AWE24

WORK EXPERIENCE THE FIRST STEP AWE24 Powered by Ready4Work Community Interest Company

The skill shortage in the automotive sector has been getting progressively worse for many years. Meeting after meeting the subject is raised with very little action. We do have a Skill shortage but • Apprenticeships have started to pave the way.

• Workplaces are “generally” safer.

• We talk about coaching and learning more.

• Not all roles have an apprenticeship or recognised route to qualification.

• Not everyone wants to do an apprenticeship.

• The industry is changing!

We quickly recognised that there was a decline in Work Experience and Saturday jobs available. The automotive industry has been one of the most pro-active with the development of a variety of apprenticeships but struggles with the ‘pipeline’ of candidates.

WHY BRING WORK EXPERIENCE BACK

The modern-day working environment is ‘generally’ a safer place to work with improved processes and operating standards in place. It is also clear that there are not apprenticeships for all roles particularly non-technical and for support organisations, and of course not everyone wants to be an apprentice, with some students not able to achieve the required entry level qualifications.

The whole industry is changing, and it is important we inform students in Schools of the opportunities and give them a taste with Work Experience and Saturday jobs

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THE FIRST STEP

Government and organisations focusing on youth employment say that in some sectors the level of work experience and Saturday jobs has declined over the years.

If you ask many individuals working in the automotive sector, they will have started their career paths on a work experience scheme or with a Saturday job Other sectors such as retail have a good track record with Saturday working for young people, so what has changed to make the automotive sector move away from this opportunity giving young people a taster of the industry?

THE BARRIERS We have identified barriers that are preventing companies returning to what was almost an industry tradition in encouraging young people into the industry. ➢ Health & Safety ➢ Lack of mentors/supervisors ➢ Only good for menial tasks ➢ Perceived to add little value ➢ Affects productivity ➢ We’re busy ➢ Too much hassle

The future depends on what we do today, but today the future of our industry and the talent to drive it forward is in our schools, colleges and communities AWE24 Powered by Ready4Work Community Interest Company

THE FIRST STEP THE NEW WAY

Over the years there has been a stigma around work experience especially with various government schemes. Everyone remembers YOPS and some of the stories. Young people on work experience making the tea, sweeping the floors and emptying the bins and going back to school or college thinking this is what work is all about.

We have, to do better and offer a 21st Century work experience to impress and attract new talent. We have, to make our businesses youth friendly and we have, to include parents and showcase the modern workplace and career paths.

This new generation of young people need to learn new skills and the modern work experience scheme needs to help them with developing the 5 Employability Skills.

Communication, Self-belief, Teamwork, Self-Management and Problem Solving.

We do this by making sure their time with you is structured and interesting .

Helping companies on this journey is important and the 8 Step AWE24 process is there to help companies to keep young people safe in the workplace.

1. Be Workplace ready 2. Carry out a Risk Assessment 3. Provide Safeguarding and a safe place 4. Commit to a Work Experience Charter 5. An effective induction process 6. Match to a mentor 7. Agree learning outcomes 8. Support and review progress

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‘WE HAVE TO DO BETTER AND OFFER A 21st CENTURY EXPERIENCE TO IMPRESS AND ATTRACT’

BE WORKPLACE READY “Workplace Ready” self-assessment Before considering either taking on a young person on Work Experience or Saturday working it is important to carry out a “Workplace ready” selfassessment of your business, to ensure it is compliant and prepared for young people. You should already have the minimum legal requirements in place, but if you do need some support, we are able to assist.

What will a self-assessment include?

1.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974

The requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, and other relevant legislation, which include General Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Fire Safety and others which are relevant to the Automotive Industry. Whilst the young person may not carry out some of the higher risk tasks, they need to be made aware of anything that can cause them harm.

2.

Safeguarding, insurance etc.

You will need to check your insurance policies to see if there are any restrictions in place.

If you can provide Work Experience or a Saturday job opportunity, then we can advise you of the roles that will be suitable for young people without putting them at risk.

You will probably work with young people either on an Apprenticeship programme or through employment already, so you will know what to expect. But don’t worry if not we will give you information about safeguarding so you can clearly set out roles, responsibilities and create and maintain a culture suitable for young people.

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BE WORKPLACE READY 3.

Match the person with the Mentor(s).

You may already have identified that the young person needs support with soft skills and maybe things like confidence, or even being punctual. Whilst you may assign someone to “show them the ropes”, you may have to introduce them to others who may be able to offer other support and advice, so they have an “all round” experience.

Ensure that your Mentors are briefed on what their role and responsibilities are, and to understand what acceptable behaviour is when working with young people and to be able to challenge others who do not follow the guidelines.

4.

Agree learning outcomes.

You will have prepared a tailored timetable with clear objectives.

‘GIVE YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT AN ALL AROUND EXPERIENCE’ 5,

Support & review progress regularly

It is crucial that feedback is given regularly to young people, in a very simple, constructive, and motivational way. You will be supporting a young person not just with practical aspects of the work, but you will need to support them with wellbeing and normal day to day challenges as you do with your own Employees.

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BE AWE24 READY Endorsing the Automotive Work Experience Programme is important. We need as many companies, from all sectors involved.

One you have endorsed the programme, review your business and see how many work experience placements you can offer in 2024.

Send the information below to dave@ready4work,uk • Company Name • Number of places available • Locations • Contact details This information will be loaded on to the School of Thought portal.

School of Thought will connect with schools and colleges all over the UK.

CONTACT dave@ready4work.uk www.schoolofthought.info

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