Structured Workplace Learning-Perth,Western Australia

Hello all, My name is Harlan, I am fifteen years old, will be turning sixteen in March of next year. As part of my senior education (years 11-12) I have the opportunity to take part in a program entitle "Structured Workplace Learning" or SWL for short. The program consists of a Student completing a period of assessment with an employer, either of the students choosing or of the schools choosing, the option is the students. I have chossen to find my own employer, thus allowing me to choose my selected field of "Furniture Making and Design".

A little more information on the program as per the hand book given to employers.

"Structured workplace learning (SWL) is a quality program offered by the department of Education and training in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The program provides students with a wonderful opportunity to combine school education with employment and allows them to use this experience as a grade towards high school graduation and as a basis for later job seeking and TAFE entry.

Usually in year 11 students spend up to 30 days in work placement and seek competency in 27 generic (general) skills as required by most employers. They attend structured workplace learning one day a week.

My questions are;

1. Are there any large furniture making companies with representatives on this forum who are willing to take on students or employees?
2. Are there any members who own a Furniture making Shop who are willing to either take myself on as a student as part of the program or as an employee or both?

Obviously it is an un-paid program in which you are by rule, not allowed to pay me for the work, though this is completely understood by me and I think of it as a learning experience.Though as I am currently un-employed I will be seeking employment by the company before and after the program.

Thank you, if more information is required by a company, a person to person meeting can be arranged with myself.

I am also currently looking around, just though I would ask.

Thank you and I hope to here back from you.
Harlan.

Hi Harlan,

First of all don't regard me as an expert, I just may have a couple of ideas.

Now before we go any further, in roughly what area of Perth do you live? Don't give an exact location just an area where you maybe able to look at working. secondly what is your position regarding transport?

Denn

Currently I will either have to rely on public transport or myself (bike) to provide transport to and from the company, though I will be looking at getting my license or a scooter as soon as possible to aid in my transport.

I can probably get anywhere up to north Perth boundary all the way to south Fremantle and most places in between, but as i said before a more suitable mode of transport will be sourced before the program.

Thanks,
Harlan.

In all sincerity, good luck Young Fella I hope you really reach and achieve your desired goals.:2tsup:

Harlan,

My first contact is away for the week and the chap I spoke to didn't know much about the prog', However if you want to try he will be back in town next Thursday.

The chap to speak to is the owner of the company "Just Jarrah" in Armadale, his name is John Riggs.

Just Jarrah specialise in solid furniture made in as you would imagine - jarrah.

Denn

Second one is in Bayswater, a company called "The Whale Carver", they specialise in furniture made from recycled timber; now this is a very small concern and they are a bit sceptical about someone that still has two years schooling ahead of them; Having said that, if you impress them sufficiently with your interest and insight then you may stand a very slight chance (if this doesn't work just keep on trying - never give up).

Call, explain what you want and ask for an appointment with Matt or Mark.

Denn