1. Are the participants paid?
There is no expectation of payment. We find if there is a wage involved, the employer may be concerned with “getting their money’s worth” from the participant as opposed to giving them a good insight into what a particular career is all about.
So what you wish you pay, if anything, is entirely your decision. The participants are provided with $3000 over the course of two months to help with travel expenses and lost wages. If you’d like to support them by paying a nominal wage for the week, great!
2. How many hours a week should they work?
Again, this is your decision and will likely depend on what you have going on in the company that week. The more time the participant spends on the job will lead to a better understanding of the profession and a more enriching experience, however if it works best as a part time job, then that’s fine too.
3. Are we responsible for travel and lodging?
No. The participants are expected to find their own lodging and travel arrangements, BUT, if you have any ideas for them or can assist with this in any way, whether through staying with a coworker, or a partner hotel, etc, would be a big help to them!
4. The position would require extensive training. How is it possible for them to work here?
In terms of positions in which extensive training is required, it’s not necessary for the participant to fully take on the role. In such circumstances, it would be more of a job shadow. The main idea is that they get a good idea of what the position is all about and whether they’d like to pursue a career in the industry.
5. We have security requirements that the person would have to fulfill. Is that okay?
Yes, that is completely understandable.
6. What would be involved in terms of set up, filming, while the participant is here?
Nothing is required in terms of set up. The participant will have a digital camera that they will occasionally take video clips with – introducing the job, how they are liking it, a couple quotes from their employer (if available) on the profession/company or advice for young people in general.
7. Where will my company be showcased on the OWJ site?
The companies where a participant is working will be showcased through their blog as the participant will be writing, taking pictures/video of their week spent on the job. Other OWJ friendly companies (those willing to be a OWJ employer) will be seen here.
8. Would more than one participant from this semester be coming to my company?
No. But if you’d like to have more than one participant, then this could be a possibility.
9. How much notice will we have to prepare?
The candidates are currently setting up there jobs for this summer. Week #1 begins June 28th, and Week 8 finishes Aug. 20th. The minimum time you have would likely be a few weeks.
10. Can we request a participant?
It’s the participant’s decision where they’d like to work, so requesting one of them isn’t an option. If there is interest from a participant to work at your company and you don’t feel it’s a good fit, you can decline.
So, would your company like to participate?
Great! Here’s how to become a OWJ Friendly Employer!