I went on a work experience placement to apas in May 2004 and I really enjoyed it!

 

On the first day I was introduced to most of the staff and had an induction which was just going through all the procedures e.g. what to do if there was a fire etc. I worked with Lesley for the day; we did a variety of things, working on Excel, Word and Microsoft Outlook. I learnt how to use the till and had a history of apas talk with Nick which was quite interesting!

 

 On the second day I worked in the general office with Cilla where I learnt to laminate and photocopy documents and use a fax machine. I also had a chance to sit into a case discussion meeting which was very interesting. I met Carol who gave me some information on social work and what they do etc which was insightful as I would like to do something like that in a couple of years.

 

On the third day I worked with Raj who is the main advice worker there and did a bit of role play, where I had to make up a person who had an alcohol problem and she then went through the procedures which they actually go through for real clients to give me an insight in what they did and how they deal with clients. I had half an hour chatting to Kathy who went through the apas website and statistics with me. 

 

On my second to last day I was working with Annemarie designing leaflets and laminating them, I was filing documents appropriately too. In the afternoon I was working with Lesley typing and using different types of software including sage. I also checked voice mails and answered the phone.

 

On my last day I just carried on helping Annemarie and Lesley. I also had to finish filling in my work experience booklet. At the end of the day I was made an honouree member of apas and was given a gift voucher!

 

All in all had a great week and thanks to everyone who I met and spoke to. Hopefully I’ll see you all again soon.   

 

by Lucy

 

 

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