Structured Work Experience Sector

Operating Guidelines for the
Structured Work Experience Sector

Introduction

These guidelines apply specifically to structured work experience placements in UK and overseas. It should be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice and the Introductory Note to the Operational Guidelines that provides the background to this specific standard.

To ensure a successful work placement the organisation should:

• Plan the placement in advance to meet the objectives of both student and company.
• Monitor the placement whilst in progress, solve problems as they arise and be able to meet any emergencies.
• Measure the satisfaction of both parties and take any corrective action.

Plan the Placement

1. Essential: adequate information about the participant's and the company's requirements, needs and expectations.

2. Desirable: simple mechanism for 'matching' participants to companies.

3. Essential: criteria for initial selection of placement companies – may be specific to individual member (e.g. culture of support for young people, Health and Safety policy, employer and public liability cover).

4. Essential: criteria for placement - may be specific to individual member (e.g. a named personal supervisor/mentor, agreed training plan, clearly defined project and accommodation (if away from home).

5. Desirable: provide both participant and company with a choice for selection.

6. Desirable: guidance to participants and companies 'how to get the best from the placement'

Monitor the Placement

1. Essential: check that company induction completed, especially health and safety.

2. Essential: a support network to review placement progress and trouble-shoot problems – may be specific to individual member (e.g. Year in Industry has a network of 'Industrial Tutors' in each region who liaise regularly with students and companies during the placement).

Measure Satisfaction / Refine Processes

1. Essential: formal customer feedback mechanisms (questionnaire or structured interview) - to enable students and companies to express their views / suggest improvements: during the placement and end of placement.

2. Desirable: clear management data to show levels / trends in customer satisfaction and specific complaints.

3. Essential: formal procedures for dealing with complaints and implementing improvements.

How would YOG members demonstrate they meet such standards?

1. Written assurance from Chief Executive that effective systems are in place (or being worked towards) as per checklist (distinguish Essential / Desirable).

2. Willingness to demonstrate systems in event of query (i.e. if a public complaint was made).

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