work experience

[eastlondon]

I work in a busy arts centre, our education outreach department is very keen to build up links with local educational establishments with regard to work placements, We already do several within the back office roles over the year, but the idea is to integrate all departments to provide a rounded experience - a period with each, including technical. These would be, I think, 1 full week for GCSE, 2 week for A-level and an extended 1 day a week for a period of time for higher education students. Has anyone any experience of this? What sort of reporting would I have to do, PPE provision, times they can work and duties they can undertake. I understand this is the education officers and the education institutions responsibility overall, but I would be interested in any one else's experiences.

 

I would imagine I would need to assess any incoming companies before hand and talk to them, but is there anything else?

[Dave m]

There is a thread about this somewhere and it is illegal to employ people under a certain age in the theatre , regardless of h&s requirements?

[OllieDuff]

The Children's Act makes it unlawful to employ a child of compulsory school age, inter alia, for work where they are more than 3m off the floor, or for work in theatres except in connection with a production where the cast are all children. Obviously there is an exemption for child performers somewhere but this does not extend to backstage staff.

With the school leaving age rising to 18 this year, does this mean that no one of school age can work in theatres any more? And how does this affect school amdram techs?

[eastlondon]

many thanks for that, I will pass this on. if anyone has any other input it would be welcome. Although I don't know what employment actually means, will have to google

[w/robe]

Regarding work experience I have had people who were brilliant and those who were awful. 2 come to mind who both looked very similar on paper yet one was a black hole in to which you could pour energy and we used to dread the days she was in. The other was enthusiastic and eager to learn, fitted in well and I was pleased to be able to offer her some paid work to add to her CV.

 

I've had people who have been doing the rounds of different departments and those who were just in your department and there are advantages and disadvantages.

If they are only with you for a short period then you don't have to plan much but you never get to know them or for them to learn any skills. But if they are awful you are not stuck with them for long.

 

As for paper work in my experience the further through the education system they are the easier this becomes, try to go for only over 18s if possible.

 

The main thing is looking for people who can demonstrate an interest in your area already and are not just there because they have to do work experience somewhere or, worse still, want to perform.

[Junior8]

If you search on here there are several threads on this subject. My own veiw is that if they are under 16 forget it entirely. For 16-18 ask the institutions first, they will know what they need and can do within the law.