Taste of the working life

By ANGELA McCARTHY

Getting a taste of the working world is an invaluable experience for secondary students - many have little realistic knowledge of it. How can employers make the most of the opportunity for both parties?

The Workchoice Trust, which was set up seven years ago, identified this need and established a one-day annual event, the Workchoice Day, offering thousands of year 12 students in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington a chance to learn about the working world by visiting companies in action.

Tomorrow's TMP Workchoice Day involves 9000 students and 450 companies.

One is HortResearch in Mt Albert which wants to encourage more young people into biological sciences, says science capability leader Chris Hale.

"We want to get across that horticulture isn't just about getting dirty, but involves research and labs."

Graham Eversfield is organisational development manager of Scott Panel and Hardware, which has been part of TMP Workchoice Day since its inception. He says that spin-offs go both ways.

"The day provides staff an opportunity to reflect upon their roles and what is it that makes them get out of bed and come each day," he says.

"And the students get a glimpse into the world of work which helps open their eyes to things they may not have thought of before."

Eversfield has learned through experience to divide students into small groups headed by young, outgoing staff members, who encourage students to chat and ask questions.

Scott Panel and Hardware is also involved in the First Foundation Project (FFP), a scholarship with a compulsory work experience component.

The three-year scholarship is designed to help senior high school students overcome financial difficulties to enter tertiary study.

Geeta Patel, who is in her second year of the scholarship, works at Scott Panel and Hardware every holiday, and through the experience has found her career path - marketing.

FFP director Claire Stewart says the work experience component is critical: "It gives the students a chance to establish networks and build up confidence," she says. "Another important element is workplace etiquette such as punctuality, time management and workplace relationships."

Mt Albert Grammar School careers adviser Mandy Bunce is so determined to expand work experience she has employed a new part-time staff member to focus solely on that.

Workchoice Day is great for focused students - others need more [help], she says. She finds students often considered unsuccessful in traditional terms can get a lot out of work experience if given a role.

Part of the process is learning about routines and facing up to unrealistic expectations: "Students have to learn every job has boring moments."

Mt Albert Grammar School year 12 student Tevita learned just that. He spent two days as a receptionist for a private school, a job he found tedious. "I thought I'd be busy answering the phone, but I also had to file and fold things. Work is harder than I thought."

However, year 12 student Darian now knows panelbeating is the job for him. "Work experience confirms I'm on the right track. I was slacking off at school last year, but now I want to get the subjects I need to get into panelbeating, so I find it easier to be at school."

Making the most of work experience

EMPLOYERS

* Inform your staff of the visit - generate enthusiasm within the company.

* Advise of any special requirements, such as closed-in shoes for safety.

* Give clear, precise instructions.

* Praise when it's deserved, as many students have difficulty outside their comfort zone.

* Have staff talk about their career pathways. Many students think they could never work at a certain level, and don't realise people work up.

* Give an idea of income levels within the industry - students always want to know.

* Provide a young mentor or partner, preferably of the same gender and/or ethnicity.

* If the programme is more than a day, provide the student with a work plan so they see what they are doing to do.

* If a student plays up, ring the school immediately. It isn't your problem, and the school needs to know.

* Give honest feedback to the student and the school. Ask the student to evaluate their experience as well, preferably in writing.

STUDENTS

* Be punctual. If you can't make it, inform the employer and school.

* Be polite and dress appropriately. Offer to help.

* Follow rules. There is usually a practical reason for out-of-bounds areas or wearing certain footwear.

* Ask questions about the environment, the job and the pathway to the job. People want to help.

* Look people in the eye when meeting them, even if it isn't your cultural preference.