Work Experience - What does it mean?
Experience in a working environment is a key encounter for students
of all ages and at all educational levels. It is just as important to
those considering a career change or to broaden understanding of a particular
work or discipline area.
The Centre for Work experience defines work experience to include experience
in a work environment that is:
- paid and unpaid
- across private and all public sectors
- in commercial, volunteer and not for profit organisations; and
- which has elements of on- or off- the job training, instruction,
supervision or mentoring.
Experience placements may be undertaken locally, nationally or overseas
and are generally characterised by having a pre-determined ‘end
date’ to the relationship; though this may not always be the case
where community and voluntary activities are undertaken.
Work experience positions may include positions and activities that
are termed for example as:
- cadetship
- internship
- sandwich
- vacation
- graduate
- trainee
- new apprenticeship
- voluntary
- mentor
- casual
- contract
- project
There are a number of benefits of interpreting work experience this
way. For those seeking a placement the possibilities grow, ultimately
challenging the ‘seeker’ to look broadly at a range of potential
opportunities. For employers the opportunity to develop strategic human
resource strategies that fit business needs is of growing importance
in a dynamic labour market characterised by labour and skills shortages.
Resources:
Terms and Definitions -
[.pdf | 112.84 kb]
This attached information provides an easy reference to terms and
definitions used on this website.
Additional
terms and definitions
The Australian Federal Department of Education, Science and Training
has an extensive glossary on its website that you may also find useful.
|
