Starting a new paid or non-paid work experience is exciting but can also be stressful. You can help students be successful by ensuring they are properly prepared. A student that is well prepared feels more confident. Review the information below with the student the week before they start their new job.
Paperwork Needed:
- Social Security card or passport
- Other form of identification, driver’s license or State ID
- Complete any pre-employment forms sent by employer
- Determine the withholding to claim on the student’s W-4 tax form
- Documentation of disability if requesting accommodations
- Work permit, if applicable
Contact Information:
- Supervisor work phone number and email
- Human Resources contact
- Emergency contacts (usually parent or guardian)
- Pre-ETS/VR provider work phone number and email
- Contact of support personnel:
- Job Coach
- Mentor
- Other
Make sure your student knows the following information prior to their first day of work:
- Who to report to
- Work hours – start time and end time
- Transportation options
- If using public transit, review the schedule carefully and download any public transportation application (apps) needed
- When possible have a back-up transportation plan
- Dress code expectations
- Casual, business casual
- Uniform components
- Materials
- Lunch
- Water bottle
- Money
- Paperwork (see first section)
- Medications
- Assistive Technology
- Other materials (notebook, pen, phone, etc.)
General tips to review with the student:
- Review onboarding and orientation materials
- Assist the student in answering any remaining questions
- Discuss social etiquette in the workplace
- Phone use rules
- How to ask for assistance
- Strategies for success
- Check-off list
- Daily schedule
- Writing down directions
- Taking notes during meetings
- Working in groups
- Practice an elevator pitch with the student to introduce themselves (interests, hobbies, why you are excited about this job)
- Encourage the student to eat lunch with coworkers or create a plan on how to navigate the lunch break at work
