WPP1

mood

Got a call about a WPP1. I would like to do it in order to learn more. However, it sounds like I would be the only person in the company doing the particular job therefore would not have anyone to learn from or ask questions! They seem to want someone who can do the job 100% already. Is this not conflicting with the aim of the WPP?

yop

Hard to know with that one, we are looking for a software tester to work with the programmer(s) here, but we would expect a graduate level, so work experience is not necessary as we will put a testing structure in place for them and they will have us to ask questions from.

What I have noticed though that the FAS site is not 100% WPP1, even programming jobs looking for people with 3 years programming experience.

To me the WPP1 is the chance for the person to learn and gain experience in the area that they have qualified in so that it gives them some leverage in the jobs market and a reference for further jobs.
In saying that I dont like that the person is not getting something extra for taking up this placement.

mood

I have experience but not exactly in this specific area and it sounds like there would be nobody to ask for help if needed.

I also think employers should pay the person about 100 quid a week to cover extra costs i.e. travel etc.

sarahzxe

Hey ive applied for 3 of far also a graduate havent heard anything yet, how long before they contacted you?

Frenzy

I've just got a WPP1 position. My boss wants to give me some extra money (100 per week) on top of the 196 per week I'm getting from social welfare, as he doesnt think its enough to live on.

He's called FAS and they have no problem with doing this but they said that its an issue for the social welfare. So how can my employer get around paying me an extra cash top up?

Surely this should be brought in as part of the WPP1 scheme as I'm going to be spending almost half my weekly income on transport, lunch etc...

MonkeyBone

As far as the WPP1 and top ups are concerned it is quite a fickle matter. I completed a WPP1 programme were I spent everyday working like a slave just to gain the experience and receive a good reference. I received the experience but I got a reference from the Managing Director and my supervisor that basicaly only said I worked from time A to time B. FAS said that the programme would be of immense benefit to me and I would get to keep the job seekers allowance. I could not receive a cash top up from my employer as Social Welfare said it was not allowed. Now I have worked for months with a company alongside people who were doing the exact same job role as me and they are earning 35,000+ and it was the most demotivating experience that I have undergone. I have 6 years of college and 1 and a half years experience only to be left wondering what is the next step. FAS are of little help and in my opinion, many of the WPP1 organisations are effectively getting slave labour so if an organisation is decent enough to offer a supplement for travel expenses etc then the Social Welfare office should not stand in the way. Things are hard enough without all the red tape.

mood

MonkeyBone wrote: »

As far as the WPP1 and top ups are concerned it is quite a fickle matter. I completed a WPP1 programme were I spent everyday working like a slave just to gain the experience and receive a good reference. I received the experience but I got a reference from the Managing Director and my supervisor that basicaly only said I worked from time A to time B. FAS said that the programme would be of immense benefit to me and I would get to keep the job seekers allowance. I could not receive a cash top up from my employer as Social Welfare said it was not allowed. Now I have worked for months with a company alongside people who were doing the exact same job role as me and they are earning 35,000+ and it was the most demotivating experience that I have undergone. I have 6 years of college and 1 and a half years experience only to be left wondering what is the next step. FAS are of little help and in my opinion, many of the WPP1 organisations are effectively getting slave labour so if an organisation is decent enough to offer a supplement for travel expenses etc then the Social Welfare office should not stand in the way. Things are hard enough without all the red tape.

That is terrible. A reference like that is of little good at all. However, many companies are giving references like that now to prevent other companies sussing apparently if the employee turns out to be crap!

Do you mind telling us who the company are?

I agree FAS are crap.

MonkeyBone

A small IT outsourcing company (chancers) not one of the big ones. Tbh I am reluctant to say who in case it comes back to bite me in the future. Seriously though, the reference they gave me was useless. I had hoped that it would give me an added edge in the job hunting but feedback from other interviews that I did said my references were vague and I know the others references are good.

I read a lot about WPP1 in other posts and many people have good things to say about it. I am glad for that and I wish it was that way for me. I think it is a good program that gives experience to graduates etc but there are a lot of chancers out there too. Anyone applying to it should be careful and do there research on it before applying. FAS are of little or no help at all in any respects.