Work experience
16.1 Study programme learners and the Active Learning programme – work skills, are encouraged to complete works experience. The managers for these areas issue an ‘access request’ to the nominated employer and complete an initial visit to ascertain the suitability of the placement for the learner in question, in particular a Health and Safety risk assessment. During the placement staff visit and contact the placement daily to check the safety of the learners and their attendance. Learners are also required to complete a work placement diary, gather evidence of their experience, and receive feedback regarding their conduct and professionalism. The placement diary is also required to evidence payment of attendance for the bursary.
16.2 The Service will continue to be responsible for the safeguarding of learners placed within a work experience opportunity and will be satisfied that this provider meets the needs of the learner. Written confirmation from the provider that appropriate safeguarding checks have been carried out will be sought on individuals working at the establishment, i.e., those checks that the service would otherwise perform in respect of its own staff.
16.3 The DSL will continue to have oversight of all learners accessing any part of their learning from a work placement provider or delivery online or offsite provided by any organisation or individual not employed by the service. The DSL will ensure that robust arrangements are in place for timely and effective information sharing of safeguarding information between the service and alternative/external providers.
16.4 The DSL will also take responsibility for ensuring that robust procedures are in place to confirm attendance and to enable the swift reporting of non-attendance and learners going missing from alternative/ external providers at any time when they should be with that provider. Particularly within the Internships and the Step into the World of work programs, Job coaches support the learners onsite and provide the necessary support until the learner is confident within the working environment, reducing the level of time and support required.