“Workplace Ready” self-assessment
Before considering either taking on a young person on Work Experience or Saturday working it is important to carry out a “Workplace ready” self-assessment of your business, to ensure it is compliant and prepared for young people. You should already have the minimum legal requirements in place, but if you do need some support, we can assist.
What will a self-assessment include?
1. The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
The requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act, and other relevant legislation, which include General Risk Assessments, COSHH Assessments, Fire Safety and others which are relevant to the Automotive Industry. Whilst the young person may not carry out some of the higher-risk tasks, they need to be made aware of anything that can cause them harm.
2. Safeguarding, insurance etc.
You will need to check your insurance policies to see if there are any restrictions in place.
If you can provide Work Experience or a Saturday job opportunity, then we can advise you of the roles that will be suitable for young people without putting them at risk.
You will probably work with young people either on an Apprenticeship programme or through employment already, so you will know what to expect. But don’t worry if not we will give you information about safeguarding so you can set out roles, and responsibilities and create and maintain a culture suitable for young people.
3. Match the person with the Mentor(s).
You may already have identified that the young person needs support with soft skills and maybe things like confidence, or even being punctual. Whilst you may assign someone to “show them the ropes”, you may have to introduce them to others who may be able to offer other support and advice, so they have an “all-round” experience.
Ensure that your Mentors are briefed on what their roles and responsibilities are, and understand what acceptable behaviour is when working with young people and to be able to challenge others who do not follow the guidelines.
4. Agree learning outcomes.
You will have prepared a tailored timetable with clear objectives.
5, Support & review progress regularly
Feedback must be given regularly to young people, in a very simple, constructive, and motivational way. You will be supporting a young person not just with practical aspects of the work, but you will need to support them with wellbeing and normal day-to-day challenges as you do with your own Employees.
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