Work Experience Programme 2013
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The next work experience selection day will be held in March. This will be for students wishing to start their placement in March / April / May. Please note receipts are not issued for applications you will be contacted close to the time of the selection day relevant to your start date.
Blackpool Zoo offers 3 different Work Experience Programmes:
INTERNSHIP
In 2012 Blackpool Zoo launched a new Intern Programme. The programme offers students an opportunity of a years Internship working in our animal department. Each Intern has the opportunity to work alongside our experienced animal team as a 'student keeper'. As this position is voluntary and therefore unpaid we recognise that this takes a level of commitment from individuals therefore we aim to provide each Intern with a structured learning programme to help them in their future careers. We offer each Intern:
A Keepers Uniform
Full health and safety training and continuous training as and when required
The opportunity to work alongside our most experienced Keepers and look after a section of the department
A monthly tutorial on all aspects of working with animals and working within a zoo
A full reference and portfolio
Block Programme / Day Programme
Both these programmes offer individuals who are planning a career working with animals an invaluable opportunity to learn from our experienced staff. Work Experience is an imperative part of pursuing a career in this field and Blackpool Zoo are keen to support students and individuals as they work towards their chosen career. We hope you are interested in our programme and we look forward to receiving your application soon. Please read the information below carefully before you decide to apply for a position.
BLOCK PROGRAMME - 18 yrs +
- Full time working programme
- Working hours 5 days throughout the week between Monday - Sunday from 8am to 4pm (Hours extend to 6pm in the summer months)
- Programme runs for a minimum of 4 weeks
- Full uniform requirements
- Reference and certificate will be given upon full completion of the programme
DAY PROGRAMME - 18 yrs +
- Part time working programme
- Working hours 1 or 2 days per week Monday - Sunday from 8am to 4pm (Hours extend to 6pm in the summer months)
- Programme runs for a minimum of 8 weeks
- Full uniform requirements
- Reference and certificate will be given upon full completion of the programme
WORK EXPERIENCE - STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
1. Completed or are completing an animal related course
- 2. Independently be able to complete a Work Experience Application Form and communicate directly not through parents
- 3. Complete a satisfatory medical questionnaire
- 4. Attend a Selection Day and gain a clear understanding of Blackpool Zoo's Health and Safety Procedures
- 5. Complete and sign all appropriate documentation including all Health and Safety forms
- 6. Commit to completing the working dates agreed
- 7. Pay the administration fee (detailed on later pages)
- 8. Adhere to Blackpool Zoo's uniform requirements
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Both an Application Form and Medical Questionnaire must be completed as a paper copy and sent to:
Rebecca Reynolds
Work Experience Coordinator
Blackpool Zoo
East Park Drive
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY3 8PP
Applications sent by email will not be accepted. Once your application is received all communication will be via e mail so ensure you include a live email address on the application form - write clearly and legibly. You will not hear from us unless your application has been successful and you will only be contacted within a month of the selection day (selection days are held every quarter). The reason you wish to gain work experience at Blackpool Zoo is an important part of your application therefore consider your answer carefully.
When your application has been processed you will be invited to attend a Selection/Induction Day. Selection days are held once every 2/3 months. You will not be able to start your placement until you have attended.
During the day you will have the opportunity for an individual meeting with the Work Experience Coordinator to determine your suitability for the programme and also to plan your timings and schedule of work on each section. If we feel you are not suitable for our programme or you do not fulfill the essential criteria, we will not offer you a place on the programme. If you are successful then you will receive a full induction on this day which will include a zoo tour, an introduction to Keepers and a full Health and Safety Training Session. You will be expected to make payment of the administration fee and uniform on this day although you will not receive your uniform and ID card until the first day of work.
Programme Charges
It has become necessary to charge an administration fee to all our students.
The administration is £10, is non-returnable and includes:
Full training including health and safety and working practise
ID card which entitles the student to discount in the cafe and shop
Reference and certificate upon completion of the course.
The student must pay the administration fee at the Induction Day.
Uniform Requirements
A branded waistcoat must be worn by all students during work hours. Students will pay a £10 returnable deposit for the waistcoat, which will be refunded upon completion of the programme.
A branded t shirt and sweatshirt is available for students to purchase and wear during their placement. This has been a popular option for existing students.
Blackpool Zoo has a strict uniform policy which must be adhered to by all employees including Work Experience Students. More information will be given on this during the Induction Day.
If you require any further information which is not detailed above then please contact Rebecca on workex@blackpoolzoo.org.uk
