Supported Work Experience with TrinityLearning My job with TL is to help improve the QOL for staff & children in Abingdon schools. From the moment I started, almost exactly 6 years ago, I knew that work experience was one of their needs. Took on first students in 2010 – since then, Trinity has hosted 23 work experience students.

“what you need is a job” What’s so important about work experience? Alf Garnett used to say to his idle hippy of a son “what you need is a job – bring back conscription” Work gives you a taste of real life -= responsibilities, hard work, having to do what you’re told. Real benefits for young people in schools: Count their blessings Identify a Career path Chance for less academic to get taste of success Age leaving edn now 16 – if not in work, 18 – was 14 Edn not for alll My plumber….. “what you need is a job”

believe work experience is important in recruiting young people, 45% of employers believe work experience is important in recruiting young people, in the past year only 27% of employers provided placements (UKCES, Feb 2014). Review slide Why?

Businesses are stretched too…… Overwork & cuts – supervising does take time

Extra paperwork puts people off As does the Paperwork involved Placements precious – esp schools, as colleges & unis too. Stess point in schools Employers Liability Insurance

The children most in need of experience are least likely to succeed! Daren’t risk offending employers. Difficult students kept in school – but they need it most Less able to arrange their own – why TL steps in

learning difficulties social disadvantage behavioural issues disability

Churches can offer…… Structure Appropriate tasks Varied tasks Intensive mentoring Supportive environment

Timetable – user groups Ongoing tasks – notices of own choice eg ppt Day length depends on student - transport

How we helped people Rosemary printing posters and leaflets Helping schools Photos Church display The church Tom Office Mother and toddler club Stroke Club Lads prepared this chart for me From start – helped me. Office work – It skills, controlled envt, printing, making leaflets, practical timesaving for me Photo-stock of images Displays Wanted them to mix with wider church – seen as benefit. Trust, people came forward with jobs Notices – very skilled Moving things User groups – M & T wash up Stroke Club Favourite – old people (message for them) can help - Helping impt - schools

Spin-offs School learns ideas, gets benefit Chloe – clamer after 10 weeks!!

Benefits to church – help; breath fresh air; contact point Lewis What do students get? - Speak for themselves

How Its Helped us as Workers It’s given us a better knowledge of the workplace we know how to use certain bits of equipment now People It’s given us experience of working with children and older people It’s given us a better knowledge of ourselves

What we have gained from our work experience at Trinity Church From our work experience we have gained: The ability to work more independently Teamwork Better communication skills Read

In just one week I… I learned a lot this week I learned a bit of history, Some more maths and I learned how to use a Samsung laser printer. got confidence, New skills and learning new words and learning the history of Trinity and the Town.

In just one week I… I learnt a lot of things during my week: how to plan an event, how to successfully make a work phone call (if asked, it is absolutely terrifying) how to organise the church notices. my favourite part of the week has to be the display board we (Miriam and I) made for Trinity Learning. We planned it, printed it and organised it. This was the best because it required a range of different skills.

Can encourage a fresh start A positive reference Can encourage a fresh start Find it difficult to reflect on experiences – skill need esp diary End week, ticky boxes My reference This year – tears! Schools thrilled - refs

For the student…….. inclusion new experiences a sense of achievement respect from peers raised expectations Go back to school

sense of community support classrooms more peaceful empowerment For staff… peace of mind sense of community support classrooms more peaceful empowerment job satisfaction schools

Supported Work Experience with TrinityLearning