Lambeth Teacher with Lambeth NUT

CEI/DFEE/WOMEN’S UNIT WORK EXPERIENCE GUIDANCE: “GO FOR IT!”

Dear Colleague

The purpose of this circular is to draw attention to the resource pack “Go for it!”, which aims to challenge stereotypes and promote equal opportunities within work experience preparation. The pack was favourably received by the Union’s Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities (Gender).

The guidance could be used for:

• work experience preparation;
• PSHE lessons on gender equality;
• careers education; and
• students who are disapplied from the National Curriculum and who follow a work-based curriculum.

Attached to this circular is a summary of the guidance, which has been produced by the Centre for Education and Industry (CEI) in conjunction with the Women’s’ Unit and the DfEE.

Background

A consultation with young people was carried out jointly by the Cabinet Office and the Home office during 1999-2000, which found that young people are concerned about gender stereotyping at work. There is still an imbalance in the proportion of girls taking placements in manufacturing, IT, construction, science and engineering, and of boys taking up posts in some service areas and in the care sector.

As a result of the consultation, the Government has developed a pilot programme to reinforce the importance of work experience in promoting and opening up opportunities for girls and boys in non-traditional sectors or occupations.

The aim of “Go for it!” is to prepare young people for work experience and to encourage them to take up and succeed in non-traditional placements. Part One examines gender stereotyping of different areas of work and equal opportunities issues in the workplace. Its aim is to prepare young people for their choice of placement and to raise their awareness of equal opportunities at work. Part Two outlines a short confidence-building course for students about to go on work experience.

The teaching and learning styles suggested in the activities involve students in group work, role play, discussion and investigation, which can in themselves promote confidence. Teachers are encouraged to involve employers, work experience supervisors, personnel managers and other visitors from the world of work, where possible.

ACTION

Divisions are advised to write to their LEAs to ensure that staff responsible for work experience preparation within schools have a copy of this guidance.

All secondary schools are entitled to a free copy, although there is a £1.00 charge for postage and packing.

Further copies are available from:

The Centre for Education and Industry

Westwood Campus

University of Warwick

Coventry

CV4 7AL

Telephone: 02476 523948

SUMMARY OF CEI/DFEE /WOMEN’S UNIT GUIDANCE: “GO FOR IT!”

Part one: Raising the issues

This section contains activities designed to highlight the origins of stereotypical assumptions about work roles, by examining:

• presumptions about the suitability of jobs for boys and girls;
• raising the issues of equal opportunities in the workplace;
• encouraging discussion of ways of tackling discrimination; and
• Considering non-traditional job choices.

Part two: confidence building activities for work experience

This section contains a variety of activities that can be used in preparation for work experience, and can be adapted for use in PSHE programmes. The activities include:

• developing assertiveness;
• rights and responsibilities;
• preparation for arriving at a work experience placement;
• role playing real-life work situations;
• techniques of how to refuse requests; and
• exercises on taking criticism and accepting praise.