INTRODUCTION
A professional portfolio is becoming an increasing popular tool in the search for a career. Being able to demonstrate to potential employers that you have many of the skills required for the post can be a specific advantage.
This assignment assesses the following Learning Outcomes of this module:
2. Demonstrate and apply effective practical skills and technical knowledge in a relevant work environment with consideration to health and safety
3. Reflect upon and record the development of work activity
4. Demonstrate problem solving within the industry
5. Develop industry relationships and communicate in an appropriate, professional manner
6. Apply numeracy, communication, and Information and Communication Technology skills within a relevant work environment
ASSIGNMENT BRIEF
You are required to undertake a minimum of 120 hours of relevant vocational experience for successful completion of this module. This may be provided through appropriate, simulated work environments at the college, or through placements within industry. Your module tutor will advise you of the arrangements within your subject area. During your vocational experience you are expected to develop your working skills, with particular attention to the areas of weakness you identified in assignment 1.
You are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating your effective practical skills and technical knowledge within your vocational environment. You must provide tangible evidence of your skills, which could include a series of videos, or the results of an assessment from a tutor or workplace supervisor. You should reflect on your skills and the development of these skills; for example how you developed them, whether you achieved your goals and how you will build on this in the future.
Your portfolio should feature:-
1. Introduction – What is your work placement? Where have you gained your hours? What does research say about practical learning and industry experience? During this portfolio you will reflect on your learning, what does research say about reflection?
2. Learning Log – A learning log will show how you have accumulated your hours, providing a basic description of what you have done, and where. This can go in the appendix. However, provide the reader with an overview or the benefits of logging the things you have been doing which has informed your learning. Here you might expand on your involvement at PNE, analysing and using research. This is a good chance to put some information about learning models and reflective models of learning (How will you show you have learnt from this module).
3. Skills Audit – Now the module is over, can you start to consider what you have learnt, your strengths and areas for improvement? Provide examples or learning that has taken place. Consider sections discussing challenges, networking, communication, coaching sessions, social challenges, logistical challenges and don’t forget to include health and safety….
4. Health and Safety – This is crucial in any working environment. Can you provide evidence of your working knowledge of health and safety precautions relevant to your discipline. Include risk assessments and information from the club regarding essential info such as child protection.
5. Action Plan – Moving forwards what will you do next, to enhance strengths and turn weaknesses into strengths? Be specific, and use SMART targets.
6. References – This report needs to have a large amount of research to support your ideas. Do not neglect this!
7. Appendix – This is a good place to put your raw evidence such as; session plans, risk assessments, pictures, videos, job descriptions, updated CVs, info on employers, info on courses you will attend.
Portfolios can take many formats, traditional paper based as well as electronic. You will receive specific guidance on the type of portfolio that you are to produce by your module tutor.
Cottrell, S. (2010) Skills for success: the personal development planning handbook, 2nd Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
Cottrell, S. (2013) The study skills handbook 3rd ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
Duncan, M. (2005) Health and safety at work essentials. London, Lawpack,
Foster, V. (1998) Developing your employment skills. Richmond, Trotman.
Health and Safety Executive (2012) A guide to the reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations 1995. Sudbury, HSE Publications.
Health and Safety Executive (2013) The health and safety toolbox. Sudbury, HSE Publications.
Houston, K. (2008) Winning CVs for first-time job hunters. Richmond, Trotman.
Miller, R. (1998) Promoting yourself at interview. Richmond, Trotman
Trough, F. (2011) Brilliant employability skills: how to stand out from the crowd in the graduate job market. Hadlow, Prentice Hall.
eBooks:
Chappelow, C., Leslie, J. B. (2002) Keeping your career on track: twenty success strategies. Center for Creative Leadership.
Further Sources of Information
Health and Safety Executive
Department of Environmental Food and Rural Affairs
Department of Work and Pensions
Lantra – UK’s Sector Skills Council for land-based and environmental industries