work placements?

morganedge

Im at one of these career/training places that the jobcentre sends you too.

I have to write down the names 10 companies and I think that they(jobcentre training place) then contact these companies to see if they will take me on as an unpaid member of staff for a month or so. (although from what I gather they tend to just send you to work in a charity shop)

Anyway, what jobs/companies should I pick?
Where would be a fun place to work? I guess I can choose anywhere considering that I wont be paid and so id be more likely to be taken on for the trial?

I live near Gatwick airport. Any companies that make chocolate or something around there!!??
My sheet is blank at the moment.

Ihatecameron

morganedge wrote: »

Im at one of these career/training places that the jobcentre sends you too.

I have to write down the names 10 companies and I think that they(jobcentre training place) then contact these companies to see if they will take me on as an unpaid member of staff for a month or so. (although from what I gather they tend to just send you to work in a charity shop)

Anyway, what jobs/companies should I pick?
Where would be a fun place to work? I guess I can choose anywhere considering that I wont be paid and so id be more likely to be taken on for the trial?


I live near Gatwick airport. Any companies that make chocolate or something around there!!??
My sheet is blank at the moment.

When I was out of work we had people who wanted to work as mechanics and computer techs etc and found companies who would take them on, on a free trial but the course provider refused to send them there because the companies were not registered with A4e.

So you can list any companies you like, they only send people to companies they have an arrangement with, which are mostly charities because they can't find any real jobs for people and they don't like it when people find worthwhile placements themselves.

red_devil

I am in the same position. I am due to complete mine shortly and have no idea. You can find your own if you know family or friend with a business.

morganedge

Ihatecameron wrote: »

When I was out of work we had people who wanted to work as mechanics and computer techs etc and found companies who would take them on, on a free trial but the course provider refused to send them there because the companies were not registered with A4e.

So you can list any companies you like, they only send people to companies they have an arrangement with, which are mostly charities because they can't find any real jobs for people and they don't like it when people find worthwhile placements themselves.

Cheers.
So they only send you to places that they already have an arrangement with? If so, I wonder why they've got me compiling a list of company names!?

I also wonder why this appointment is a 3 hour appointment? Are they actually gonna phone these businesses in front of me or something!? lol

All ive got so far is a gym near where I live on my list because
I'm interested in exercise and stuff, although don't have any qualifications so cant see them taking me on.

Like I say, from what I gather ill end up at the usual charity shop. My mate was only there for 3 days before they didn't want him anymore!
Hopefully it'll be the same for me.

LittleVoice

morganedge wrote: »

My mate was only there for 3 days before they didn't want him anymore!
Hopefully it'll be the same for me.

Is there any sort of work you would like to do?

What can you do?
Use a computer? - seems so as you are using the internet.
Use any Microsoft applications?
Lift boxes of goods?
Drive a car?

What sort of jobs are you applying for each week?

Why not write down the names of the companies to which you have applied for paid work?

morganedge

LittleVoice wrote: »

Is there any sort of work you would like to do?

What can you do?
Use a computer? - seems so as you are using the internet.
Use any Microsoft applications?
Lift boxes of goods?
Drive a car?

What sort of jobs are you applying for each week?

Why not write down the names of the companies to which you have applied for paid work?

Good idea about just writing down the names of companies which I have already applied for, although, most of the jobs I have applied for are through agencies. It seems that nobody advertises directly for staff anymore and always use agencies.

Yes, I can use a computer a little bit. Im not great though.
I can do the very basics in Excel and MS word and have used database software in a previous job.

Yes, I can lift boxes. In fact, for the moment, my ideal job would be to lift boxes all day so that I wouldn't have to think, I'd burn calories (not that i need to lose any weight but i like feeling 'active'), i'd get paid, and there would be no stress. most jobs involve more than just lifting boxes though!

No, I cant drive unfortunately.

cheers

Ihatecameron

So they only send you to places that they already have an arrangement with? If so, I wonder why they've got me compiling a list of company names!?

Unless the system has changed which I doubt, they have to find ways for you to kill time and make it look like they are helping you. That is why they asked you to compile a list of companies.

They are not going to pay members of staff to chase up each individuals personal preferences when it comes to work placements, it is to expensive. They have to many people to deal with as it is and despite giving away peoples labour for free, they still won't be able to find work placements for everyone.

sharkie

when you go there and within a friendly non confrontational, non enquiring question (do it slyish) find out if you are the first workplacement ever, and what has happened to all the other placements, and if and how many they have taken on as perms? and what types of jobs they have got? If is is a small concern, you will know this soon enough.

We have a work placement guy and his job is photocopying and constucting manuals.

Crazy_Larry

From my experience, I have to say the Cameron-hater is quite right; the whole thing is a charade by A4e just to burn up some time and most importantly wear YOU down. In reality, A4e only have unskilled manual labour work placements on their books. If you have a physical disability that means they can't force you to do one of those, then they will be clueless about what to do with you!

red_devil

you can do a scheme at your training provider's instead of a placement. Its mandatory but you attend the centre not a charity or business. They may not mention it but you can ask.

Crazy_Larry

red_devil wrote: »

you can do a scheme at your training provider's instead of a placement. Its mandatory but you attend the centre not a charity or business. They may not mention it but you can ask.

Thank you, Red Devil, for your useful suggestion. In my case, however, I can't imagine A4e ever agreeing to have me! :rotfl: