1^st February 2007

 Dear Parents/ Caregivers,

All Year 10 will be participating in a Work Experience Program from the 4^th to the 8^th June 2007. A Special Work Experience Program will be organised for the last week in November, after the School Certificate, and is an optional week for students who are considering leaving school at the end of Year 10 or have special reasons for a second week of work experience.

 Work Experience is an integral part of the Careers Education Course and School To Work Program at this school. The aim of this project is for the students to gain first hand experience in the workforce so that, as potential employees, they understand aspects of the work experience situation and that the concept of job satisfaction is an important part in their choice of a career.

 The following is a list of steps required for the organisation of Work Experience.

1. Please discuss with your student their preference for a Work Experience placement.
2. Your student (not parents) will be required to organise his or her own Work Experience placement. It is preferred (but not mandatory) that the student does not work for or with your family, as the aim is to broaden their experience and knowledge.
3. Students must have their Work Experience placements organised and handed into the Careers Adviser by the end of lunchtime on Wednesday 4^th April.
4. After the student has arranged Work Experience, he/she must inform the Careers Adviser immediately so that the suitability of appointment may be approved.
5. Permission will not be given to any student to enter onto a building site without prior successful completion of an Occupation and Safety Course and an award of a White Card (previously called a “Green Card”). The cost is approximately $120 and involves attending a course for one whole school day with a private provider. Our school will use Comet Training at Lidcombe. Students must let the Careers Adviser know that they will require this as soon as possible to allow time for this to be organised.
6. Students are to attend each day of the program for the whole working day of the industry that they are experiencing (not school hours) and to comply with the rules and regulations of that industry. Travelling to and from work should be by the usual method of transport for employees with the cost of fares and incidental expenses such as the laundering of uniforms, met by the student.
7. A teacher will make an “on the job” visit to each student from this school wherever possible, to assess the suitability of the job and the progress being made.
8. The employer will not pay a wage during the time of placement as payment for the work raises legal complications and in reality the employer is taking on the student in the capacity of a learner or volunteer.
9. The employer is covered in terms of insurance by the Department of Education. In the event of an accident or injury, the student must receive the appropriate medical treatment and the school be contacted as soon as possible with the details.
10. REMEMBER TO CONSULT THE CAREERS ADVISER FOR HELP OF ANY KIND. The Careers Adviser will not know of your problems or difficulties if you do not inform her and may not be able to help if queries are left to the last minute.

The school values your co-operation and involvement in the Work Experience Program.

 Yours faithfully

Anne Perry,

CAREERS ADVISER