleaning tanks and filtration systems and feeding fish

Assist in small animal department with daily care and health checks of animals, cleaning out and bedding down of cages, feeding and watering

May assist in the café with clearing and setting tables, taking out food from the kitchens to the customers and pot washing

FLORIST’S ASSISTANT

Maintenance of flowers, potted plants and ornamental features

Feeding and trimming flowers / plants as instructed

Assisting with flower arranging, making bouquets and applying ribbons

Helping with local deliveries / collections

Assisting with loading, unloading and unpacking goods

39

General retail tasks (e.g. pricing and displays; assisting and serving customers)

Use of the till after training

Tidying and keeping the work area clear There are a wide range of placements in Retail Sales which include: Books Butchery Charity shops Chemist Clothing Department Stores DIY (see Warehouse) Electrical Goods Freezer Foods Garden Centres (see Plants and Animals) General Goods Newsagents Pets Small local shops Sports Supermarkets Toys

Personal Profile 1. You must be neat and tidy in appearance, you may be given an overall or uniform or asked to

wear particular colours of clothing (e.g. white shirt or blouse and dark skirt or trousers). 2. You must be fit and healthy, you will be on your feet all day and the work can be very tiring. 3. You must be a good communicator. 4. You need a helpful personality. 5. You must be able to work in a team and listen to instructions. 6. You must be willing to do a wide range of tasks, some of which are monotonous, and do them

cheerfully. 7. You may be asked to work weekends.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. You will develop communication skills and interpersonal skills. 2. You will develop numeracy and IT skills in many placements. 3. Possible links to GCSE English, Business Studies, and Maths. 4. Possible of follow up Saturday or holiday employment.

40

SCIENCE, MATHEMATICS and STATISTICS JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Laboratory Assistant (Education)

Laboratory Assistant (Industrial)

Availability You can experience Science at work in Health Care settings and food manufacturing so be creative in your search. Universities and colleges are also good places to investigate. LABORATORY ASSISTANT (EDUCATION)

Learner may be given a specific project to undertake

Setting up equipment for practical sessions and demonstrations

Testing equipment prior to practical sessions

Testing equipment to ensure it functions to requirements

Simple repairs to equipment

Helping with instrument calibrations

Document results / Data analysis

Internet research

Cleaning and tidying the laboratory

General laboratory tasks

Work shadowing skilled technicians LABORATORY ASSISTANT (INDUSTRIAL)

Selecting, preparing and testing samples

Assisting with equipment checks

Documenting results / Data analysis

Internet research

Using a PC to input data

Simple repairs to equipment

Helping with instrument calibrations

Cleaning and tidying the laboratory

General laboratory tasks

Work shadowing skilled technicians

Personal Profile 1. You need a good standard of numeracy. 2. You must be a neat and accurate worker. 3. You must be able to follow instructions. 4. You must be able to work on your own. 5. A real interest in mechanical, technical, scientific and IT skills is important. 6. You need to be aware of Health and Safety Regulations and to follow them carefully. 7. You must have an interest in this area of work.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will have the opportunity to work alongside skilled technicians. 2. You will develop numeracy, IT, technical and scientific skills in most placements. 3. Possible links to a wide range of GCSE subjects - Science, Technology, Maths & IT.

41

UNIFORMED SERVICES JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Police Work Experience Observer

Fire and Rescue Service

Availability LEBC is unable to find you a placement in the armed forces as there are so few located in Leicestershire. If you would like a placement in this area you will need to get a Self Placement. Some places require you to apply online e.g. Fire Service. Some only take students 16+. The Leicestershire Constabulary is best approached direct via local Police stations. POLICE WORK EXPERIENCE OBSERVER

ALL CANDIDATES NEED TO APPLY IN WRITING WITH A RECOMMENDATION FROM THEIR SCHOOL ATTACHED

Opportunity to visit and work in departments based at Local Police Unit (LPU)

Undertaking general office and reception work

Using the computer to input text, handle data and compile reports / documents

Assisting in the handling of routine enquiries and provision of information as required

Observing at meetings

Visiting headquarters / other stations (LPUs)

Going out with LPU Neighbourhood Beat Officers (NBO) where activities may include:

- Engaging with the whole of the local community, i.e. shopping centres, schools and community groups

- Scheduled events and activities which may include visits to domestic and business premises

- Offering advice and guidance where required

- Work shadowing and supporting staff at LPU where appropriate

Personal Profile 1. A good standard of health and fitness. 2. Willingness to be outdoors in all kinds of weather. 3. Ability to work in a team. 4. Ability to follow instructions and possibly work on your own. 5. Pleasant, cheerful personality - you are working with the public. 6. Good communication skills. 7. Willingness to follow Health and Safety Regulations. 8. Ability to handle equipment carefully. 9. Some experience of IT/computers may be helpful. 10. Willingness to fit in a new and very different environment. 11. Organisational skills, e.g. how to get there and back every day! 12. You must read the placement descriptions very carefully.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities

1. Links to many subjects including English, Maths and Technology, Science and IT. 2. You will develop communication and interpersonal skills. 3. You will develop some vocational skills.

FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE

42

There are numerous quality placements available within the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, however these are only available as a Self Placement. An online form must be completed as part of the application; the link for this is shown below: www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk/careers/workexperience/work_experience_app1.shtml The current opportunities available are:

Assistant to Trauma Care Co-ordinator

Vehicle Workshop Student Assistant

General Stores Assistant

Administration Assistant (Post 16)

Administration Assistant

Work Experience Fire Protection Observer (Post 16)

ICT Assistant (Post 16)

Finance Assistant

Accounts Assistant (Post 16)

Training Instructors Assistant

Assistant Estate Surveyor

Admin Assistant in Information Management

Information Management Section Assistant

43

WAREHOUSING and LOGISTICS JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Warehouse Assistant

Availability There are very few placements available within the city. WAREHOUSE ASSISTANT

Assisting with loading and unloading vehicles

Assisting with deliveries

Checking delivery notes

Counting and preparing delivery notes

Retrieving (picking) and collating stock for orders

Packing goods

Stacking shelves

Checking and monitoring stock

Quality control

Cleaning and tidying

General depot tasks

Learning about the maintenance and daily checks of equipment (e.g. fork lift trucks)

Personal Profile 1. You must be an accurate, reliable worker - able to relate numbers and codes correctly. 2. You must be able to follow instructions and work in a team. 3. You must be friendly and helpful if meeting customers. 4. In most placements it will help if you can use a computer. 5. You need to be fit and healthy - some lifting may be involved. 6. Work will mainly be indoors but you might have to work outdoors. 7. You must be able to follow Health and Safety guidelines - there may be some supervised use

of machinery.

Personal and Curriculum Opportunities 1. You will develop communication skills. 2. You will develop numeracy and IT skills in most placements. 3. Possible links to GCSE Maths, IT and Business Studies.

44

The following websites can help you with additional careers information. Further Information http://www.leics-ebc.org.uk/ https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/ http://www.apprenticeships.org.uk