problems getting a work placement for a fas traineeship courses?

Angie boo

Hi all,
I have currently registered with fas and found a course I want to do. It's healthcare assistant traineeship. Everything was going find had meeting and general chat with fas officers and tutors about course ect ect. I found out that I have to get my own work placement in a nursing home or high dependency unit.That is not a problem, and of course I'll be garda vetted I'v no problems with this either. The big problem is that I have 2 weeks ( in which I'v only 5 days left) to return the form for work placement sponsor in order to secure an interview with fas for course. I can't get a work placement anywhere, I have exhausted every option and nursing home with in a certain mile radius of where I live. Every nursing home or HDU have told me that there is no vacancies or they are generally not interested. There is only 20 places on course and I tried at least 30 nursing homes. When I went back to fas with this they said to keep trying as nursing homes are aware of this course and a work placement should be no problem to secure. I running out of time to do something which I always wanted to do. Just wondering if anyone else has come across a problem like this with this course or any other course??

gollem_1975

Angie boo wrote: »

Hi all,
I have currently registered with fas and found a course I want to do. It's healthcare assistant traineeship. Everything was going find had meeting and general chat with fas officers and tutors about course ect ect. I found out that I have to get my own work placement in a nursing home or high dependency unit.That is not a problem, and of course I'll be garda vetted I'v no problems with this either. The big problem is that I have 2 weeks ( in which I'v only 5 days left) to return the form for work placement sponsor in order to secure an interview with fas for course. I can't get a work placement anywhere, I have exhausted every option and nursing home with in a certain mile radius of where I live. Every nursing home or HDU have told me that there is no vacancies or they are generally not interested. There is only 20 places on course and I tried at least 30 nursing homes. When I went back to fas with this they said to keep trying as nursing homes are aware of this course and a work placement should be no problem to secure. I running out of time to do something which I always wanted to do. Just wondering if anyone else has come across a problem like this with this course or any other course??

will they prevent you from doing the course if you can't get a placement ?

they only gave you 2 weeks to find a work placement. tbh I think that is not giving you a lot of time. was it that you applied for the course late (no problems with that just wondering why they don't give you enough time)

ask the same 30 nursing homes again ( and again if you're not successful the second time ) don't give up..call into them in person if needs be.

looksee

Are you making it clear what course you are doing, that it is work experience (as against looking for work) and that FAS will deal with insurance etc.

Most nursing homes are aware of work experience and are happy to take people on, from what I have seen, the work experience people are a useful part of their staffing.

There are a number of possibilities. The Fas course you are going on may not have a good rep in terms of work experience. People sign on then don't turn up or don't make an effort when they there etc. A properly organised WE set up should keep track of what is happening and make sure students are doing what they should, usually it works very well.

The next possibility is how you are presenting yourself. Do you look tidy and professional, with your hair tidy/tied back if it is long, with a discreet amount of makeup, little as possible. Do you have long fingernails - I'm afraid you will have to sacrifice them. You must have short, clean nails. Do you have a lot of piercings/obvious tattoos? Try and downplay them a bit. What do you wear, practical, clean and tidy clothes with flattish shoes that look practical rather than decorative. Do you smoke, don't go in smelling of smoke. I'm sorry if I am stating the obvious here and you know how to look the part, but you would be surprised how many people don't think of it.

Keep looking, but next time you come across someone willing to talk to you, if they say no, try and find out what the problem is, ask do they take work experience people. It is very unlikely that they all have a work experience person, and some would take two, so it sounds as though there is more to it.

Angie boo

Yeah only gave 2 weeks to get course set up quickly I applyed in June only found out last week about 2 week slot to find placement. No placement No interview and course application will be disregarded by fas. I treat every nursing home visit like an interview, neat dress c.v's on hand references on hand, just same excuse everytime that they don't need staff or don't take part in work placements. I even have a letter and form from fas about course and still nothing. Thanks for the advise guys, I'll keep plugging away, until one of them give way.

snorlax

Angie boo wrote: »

Hi all,
I have currently registered with fas and found a course I want to do. It's healthcare assistant traineeship. Everything was going find had meeting and general chat with fas officers and tutors about course ect ect. I found out that I have to get my own work placement in a nursing home or high dependency unit.That is not a problem, and of course I'll be garda vetted I'v no problems with this either. The big problem is that I have 2 weeks ( in which I'v only 5 days left) to return the form for work placement sponsor in order to secure an interview with fas for course. I can't get a work placement anywhere, I have exhausted every option and nursing home with in a certain mile radius of where I live. Every nursing home or HDU have told me that there is no vacancies or they are generally not interested. There is only 20 places on course and I tried at least 30 nursing homes. When I went back to fas with this they said to keep trying as nursing homes are aware of this course and a work placement should be no problem to secure. I running out of time to do something which I always wanted to do. Just wondering if anyone else has come across a problem like this with this course or any other course??

I got 2,000 results for nursing homes in Ireland. Keep trying
http://www.goldenpages.ie/search/nursing_homes.html

I heard the sisters of the poor were always looking for volunteers..can't remember the website though

gollem_1975

Angie boo wrote: »

Yeah only gave 2 weeks to get course set up quickly I applyed in June only found out last week about 2 week slot to find placement. No placement No interview and course application will be disregarded by fas. I treat every nursing home visit like an interview, neat dress c.v's on hand references on hand, just same excuse everytime that they don't need staff or don't take part in work placements. I even have a letter and form from fas about course and still nothing. Thanks for the advise guys, I'll keep plugging away, until one of them give way.

and keep updating your advisor in Fas on your progress.

I wouldn't be suprised if they have the power to refer you onto a course even if you haven't managed to get a placement.

They might even refer you just to stop you from hassling them.

sciencebizare

Hey,

I'm hoping to get a place in this course as well and I recently got a work placement. My best advise is to be very persistent for anyone trying to get work-placement, try hospitals as well. That's where I got lucky.

My interview is on Thursday and I'm wondering what kind of questions do they ask and how should I dress, professionally or casually?

Really need help asap!!!