Vocational Preparation

Work and Living

Overview

To enable students make a successful transition from school / centre to working life

An examination of the relationship between the world of work and the life of the individual and the changing nature of this relationship

Aims

Insight into the changing nature of the world of work

Develop an understanding of industrial relations

Raise awareness of health and safety issues in the workplace

Raise awareness of equality issues Raise awareness of the impact of

industry on society

Units

Unit 1: Lifestyles Unit 2: transitions Unit 3: Industrial relations Unit 4: Health and Safety Unit 5: Equality Unit 6: industry and Society

Work & Living

Unit 1 Lifestyles Impact of work on lifestyle Changing patterns of work & employment Technological changes

Unit 2 Transitions Career for life??? Economic change & re-training opportunities Opportunities for working abroad

Unit 3 Industrial Relations

Forms of worker representation Role of trade unions Employers’ organisations Conflict situations, negotiation and

resolution procedures Unit 4 Health and Safety Work related health & safety legislation Personal responsibility in the workplace Health & Safety signs & symbols H&S Regulations in part-time work

Unit 5 Equality Equality of opportunity Traditional attitudes & expectations for women

& men at work DiscriminationUnit 6 Industry in Society Industry’s responsibilities Environmental protection responsibilities Role of local authority Recycling

Sample Activities (see module descriptor)

list some of the effects of work on individual lifestyles e.g. parenting, travel

recognise some of the changing patterns of work and employment caused by technological change. Students could interview someone in relation to this.

The students could prepare a collage/display/chart of the effects of unemployment on the family / community

invite a guest trade union speaker to the class

Sample activities (see module descriptor)

Working in groups allow the students to list reasons for Health and Safety legislation.

They could prepare a collage on health and safety issues or arrange a visit to a workplace to study their health and safety procedures.

Survey health and safety symbols Look at equality issues and debate topics

such as Why are there so few male nurses or female mechanics?

Discuss discrimination issues

Key Assignments

I prepared a report on an interview with a Trade Union/Workers Council representative

I prepared a report/presentation/display on Health and Safety issues

I have listed ways in which greater equality in the workplace is being achieved

I participated in a group activity to improve the environment

Vocational Preparation

Community Work

Overview

introduces students to the work of community and voluntary organisations.

increase their awareness and understanding of the importance of community work.

helps the students identify opportunities that will allow them to make a positive contribution to their community.

Units

Unit 1: Community Involvement Unit 2: Voluntary Agencies Unit 3: Community Development Unit 4: Community Project Unit 5: Voluntary Work Overseas

Community Work

Unit 1 Community Involvement Understanding of ‘community’ Successful functioning of community Benefits of voluntary work National voluntary agencies

Unit 2 Voluntary Agencies Main local voluntary agencies Investigation of 1 voluntary agency

Continued

Unit 3 Community Development Local Community Development

Agencies Role of these agencies Funding Rural/Urban Development Needs Voluntary agencies v Community

Development Projects

Unit 4 Community Project

Project ideas Goals Action Plan Undertake project Evaluation

Unit 5 Voluntary Work Overseas

Purpose Main agencies Type of work for volunteers Current needs How to contribute Process of application

Sample activities(see module descriptor)

Look at the personal satisfaction to be gained from voluntary work

Divide the class into small groups. Each group investigates a particular agency in their community. Students make a display of their findings.

Students research a community project in their area

Brainstorm/discuss the needs created through poverty/wars/natural disasters in The Developing World.

Sample activities (see module descriptor)

list of the different communities they belong to (including family, school, local, national, European, global ….and others).

Draw up an inventory of local community groups

Visits out and visitors in Review the students’ current or previous

experiences or involvement, with voluntary or community agencies

Discuss what would happen to sporting activities, environmental issues, youth clubs, etc. if people in the community did not volunteer to become involved in them.

Key AssignmentsI have listed four reasons why communityinvolvement is important

I have prepared for and either hosted a visit by a speaker from a voluntary/community agency to the class orvisited a voluntary/community agency, and evaluated my learning

I have investigated a local community development project.

I have taken part in planning, carrying out andevaluating a community project as part of a group.

Vocational Preparation

Work Experience 2,3,4

Overview

to encourage Leaving Certificate Applied students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills already gained from any previous work placement

By sampling a variety of career options in the course of this module the students will be better informed and prepared for career decisions that they will have to make in the future.

Aims

To set personal goals in relation to a work placement

To plan for and actively participate in a work placement

and review their learning in relation to each placement.

Experience different work environments by working in a variety of work placements

Broaden her/his understanding of work values, attitudes to work and knowledge of the working world and

Develop interpersonal skills to deal confidently with a range of situations

Aims continued

Develop her/his career plans by investigating a variety of career areas

Make appropriate career decisions taking into account their personal attributes, aspirations and careers available.

Establish contact with possible future employers.

Units

Unit 1: Pre-placement planning unit Unit 2: Placement unit Unit 3: Operational unit Unit 4: Review of experience

Work Experience 2, 3, 4UNIT 1 - Pre-Placement Planning Knowledge of Working World Personal, social, vocational skills Skills & Qualities now Targets for this placement CV & interview preparation Personal, social, vocational skill

development from this placement Exploration of type of work &

development of skills needed Placement details & procedures Expectations, hopes, anxieties Employers’ expectations Information to be gathered

Product/Service Company information Organisational chart Working Arrangements/Working Hours Marketing Investigation of one specific job Health and safety Rights and responsibilities of workers Practise and apply skills Interview worker Job opportunities and selection procedures Career plan for LCA graduate Reflection diary

UNIT 2 - PLACEMENT UNITUNIT 2 - PLACEMENT UNIT

UNIT 3 - OPERATIONAL UNITUNIT 3 - OPERATIONAL UNITEmployer's Report

Attendance and punctuality Appropriate dress Following instructions Completion of tasks Suitability & Competence Responsibility Dealing with criticism Interest Adaptability Communication Observance of health and safety

UNIT 4 - REVIEW OF EXPERIENCEUNIT 4 - REVIEW OF EXPERIENCE What learned. Skills/qualities now. New knowledge, understanding. Compare and contrast with previous

placement. Learning about working life. Evaluate performance. Sharing experience. Unexpected outcomes. Current career plans. Future skill development. Employer's expectations. Completion of relevant assignments.

Key AssignmentsWork Experience 2, 3, 4

I reviewed my previous experiences of work and prepared an action plan identifying the personal, social and vocational skills and knowledge I want to develop through this specific work placement.

I completed a report on this particular work placement. In this report I included new knowledge and understanding gained. I also recorded, on a daily basis, reflections of my experiences while on work placement.

I discussed my workplace performance with my teacher and prepared a personal career path chart.

As part of a group I prepared a visual presentation of what I have learned about the world of work.