NARRATOR:
You will hear a woman asking a former trainee about his experience at a company.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 1 to 7.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 1 to 7.
MARTHA:
It's Martha Clines.
MARTHA:
James White gave me your number.
MARTHA:
I hope it's alright to call.
ALEX:
How are you, Martha?
MARTHA:
I'm calling because I could use some advice.
MARTHA:
The training scheme you completed at JPNW a few years ago.
MARTHA:
I'm applying for the same programme.
ALEX:
I finished mine in 2014.
ALEX:
It was one of the best decisions I've made and I still work there.
MARTHA:
Which area are you in now?
ALEX:
I'm in customer services now, but my original placement was in finance.
ALEX:
I spent my first two years there before transferring to my present department.
MARTHA:
Customer services is where I'm hoping to train.
MARTHA:
Did you like the programme?
ALEX:
I was quite anxious at first.
ALEX:
My school exam results weren't strong and I was especially worried because I hadn't passed maths.
ALEX:
In practice, that wasn't a problem because I took plenty of courses at work.
MARTHA:
Did you receive a diploma when the training ended?
MARTHA:
I'm thinking of choosing the one in business skills.
ALEX:
Yes, and that sounds like a sensible choice.
ALEX:
I did the IT skills diploma, but looking back, I wish I'd taken business instead.
MARTHA:
That's useful to know.
MARTHA:
How did you get along with the other trainees?
ALEX:
About 20 of us began together and our ages were quite close.
ALEX:
Only one trainee was younger, at 17.
ALEX:
Everyone else was between 18 and 20 and I made some good friends.
MARTHA:
People say there are plenty of opportunities at JPNW.
ALEX:
Because it's such a large organisation, you can gain experience in many different areas.
MARTHA:
And what about the pay?
MARTHA:
I understand trainees earn a lower minimum wage than regular staff.
ALEX:
That's true, and it isn't ideal.
ALEX:
However, trainees receive exactly the same amount of holiday as permanent employees.
ALEX:
If the company offers you a job afterwards, the salary rises considerably.
MARTHA:
The money isn't my main reason for applying.
MARTHA:
I want the experience and I've heard the year gives people much more confidence.
ALEX:
That was the biggest benefit for me.
ALEX:
The work is varied as well, so you're given many different tasks.
ALEX:
I even enjoyed the studying.
MARTHA:
Do trainees spend any time at college?
ALEX:
Yes, one day every month.
ALEX:
You get support from both your college tutor and your manager at work.
MARTHA:
The company is easy to reach too, isn't it?
ALEX:
It's very near the railway station, so its location is a real advantage.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 8 to 10.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 8 to 10.
ALEX:
Have they given you an interview date yet?
MARTHA:
Yes, the 23rd of this month.
ALEX:
If you prepare properly, you shouldn't be too worried.
ALEX:
The interviewers are very friendly.
MARTHA:
I'm uncertain about what to wear.
MARTHA:
What would you suggest?
ALEX:
Don't choose anything too casual, such as jeans.
ALEX:
A smart jacket with a skirt or trousers would be fine.
MARTHA:
Do you have any other advice?
ALEX:
One obvious thing is to arrive with time to spare.
ALEX:
They really dislike candidates who are late, so check exactly how long the journey takes.
ALEX:
And another tip my manager gave me before my interview was to smile.
ALEX:
Even if you're nervous, it helps people react positively to you.
MARTHA:
I'll need to practice that in front of the mirror.
ALEX:
Let me know if you need anything else.
MARTHA:
Thanks very much.
