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Everyone in employment has a story to tell of how they ‘got started’
in their world of work. Whether this story involved full-time, part-time
or casual work or going straight into an apprenticeship, traineeship
or graduate programme, they are all great stories for us to reflect
on and from which to learn. After-all many of us would not be in the
job we are in today, had our very early pathway not been influenced
by someone who ‘gave us a break’, ‘gave us a try’
and ‘offered us a go’. Asking others to share their first
step stories, an inspirational career moment or a reflection on how
a career was turned around offers us great insight and is very rewarding.
A relationship between a volunteer agency, an employer or their representatives,
career specialists and those seeking work experiences is important because
early career steps or career change activities remind and influence
those with the ability to offer placements, to not forget those stories
that have made us all, who we are today!
Relationship Possibilities
Linking with potential work experience participants can involve a number
of sources and methods depending on the type of placement activity being
offered. For example, if you are keen to discuss or offer a placement
that is linked to learning and curriculum based activities, your primarily
contact point will be the discipline-specific faculty or department
staff. Alternatively, should you wish to advertise a work experience
position, participate in on-site activities or workshops then, your
point of contact will be the section or person who manages employment
or career activities for that school, college, university or community
agency.
Making contact is as simple as picking up the telephone and asking
to talk to the person who coordinates work placements or career development
at your targeted choice of school, college or university level or programs
that are more community based such as an
Employment Directions Network agency or
Job
Network agency.
University and College Career Services
General career services to employers may include:
- advising how to set up a work experience program
- promoting work experience placements through personal on-site campaigns
- liaising with college or university discipline specific faculty
contacts
- assisting employers to make contact with faculty staff
- linking to student on-campus organisations
- advising on academic courses of study available
- advising on academic calendars and ‘best times’ to
advertise work placements
- facilitating workshops, information sessions and on campus recruiting
activities
- managing invitations and coordination of career fairs
- dispersing information to specific students groups
- advertising placements on student web sites and notice boards
note: some university
or college systems may charge
a fee for certain activities.
The Australian Industry Internship Association (AIIA)
AIIA brings together organisations active in the international internship
industry in Australia. Currently in the throes of developing a web presence
one of their key objects is to raise the profile, represent and promote
the interests of internship organisations to government, media, industry
bodies and the international and domestic community and to act as the
critical link between internship organisations, the Department of
Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA) and other
industry bodies in the interpretation of specific issues. To find out
more, contact Diana Pilling, Managing Director of Australian Internships:
+61 (0)7 3305 8408.
Resources
Report:
What makes vocational training programs in schools work?
Paper examines the objectives and expected outcomes for students,
school VET coordinators, trainers and employers. The research finds
considerable diversity in implementation at the local level, while at
the broad level the two main objectives of facilitating transition between
school and work and providing a highly skilled workforce are common
for all stakeholders.
Report: Working
with employers
To ensure a continuous adequate supply of labour and skilled employees,
employers must understand the implications of the ageing workforce and
the need to upgrade the skills of workers to maintain their commitment
to work as they age. Research shows that there is little to separate
mature age and younger workers. Our cognitive capacities improve into
our 50s and 60s if we continue to use them.
Australian: Downs Industry
Schools Co-Op DISCO
This relationship building link has been provided as an example of
a community programme that fosters links between both education and
industry working together to maximise the objective of giving each young
person the best chance to make a smooth transition either through school
or from school and to gain experience.
Australian:
How do Recruiters use University Careers Services?
Careers Services have always offered a direct link to the student
population for those recruiters with the resources to develop relationships
on specific campuses. As with all channels for reaching students, however,
the way in which recruiters use Careers Services can be as important
as the decision to partner with them in the first instance.
International resource:
CAFCE - Canadian Association For Co-operative Education
Since 1973, CAFCE has been a resource for educators, students and
employers interested in the co-operative education process. CAFCE is
member-driven association with over 400 members from colleges, universities,
government and business actively advocating and promoting post-secondary
co-operative education.
International resource: NCCE National
Commission for Cooperative Education (USA)
The Commission advances cooperative education through corporate and
university-sponsored research projects. These projects focus on cooperative
education benefits, industry productivity, learning outcomes, and quality
benchmarking studies.
International resource: WACE - World
Association for Cooperative Education
WACE is an international organisation devoted to promoting Work-Integrated
Learning (WIL) programs worldwide. WIL combines professional work experience
with classroom studies in many forms including:
- Internships
- Study abroad
- Co-operative education
- Clinical rotations
- Community service
- Student teaching
International resource: CEIA - Cooperative
Education & Internship Association
The CEIA provides professional services to members in cooperative
education and internship programs in colleges, universities, government,
and business and industry.
International resource:
NZACE - NZ Association of Cooperative Education Inc
There is evidence to show that graduates with work experience in get
jobs more easily than those with similar qualifications but without
the experience. Benefits for employers, students and universities are
listed here.
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