21 Site visit procedures

Site visits generally include a period of discreet observation of the student, a meeting with site supervisors (which may or may not include the student) and a private meeting with the student. Personnel will use the visit opportunity to do an environmental scan to ensure safety protocols, general working environment and conditions, climate and culture of the site, etc. Generally, the following take place:

• Personnel speak to the student first, asking the student to describe/demonstrate his/her task(s)
• The student is asked to state their current goals and objectives
• Student may be provided with coaching/instruction on observed tasks or organization of tasks, etc.
• The student is asked for an assessment of his/her performance for the week or since last visit.
• Personnel meet with the student and employer, or just the employer. The employer is asked for their observations and assessment of the student’s performance. PS personnel will share their observations of the day and ensure any previous areas of concern are resolved or being addressed. They will check with the employer as to any new concerns or if student needs more support in certain areas.
• If the student is not part of the meeting with the employer, personnel will meet with the student a second time to share employer’s comments. A conversation about the feedback takes place, and goals are reviewed.
• Program representative will give the student the opportunity to speak privately (“Would you like to step outside and talk about anything privately?”) as a student may be reluctant or uncomfortable voicing concerns where coworkers may overhear.

The questions on these pages are largely based on suggestions from personnel in KPU’s APPD department:

Possible Questions to ask Employers during site visits:

• How is the student doing in general?
• Out of 100%, how does the student performance measure up to paid employees?
• What % of expected duties in the actual job description is the student performing?
• How does the student compare to other new hires?
• How does the student fit in with the rest of your team? (Coworkers, supervisors, on break times?)
• What kind of questions has she/he asked you?
• What percentage of the job duties is the student doing compared to a new hire?
• Compared to one of your regular employees, are there duties the student isn’t doing? Why not?
• What would you say are the student’s strengths?
• Is there an area that the student needs to work on to improve their performance?
• Are there any areas where you feel the student needs more support from us?
• Do you have any questions about teaching strategies for this student?
• Is the student becoming familiar with the work site and with routines?
• Do you think this type of work is suitable for this student?
• Based on your observations, do you have any suggestions about other types of work you think the student might be suited to?
• Is the student punctual (Do they arrive and leave on time? What about breaks?)
• Do you have any concerns about safety issues when the student is working?
• Is this student more help than work?
• How does she/he interact with your customers?
• Does the student follow instructions/perform the task correctly?
• Is the student asking for feedback? How is it received? Are changes made?
• Is the student increasing their independence on the job as the WEP progresses?
• Does the student say good morning/good bye at the end of their shift?
• Can the student work steadily throughout his/her shift?
• Does the student look for work to do/keep busy?
• How’s their speed? Quality? Productivity?
• In what way does the student contribute to your work team?
• Is the student making progress toward their stated goals for this work experience?
• If an opening became available would you consider hiring this student?
• What, if any, changes have you noticed to your overall staff morale since having our student?
• Based on this experience, would you consider taking another student for placement?

Possible Questions to ask Students during site visits:

• Have you completed your safety assignment? (Let’s review it)
• How are you enjoying your work experience?
• Tell me about your duties/what have you been doing?
• What are your goals for this work experience? (Review if needed)
• What do you think you are doing well?
• What do you think you need to work on?
• Have you had any feedback? What was it?
• How did that feel? What did you do?
• Have you asked your supervisor for feedback?
• What is your favourite task?
• What is the most challenging task?
• Are there parts of the job you don’t like, or can’t do?
• How long does it take you to get to work? What bus are you taking?
• Are there any problems or challenges getting to work?
• When is your coffee/lunch break? How much time do you get?
• What is your locker combination number?
• What do you do at break/lunch time?
• What do you talk about with your co-workers?
• How do you remember your coworkers’ names?
• Have you been saying “hello” and “good-bye” to your coworkers?
• Do you make sure someone knows when you arrive and leave?
• How do you know you are working fast enough? (Pace/productivity)
• Give me an example of you taking initiative and or problem-solving skills
• What are your priorities during busy times?
• How do you greet customers?
• Do you have a copy your job description, or a list of your tasks and duties?
• How do you know your work is done correctly?
• Tell me any new fact you have learned about the company this week?
• Tell me what new skills/tasks have you learned this week/during this WEP?
• What have you done at this work experience site that makes you stand out from the other workers?
• Would you like to work here?
• What questions have you asked at the worksite?