I expect that you must be feeling quite nervous about your work experience placement and you don't know what to expect, so I've written down a few things you will need to know so you can make the best of your placement.

Remember at all times that your employer is doing you a great favour by allowing you to do a work placement with them. When you first meet your employer they will probably ask you a lot of questions about yourself and your hopes for the future. They will introduce you to people you will be working with and generally show you what happens in the organization. Be prepared sometimes to just act as an observer to what is going on and do any tasks asked of you.

You will probably not have enough to do rather than be overwhelmed with directions so DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH! Most people will expect you to show your abilities in fairly small ways before giving you a more complicated job. So prove you are capable and they will give you harder things to do. Perform all duties carefully. Volunteer to perform small duties which you know you can do well. If you are given instructions  MAKE NOTES ON WHAT TO DO. Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice. LISTEN politely at all times. Taking the initiative to tidy up without being asked is always looked upon favourably by employers and always demonstrate a willing and positive attitude when asked to do menial tasks - this is how many employers TEST attitude.

Your PERSONAL APPEARANCE is very important - it may be taken as your attitude towards the job, as well as a reflection of your personality. Always dress up on your first day. You have already asked your employer what to wear, so use this as a guide to dress even better. You will look hard working & professional  and convey that you really want to do a good job. They will be impressed with this attitude, and they will give you more interesting things to do. Make sure you don't stand with your hands in your pockets, sit down when idol or cross your arms, drag your feet when you walk or arrive at work with love bites. When asked to get a tool or piece of equipment - move quickly and try and anticipate what they may need next through your observation whilst there. If unsure of what tasks you could do when things are quiet ask your trade teacher prior to work placement so you go prepared.  Turn your mobile phone off and only check it on lunch break.

PUNCTUALITY is most important. Being late shows you really don't care. Make sure you are NOT LATE, do a practice run if necessary on the weekend. Leave plenty of time to get there. If something unexpected happens and you are running late, phone the business  IMMEDIATELY.

It is important to show a good work attitude. Don't make one of your first questions "When is the tea break?",  "How long do I get for lunch?" or  "When will I get paid? This indicates that you are only interested in break times or money. Employers will assume you're not genuinely interested in the trade and they will feel their effort in supporting you with work placement is wasted. This employer could be a great reference for you or may even be considering you for an apprenticeship - Don't blow it!

Do not distract other employees from their work. If you overhear something private or confidential DO NOT REPEAT IT. These things will give a bad impression. Respect CONFIDENTIALITY on the job AT ALL TIMES. Many organizations have company secrets that they don't wish their competition to know so keep it to yourself. Do not repeat things that you have hear at work to other people or your friends or family.

Show you are a hard working, co-operative, interested and enthusiastic person and you will get to do the best jobs and you will be remembered long after you have returned to school. Make sure you use the opportunity to find out as much as you can about the field you have chosen. Ask questions - what sort of schooling would you need to do this job. What tasks do you do when qualified. How did you get started in the industry?  Write the questions down before you go and take them with you. You will then get the most out of your placement. If you are sick and cannot go into work you must ring your EMPLOYER and NARELLE at The Shepparton Technical Education Centre. Researching the company before you go can assist with developing questions to ask whilst on work placement. Check out the Internet for websites or even the yellow pages to get a greater understanding of what the business does before your arrival.

If you have any problems at work ring Narelle IMMEDIATEL.  I am sure you realise the success of your work placement rests solely on YOU and your attitude. This will effect your own evaluation as well as any future placements we may have with this organization. Remember, you are REPRESENTING YOURSELF and THE  SHEPPARTON TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTRE.

Use this opportunity well and it will be of great benefit to you later. You can ask your supervisor to be a referee for a  job or future placements and your evaluation will be invaluable to you when you are seeking employment when you have left school. Use these suggestions wisely and your placement will be a success for you and those around you. Good luck and enjoy!