Career Work Exploration

Best Practices

Handbook

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Note: All CWEX Teachers MUST implement the procedures in AP 241 Career and Work Exploration BEFORE students attend work placement experiences. AP 241 is found under the Forms section of the Sun West website and contains important procedures in relation to CWEX including the placement of students, the monitoring of CWEX placements, necessary insurance documentation, transportation arrangements, etc. Items in AP 241 CANNOT be customized.

  1. Teaching (In-Class) Component
  1. Proper number of in-class hours must be implemented according to the appropriate curriculum guide. (CWEX 10, 20, A30 or B30)
  2. Ensure proper course configuration and that modules are being implemented properly in order to ensure integrity of the program. See pages 8-10 of Curriculum Guide for suggestions.
  3. Career and Work Exploration Teachers have developed a series of Moodle courses which can be accessed by all CWEX teachers whether delivery of the course is planned for the classroom, online, asynchronous, or synchronous. Logins can be requested from the Career Development Consultant. There are many lesson plans already developed to assist with the implementation of the 10, 20, A30, and B30 CWEX course. All we ask is that if you use it, please give suggestions and or provide further ideas when you feel ready to contribute.

  1. Record Keeping
  1. Organization and completeness of records/forms are an important part of the CWEX class. Feel free to use the any of the templates in this document or draft something similar for your purposes:
  1. Portfolio Cover Pages and Portfolio Contents (see checklist)
  2. Contact Information
  3. Student Information Sheet
  4. Contract of Employment
  5. Roles and Responsibilities
  6. Action Plan
  7. Daily Log
  8. Interview Questions
  9. Performance Reviews
  10. Monitoring Checklists

It is extremely important to follow the monitoring requirements as set out in AP 241. It is also very important to track accurate records of your visits. You will soon develop a system that works for you.

  1. Timely Evaluations
  1. Progress Reports: The CWEX teacher is to initiate timely evaluations of student progress. Evaluation forms can be designed for student self-reflection, employer-evaluation, and teacher-monitor evaluation. Journals reflecting student activities on a daily basis are also considered a best-practice. See samples.
  2. Program Reviews: It is important to conduct an evaluation of the Career and Work Exploration program upon its completion. This is a program that involves various stakeholders including students, parents, and community organizations. It is in our best interest to conduct a program evaluation at the end of each course to see if the needs of the various stakeholders are being met. (Information will be sent to school by Career Development Consultant in June of each year.).

Note: When sending out course-end evaluations, this is also a great time to send out the Sun West School Division certificates as a Division ‘thank-you’ for the support provided by CWEX employers. Contact Career Development Consultant for details.

Portfolio Contents

for

Student Daily Log Book

Student Name
Contents as of
  1. Contact Information
  1. Student Information
  1. Contract of Employment – Copy
  1. Student Contract of Responsibilities
  1. Roles and Responsibilities of All CWEX Program Participants
  1. 241-6 CWEX Program- Schedule B Work-based Learning Consent and Agreement– Copy
  1. Form 241-1 CWEXStudent Use of Private Vehicle – Copy
  1. Action Plan (Complete with employer – include Copy)
  1. Calendar
  1. Career Work Exploration ProgramDaily Log Sheets
  1. Interview Questions (Copy once completed)
  1. Self-Evaluations (complete as instructed)

This portfolio is to remain at the worksite.

Please complete the daily log at the end of each shift.

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Employer Portfolio Contents

  1. Contact Information
  1. Student Information – Copy
  1. Contract of Employment – Copy
  1. Roles and Responsibilities of All CWEX Program Participants
  1. Action Plan – (to be completed with student and discussed with teacher)
  1. Interview Questions and Evaluation Checklist
  1. Form 241-6 CWEX Schedule B Work-basedLearning Consent and Agreement– Copy
  1. Form 241-2 CWEX Student Use of Private Vehicle – Copy
  1. Form 241-3CWEX Information for Employers – Copy
  1. Form 241-4CWEX Teacher Health and Safety Orientation Checklist– Copy
  1. Form 241-5CWEX Employer Health and Orientation Checklist
  1. Performance Review (CWEX teacher will provide details for completion)

Student and Employer

Portfolio Contents

  1. Contact Information
  1. Student Information – Copy
  1. Contract of Employment – Copy
  1. Roles an d Responsibilities of All CWEX Program Participants
  1. Contract of Student Responsibilities – Copy
  1. Student Resume and Cover Letter
  1. Calendar
  1. Action Plan – (to be completed with student and discussed with teacher)
  1. Form 241-5 CWEX Employer Health and Orientation Checklist – (safety orientation to be completed on first day of work placement)
  1. Interview Questions and Evaluation Checklist (mock interview to be conducted early on in placement)
  1. 241-6 CWEX Program- Schedule “B” Work-based Learning Consent and Agreement– Copy
  1. Form 241-2 Student Use of Private Vehicle – Copy
  1. Form 241-3CWEX Information for Employers – Copy
  1. Form 241-4CWEX Teacher Health and Safety Orientation Checklist– Copy
  1. Performance Review (CWEX teacher will provide details for completion)

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Portfolio Contents Checklist

STUDENT / EMPLOYER / TEACHER
Title Page of Portfolio Contents /  / 
Contact Information /  / 
Student Information Sheet / 
copy / 
copy / 
original
Contract of Employment / 
copy / 
copy / 
original
Roles and Responsibilities
(student & participant) / 
original / 
copy
Action Plan / 
copy / 
original / (follow up & inform parents)
Daily Log Sheet / 
Interview Questions / 
copy / 
original / (follow up)
Mock Interview Checklist / 
copy / 
original / (follow up)
CWEX Performance Review – Student / 
CWEX Performance Review – Employer / 
CWEX Monitoring Checklists – Teacher / 
241-6 CWEX Program- Schedule B Work-based Learning Consent and Agreement / 
copy / 
copy / 
original
241-1CWEX Student Use of Private Vehicle / 
copy / 
copy / 
original
241-3 CWEX Information for Employers / 
copy / 
original
241-4 CWEX Teacher Health and Safety Orientation Checklist / 
copy / 
original
241-5CWEX Employer Health and Safety Orientation Checklist /  / (follow up)
Other
Student Cover Letter and Resume / 

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Procedures

  1. First Line of Communication:

Please contact the Career and Work Exploration Teacher if you have ANY questions, comments, or concerns regarding our CWEX program.

  1. Second Line of Communication:

If for some reason you must cancel a placement time, contact a CWEX student, etc., please contact the school directly and follow up with the teacher in a reasonable and timely fashion.

Contact Information

CWEX Teacher

CWEX Teacher Name
Location (School)
Cell Number
Email Address

School

School Address
Principal’s Name
Secretary’s Name
Fax Number

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

This information is very important for the employer in the event of an emergency. Please do not remove from your job portfolio. Remember that the portfolio is to remain at the worksite so your employer has access to this information.

Please fill in prior to first placement visit, review with your employer, and keep the form in your portfolio.

Information will be used for emergency purposes only. Please print carefully.

Student Information

Student Name
Date of Birth(mm/dd/yyyy)
Home Address
Student Home Phone Number
Grade Enrolled In
Hospitalization Number
(**Very Important!**)
Drivers License Number
Eligible To Drive in Saskatchewan? / Yes / No
Parents’/Guardians/ Name(s)
Home Phone Number (s)
Business Phone Number(s)
Cell Phone Number(s)

Physical Information

Height
Do you wear glasses? / Yes / No
Do you wear contact lenses? / Yes / No
Do you have any hearing problems? / Yes / No

Do you have any allergies or medical concerns which may affect your work placement experience? Please explain.

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

The Employer

  • Select workplace employer/supervisor.
  • Provide the student with meaningful learning experiences.
  • Provide a thorough orientation to the student and the teacher coordinator. (ie. Introduction to staff, overview of Safety policies, Safety training, etc.)
  • Explain to student(s) the rules, regulations, and expectations of employees.
  • Where appropriate, document hours for journeyman status.
  • Plan regular one-on-one discussions with the student to encourage, support, and educate.
  • Provide teacher with written evaluation of student performance when requested.
  • Do not hesitate to the teacher to discuss any questions/concerns.
  • Supervise the student and permit the teacher to observe the student placement experience.
  • Ensure that the student, as a learner, shall in no way affect the job security of an employee, nor the employer’s hiring practice with regard to full or part-time employment.
  • Responsible for adhering to all applicable Occupational Health and Safety, Labour Standards, and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems rules and regulations.
  • Maintain appropriate levels of liability insurance.

The Student

  • The student is expected to demonstrate the qualities required of employees in the given work placement location.

The student will experience as many areas as possible, with consideration given to the student’s ability to handle the task. A Training or Action Plan will be developed between the employer, student, and coordinating teacher.

  • Complete safety orientation and follow all safety rules/regulations.
  • Complete daily work log in job portfolio.
  • Report to employer AND school in the event of an absence.
  • Recognize that placement may be discontinued in the event problems occur.

The Teacher Supervisor

  • Will visit the work place periodically to observe the student’s progress, consult with the employer, and be available for consultation with the employer or workplace supervisor.
  • Will coordinate placement, administer forms, file forms, etc.
  • Complete initial Teacher Health and Safety Orientation Checklist prior to students attending placements.
  • Review and collect the Employer Health and Safety Orientation Checklist.
  • Provide adequate support to employer/student involved in program.
  • Ensure proper lines of communication are established with all parties involved.
  • Ensure that feedback is received from employer supervisor and student and that it is continuous throughout the work placement.
  • Liaise between student and employer and deal with conflicts should they arise.
  • Regularly review student job portfolios.
  • In consultation with workplace employer, determine what skills the student has acquired and which need improving.
  • Review performance with student at regular intervals.

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

What Is An Action Plan?

For the purpose of the Career and Work Exploration program, the action plans provides a framework for students, teachers, parents, and employers to better relate to the activities the student will be involved with at the work placement. Action plans serve the purpose of helping students/teacher/parents understand employer expectations and the types of skills that will be developed by the student over the course of the placement experience. Action Plans are also useful in reflection and evaluation processes and help students determine whether or not they are meeting employer expectations.

How To Develop An Action Plan

Students/teachers/employers may use the given template, or design one of their own. The purpose is to make the action plan as accurate as possible in detailing what tasks/duties the student will be performing, assisting with, or observing. If there are any transportation expectations related to the normal course of business, this is a good format for informing all parties of the expectations. (Example: Student must travel with employer to off-site location on a regular basis because ______.)

The student should also be setting personal goals to accomplish throughout the placement. Parents should also be informed of the action plan.

Design And Implementation Of Action Plan

  1. Students must work with employers in identifying tasks he/she will be expected to perform. Students/Teachers/Employers/Parents are to be made aware of the initial plan.
  1. Encourage students to refer the action plan when completing journal entries and by asking questions on monitoring visits.
  1. Incorporate training plans into evaluations.

ACTION PLAN

Take 1

Student Name
Work Placement
Date

Directions

It is important to determine and Action Plan and set goals in relation to your workplace experiences. Your goals will be your own, but you must work with your employer in creating an Action Plan as he/she will also have input into what is reasonable to accomplish. Your teacher will review the plan and provide you with details for informing parents/guardians. Set some short and long term goals so you can start to achieve them and recognize your progress!

Action Plan to be completed with Employer

List general duties to be performed, expectations required of employees in this type of environment, etc. You may also want to list the level of task performed. (Example: Perform, Assist, Observe.) Be certain to include the plan for completing the initial safety orientation, interview, etc. and be sure to document any transportation/dress code related expectations.

Make a copy for student/teacher/employer/parent or guardian.

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

ACTION PLAN

Take 2

Goals to be completed by student

In the first column, list the actions you plan to take in relation to your work placement. (Example: What type of work ethic do you wish to display, what do you wish to learn on the job, are you open to learning new things, etc. ?)

In the second column, indicate how you will know you are reaching your stated objectives.

Going into the work placement portion of CWEX, I wish to gain the following from my work placement experience… / I will know I am succeeding with this objective when…
Short Term Goals
Long Term Goals

ACTION PLAN

Take 3

To be completed at end of work placement experience.

REFLECTION

  1. Did you accomplish your short term objectives? Explain.
  1. Were you successful in accomplishing your long term objectives? Explain
  1. I learned ____about communication in the workplace. I learned _____ about responsibility in the workplace. Provide your thoughts on one of these two issues. Provide details below.
  1. What in your work environment helped you in reaching your goals?

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

  1. What in your work environment made it difficult to achieve your goals?
  1. What was your most rewarding experience? Why?
  1. What was your most challenging experience? Why?
  1. Do you feel this Career and Work Exploration placement has helped you make any decisions about your life/career planning? Why or why not? Explain.

Final Comments about the value of your work-placement

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Daily Log

Please keep a log of daily activities. This log is to be completed at the end of each work-placement shift.

Reflect on your experiences regularly on the back side of the page.

Please have employer review and initial.

Indicate any missed shifts for record-keeping purposes.

What did I do today?

Date / School Day / Activities / Time Spent / Initials
Example:
Monday, Nov. 1 / Day 3 / (List duties performed during the work
placement experience) / # of hours / Student / Employer
TOTAL HOURS

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Additional Comments

(Remember, you must contact your teacher, school, and employer in the event of an absence. Please phone in advance if at all possible.)

missed shifts this period? How do you plan to make it up?

New Knowledge or Skills Learned

List and describe any problems/challenges that occurred and how you dealt with them:

Additional Information: (Example: Favorite part of work placement experience so far, list points you want to remember, etc. This will help when updating your resume)

Student’s Signature / Date
Employer’s Signature / Date

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

ff

Name of Interviewer
Work Placement Site
Name of Interviewee
Date of Interview

Please record employee (student) responses in the spaces below. Once the interview is completed, please check off additional information on the attached Mock Interview Checklist. Thank you for your cooperation! This will provide students with some much needed interview practice.

Begin by greeting employee with a handshake and smile. Direct him/her to the interview area and invite him/her to be seated. (The interviewee should wait to be seated until instructed to do so.).

Questions. Please adhere as closely to the script as possible. Thanks!

  1. Tell me about yourself.
  1. Why are you interested in working for our business as your career and work exploration placement? If the operating of a motor vehicle is required, now would be a good time to ask whether or not the student holds a valid driver’s license and ask question to determine student abilities.
  1. What are your greatest strengths?

S:\5 Handbooks\CWEX Best Practices Handbook 120816.docPage 1 of 31

  1. What do you consider to be your biggest weakness? How do you deal with this weakness?
  1. You are currently a high school student. What are your long range goals?
  1. Tell me about a project you completed either at school, work, or with a volunteer organization that you are proud of. Describe in detail the steps you took to complete/accomplish it and why it makes you proud.
  1. Tell me about a time when you started a project or activity only to realize it wasn’t going as you planned. (Describe the situation and how you dealt with it. What was the outcome? What did you learn from this experience?)
  1. Situation Questions specific to each employer. (These situation questions will give students a chance to think on their feet!)
  1. That concludes our interview, do you have any questions at this time? (Students should respond with some type of question to show they are prepared).