WORK EXPERIENCE AS IT SHOULD – AND CAN – BE.
There is a lot of negative publicity accorded to young people these days, especially from within the business community. Many business people complain that school-leavers are ill-prepared for the work environment, and lack the right skills and attitudes to be of benefit to the workplace.
It is refreshing, then, to be able to report that one young man, Abdul Jakaria, a year ten Homewood School student, greatly impressed everybody at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce during his recent fortnight of work experience there.
Chamber Chief Executive Jo James commented “We all know that work experience can be a mixed blessing for all concerned – the businesses and the students – but this case shows that there can be plenty of advantage also.
“Abdul fitted in very well with us, carrying out a variety of tasks including helping in the Accounts Department, working on our database, assisting with room hire and facilities, and even did some labouring and gardening with our caretaker. In all cases his contribution was much appreciated and he was most certainly positively beneficial.
“I have absolutely no doubt that whatever capacity Abdul eventually chooses for a career, he will have all the skills and attitudes to complement any workforce.
“In this case it was Abdul with us. There have been others as good, and there will be more. We as the business community should try and encourage young people, and highlight the positive aspect of their contribution to society. Young people today are the same as young people have always been – they have a lot to offer and it is up to us to inspire them. I just hope that Abdul got as much from us as we got from him.
“Work Experience should, and can, be a positive experience for both student and company. We have a responsibility to make it so wherever possible”.
Kath Chapman, Chamber Resources Manager who supervised Abdul’s Work Experience, said “Abdul was marvellous; he put himself forward for tasks and showed interest in everything going on, and he displayed a personable and humorous demeanour.
“I am confident, from what he said to me and what he recorded in his work-book, that he found his Work Experience valuable. I would like to think it helps him when the time comes to enter the full-time work environment”.
