Q. Who gets me a placement?

A.  You do – it is part of the experience to find the placement yourself. Do not rely on a Parent/Guardian to call the employer for you, you must take responsibility for this yourself. Many employers will only deal personally with the student and will not arrange a placement unless you talk to them yourself.

 

Q. How do I get a placement?

A.  Decide on the type of placement you would like. Check the list of Charter Companies 2011-2012  - if you need to apply through this organisation you must submit your name to your Careers Teacher as soon as possible. Approach the organisation you would like to work for. A list of potential employers is available in the database of employer contacts (available in RMShared documents in school).

 

Q. Do I need an HSS check for my placement?

A. Anyone going into a care setting or in contact with vulnerable or young people will need to complete an HSS check. This must be done by the deadline given as the checks can take up to 10 weeks to be processed. Late checks will not be carried out. If you are not sure if you require a check, ask your Careers Teacher.

 

Q. I’ve applied for Charter Work Experience. Why do I need a back-up employer?

A. Charter cannot guarantee that you will be offered a placement in the organisation you have requested, so you must provide a back-up option in case they cannot place you. This could be due to high demand in your chosen sector, or other schools on placement at the same time as you.

 

Q. The employer I wish to go to says the school must contact BITC to get my placement. What do I do now?

A. BITC (Business in the Community) organises Charter work placements. Speak to the work experience coordinator or your Careers Teacher.

 

Q. What details do I need to put online?

A. You will need

• your details
• emergency contact details for a Parent / Guardian
• business name
• business address
• business postcode
• business location
• the name of the person in the business we should contact when you are on placement  (first name and surname)

 

Q. What happens if I do not put my details online by the deadline?

A. If you fail to submit your details in good time, the school will not have time to process the paperwork needed in order to insure you on your placement and you will be unable to participate in the work placement programme. You will be required to attend school during the placement week – alternative arrangements will be made for you within the college. Failure to attend school in these circumstances will result in the involvement of an educational welfare officer.

 

Q. My employer is asking for insurance forms. When will I be given them?

A. Once all placements have been registered, the college will provide the necessary paperwork which you will be given to take to your employer. They must sign these forms and you should return them by the deadline given. This information is in the Work Experience Timeline*.

*Available on RMShared documents

 

Q. What is the Employer’s Schedule?

A. This document tells you essential information about your placement e.g. start time, lunch arrangements, dress code etc. It will be issued to you before you go to your placement.

 

Q. My placement company have pulled out and now I have nowhere to go. What should I do?

A. Organise another placement as quickly as possible. Ensure that your new details are given to EV / BNG and that all indemnity forms etc. are given to your new employer. If you need help, speak to EV / BNG as soon as you can.