Reply to Adam

Dear Adam

Forget the scooter idea! Unless your Mum is a bigger idiot than even you think, she will not fall for this. The best solution is to reduce the late night viewing. Try to get some early evening exercise - take the dog for a walk or go and kick a ball around with some mates. Go to bed before you feel tired, with a good magazine (or perhaps even a book!). This may help you to get to sleep in good time without the need for any audio-visual entertainment. If this is not possible here is an alternative solution:

Obtain an old fashioned alarm clock. The ones with little bells on are the best. Set this for the time that you need to get up and place the clock inside a biscuit tin. The tin is then taped to the side of your head. Masking tape is good for this but if you have long hair you may need bandages or something less sticky!

Sleeping with a tin strapped to your head requires a little practice but waking up should be no problem!  Good luck    TVC

UPDATE! Follow this link to get advice from the 'Sleep Council': http://www.sleepcouncil.com/Leaflets/downloads/the_good_night_guide_for_children.pdf

 

Reply to Leticia

Dear Leticia

We are sorry that you are experiencing difficulties with work place uniform. Unfortunately very few people are able to wear what they want at work. Adapting your dress to different situations is something that you must learn to do. It may seem tough at times but it is part of adult and working life.

Employers have very good reasons for requiring staff to wear uniform:  It allows customers to identify staff and who know who to approach for help, gives customers confidence in you and the company, helps bring staff together and create a team identity, the company can maintain a positive staff image and avoid enforcing a dress code and uniform helps meet hygiene or health and safety requirements

Wearing a uniform at work has advantages for you. It can save you money as you don't have to buy clothes just for work - you are less likely to damage or wear out your own clothes and you don't need to compete to be the most fashionably dressed. Take advantage of your uniform. You will fit in easier and ...its cool to look professional at work! But please remember - only really sad people wear their work clothes to the disco.

 

Reply to Larry

Dear Larry

Travelling to a new place can be worrying. The best thing to help reduce the stress is to do a little preparation. Have a look at the Directions to Training Providers page on the TVC website www.t-v-c.org. Open the page for your training provider and, if possible, print out a copy of this page, or ask your TVC Co-ordinator for a hard copy - these directions are included with the TVC Catalogue pack.

Each 'Directions Page' has a map, a picture and written directions. If the provider is on a bus route, the bus numbers and stops are given. Read through the page and see if you can follow the directions and work out where to go. If you are going to an entirely new place it is always a good idea to find out where it is before you need to. Plan and make the journey on a weekend or before the new term starts. This is sometimes called ‘making a dry run'. If possible get a parent or friend to go with you. If you are unable to do this, explain your concerns to your school/college TVC Co-ordinator. He or she will know how to help you, as this is a very common problem. He/she will talk through the directions with you and may be able to link you with someone else going to the same provider.

Hope this helps to put you on track! Hand held satellite navigation systems are available but are expensive and once you have found your trainer - you will not need it again. TVC

 

Reply to Ollie

Dear Ollie

There is no need to worry - you need not starve. If you are currently entitled to free school meals, you can continue to claim as long as you are in full time education and your family's financial situation has not changed. This includes a school or college sixth form. Your entitlement to free school meals must be renewed every six months and it is important that you complete and return the form to your school promptly. When transferring to the sixth form you may need to ask for a renewal form.

When you are ‘off site' for a training day your school kitchen can provide a ‘pack lunch'. You need to inform your school kitchen in advance (at least a week). Lunch packs can sometimes be collected at the end of the day before (your training) or in the morning before you go. Check with your canteen kitchen to find out what is the normal routine.

If your training is at a College of Further Education (PCFE, PCAD or CCS) you can collect your free school meal from the college canteen. This has to be organised in advance, by your school. The college will have to bill your school/college canteen for the cost and will need proof of your entitlement. Your TVC Co-ordinator will make the arrangements but you must let them know of your needs in good time. You know how busy they are so give them at least a week to sort it out.

And remember - vegetables are good for you!

 

Reply to Tamsin

Dear Tamsin

Bullying is very rare on TVC programmes. On the few occasions it has happened the bully has been removed from the course immediately. All courses encourage team work and everyone works together to support each other. You will make new friends and develop a wider circle of people with whom you can enjoy your free time.

Talk about your concerns with your school tutor. He or she will be able to reassure you and with your permission, let the training provider know that you are worried. We want you to enjoy your TVC experience, be happy and achieve and will do everything we can to make this happen.

You won't need to employ a bodyguard!

TVC

 

Reply to Jon

Dear Jon

Work experience has many important features. Many qualifications require you to demonstrate your skills in a real situation - sometimes many times. Work experience provides opportunities for these assessments. Some of the skills that you will be required to show will only be used at the start and end of each day - when preparing for the day's work and closing up at the end of it. You are also building and developing your knowledge of the business and this may require experiencing the whole working day. It is also important that you get to know what it is like to work a whole day in the business so that you are able to gain the confidence that you can cope with it when you are doing it for real. Most adults work at least 35 hours a week - you need to prepare for this.

We are sorry that you cannot be paid but most work experience placements cost employers money. If you can pay them back a little by being helpful this is good.

TVC