Work Studies

Modules (15 - 30 Indicative Hours Each)

Modules - There are 11 elective modules which explore issues about work and work-related skills. Modules are studied for 15 to 30 hours.

• • In the Workplace

  • Preparing Job Applications

  • Workplace Communication

  • Teamwork and Enterprise Skills

  • Managing Work and Life Commitments

  • Personal Finance

  • * Workplace Issues (the prerequisite module is In the Workplace)

  • * Self-Employment (the prerequisite module is Managing Work and Life Commitments)

  • * Team Enterprise Project (the prerequisite module is Teamwork and Enterprise Skills)

  • Experiencing Work (one or two of these modules may be undertaken provided that they do not exceed 50 percent of course time)

  • School-Developed Module (one or two of these modules may be undertaken, provided that they do not exceed 25 percent of course time).

  • Modules 7, 8 and 9, indicated by an asterisk, require the completion of prerequisite modules or appropriate prior learning.

Nature of the Course

Work in all its forms – paid and unpaid – plays a central role in our lives. Technological, social and economic factors are rapidly changing the nature of work, the traditional patterns of work organisation and how individuals engage in work. The successful transition of students from school to the workforce and further education and training is essential for individuals and for society. Individuals will need to be flexible and responsive to change along their career pathway. Opportunities for workers to change jobs, develop new skills and to obtain new experiences will be part of the future world of work.

The Work Studies CEC syllabus is designed to assist students in their transition from school to work. It develops knowledge and understanding of the issues faced by students in the transition to work and the skills needed for effective career planning and performance of tasks in the work environment. Integral to the Work Studies syllabus is a focus on the development of essential workplace skills. They are central to the core module and each of the elective modules. Students have an opportunity to practise these skills in appropriate work contexts.

The Work Studies course will assist students to:

• recognise the links between education, training, work and lifestyle, and to recognise the economic and social factors that affect work opportunities

• develop an understanding of the changing nature of work and the implications for individuals and society

• undertake work placement to allow for the development of specific job-related skills

• acquire general work-related knowledge, skills and attitudes, transferable across different occupations

• develop their skills in accessing work-related information, presenting themselves to potential employers, and functioning effectively in the workplace.