As part of the link module "Preparation for the World of Work", your LCVP co-ordinator should arrange a visit to a training scheme in the locality and/or invite an appropriate speaker from such an organisation to visit the group in the school.

This can be done collaboratively where the LCVP co-ordinators, teachers and students discuss and arrange the visit(s).

To begin planning your visit or speaker invitation, research local training schemes available in your area. Use the internet, local directories, school resources, or community noticeboards to identify at least three relevant schemes. Examples include vocational training centres, apprenticeship programmes, or job skills workshops offered by agencies such as SOLAS in Ireland.

For each scheme, make a list including: the name, address, contact details (phone number and email), and a brief description of what they offer, such as the types of courses, target age groups, or focus areas like IT, hospitality, or trades.

As the LCVP co-ordinator, facilitate a discussion with the whole group to review the list of training schemes researched. Guide the group to collectively choose one scheme that aligns with students' interests or potential careers. Then, discuss and decide whether to arrange a visit to the scheme's location or invite a speaker to the school, taking into account factors such as distance, availability, and group size.

Contact the scheme by phone or by email using a template similar to below.

Email Template for Arranging a Visit:

Subject: Request for Group Visit to [Training Scheme Name]

Dear [Contact Person's Name or Sir/Madam],

I am the LCVP Co-ordinator at [Your School Name]. As part of our Preparation for the World of Work module, we are interested in arranging a visit to your training scheme to learn about your programmes and facilities. We are a group of [number] students, and we would like to visit on [proposed date and time]. Could you please let us know if this is possible and any requirements?

Thank you,
[Co-ordinator's Name]
[Co-ordinator's Contact Details]
[School Contact]

Email Template for Inviting a Speaker:

Subject: Invitation for Speaker from [Training Scheme Name] to [Your School Name]

Dear [Contact Person's Name or Sir/Madam],

I am the LCVP Co-ordinator at [Your School Name]. We would like to invite a representative from your organisation to speak to our group about your training schemes and opportunities for young people. A suitable date would be [proposed date and time], for about [duration, e.g., 1 hour]. Please let us know if this is feasible.

Thank you,
[Co-ordinator's Name]
[Co-ordinator's Contact Details]
[School Contact]

Using your prepared template, send the email or make a phone call to the selected scheme. If calling, prepare a script based on the email template. Note the response: who you spoke to, agreed date/time, and any preparations needed (e.g., permission slips). If they decline, try another scheme from your list.

Save a copy of your email or notes from the call.