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Placement Process

The work experience process can appear to be quite daunting with many complex steps along the way. At EBP West Berks, however, we have many years experience of setting up work placements and operate within an established framework and to strict guidelines.

Our aim is to create relevant and effective work placements for all the students and schools we support so that everyone is able to make the most of the experience whether it be for a week, two weeks or for an extended period.

The key steps in the process are as follows:

For Pre 16 students:

  1. Schools give an introduction to work experience for students
  2. EBP West Berks holds an Information Evening for parents
  3. Students complete an application form, part of which is done online using Webview. Students make four choices of the type of work they would like to do for the week with all jobs being colour coded to indicate how available they are. Students are given a unique PIN number and a guide to help them through the process. The application form must be signed by parents to show they are happy with the choices that their son/daughter has made. It is also possible for students to arrange their own placements if someone they know if prepared to take them. An additional form must however be completed to the standard application form.
  4. At this stage EBP staff start to contact companies to find all the placements necessary for the students.
  5. Once all the application forms are returned EBP start work on placing the students, matching what they want to do with what the companies can offer. Every student is placed on an individual basis.
  6. All placements are sent to the school electronically using Webview around 6 weeks before the placement date. Students are given a job description.
  7. If the student wants to change their placement, there will be a charge of £60 if we have met all the criteria on the application form.
  8. All placements are visited by trained EBP staff to ensure they are suitable and safe, and to check they meet with minimum health and safety and insurance standards. All companies are asked to complete a risk assessment.
  9. Students are prepared for their placements either by school or EBP staff. The student must contact their placement to arrange an interview; sometimes the employer will complete this over the phone.
  10. Parents must complete a Parental Consent Form - if this is not returned to school the student is unable to take up the placement.
  11. The placement commences! Students should have a visit from a member of school staff during the week.
  12. The employer completes a report form at the end of the week indicating how the student got on in their placement. This is returned to the school.
  13. Following the placements, the school and EBP staff complete a review of placements and processes.

For Post 16 students:

  1. The school or College meet with EBP to discuss requirements of the course and work experience
  2. Students complete an application form and, where necessary, are interviewed
  3. Once application forms are returned placements are found in line with course requirements. All students are placed on an individual basis.
  4. Once the students are placed, all will be given a job description detailing their placement.
  5. If the student wants to change their placement, there will be a charge of £60 if we have met all the criteria on the application form.
  6. All placements are visited by trained EBP staff to ensure they are suitable and safe, and to check they meet with minimum health and safety and insurance standards. All companies are asked to complete a risk assessment.
  7. The student must contact their placement to arrange an interview; sometimes the employer will complete this over the phone.
  8. The placement commences, with the student gathering the information they need to complete the relevant parts of their course.
  9. Following the placements, the school and EBP staff complete a review of placements and processes.

Extended placements:

  1. The school completes an application form and a supplementary form
  2. EBP interview the student, with a member of school staff who knows the student
  3. EBP place the student in line with school requirements. Students are placed on an individual basis.
  4. Student attends a preparation session run by a member of EBP staff before the placement can commence. Areas covered are health & safety, employer's expectations and how to be assertive.
  5. All placements are visited by trained EBP staff to ensure they are suitable and safe, and to check they meet with minimum health and safety and insurance standards. All companies are asked to complete a risk assessment.
  6. The student must contact their placement to arrange an interview; sometimes the employer will complete this over the phone.
  7. The placement commences.
  8. A member of school staff makes regular contact with the placement to ensure everything is going according to plan. EBP also make contact with the employer on a half termly basis.