NARRATOR:
You will hear Holly discussing her work placement with her tutor.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions 21 to 24.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions 21 to 24.
HOLLY:
Good morning, Dr. Green.
HOLLY:
I've come to discuss my work placement with you.
TUTOR:
You must be Holly.
TUTOR:
So, tell me, which placement have you selected?
HOLLY:
I've chosen the one at Orion Stadium.
HOLLY:
I'll be helping to organise a sports competition there for children from primary schools.
TUTOR:
Yes, that placement is always popular, although dealing with young children can be more demanding than people expect.
HOLLY:
What really appealed to me was the chance to work in the open air.
HOLLY:
An indoor event might be enjoyable, but it wouldn't attract me in the same way.
TUTOR:
Of course, safety will be a major issue when you plan the event.
HOLLY:
Yes, I've been considering that already.
HOLLY:
I thought I'd have to inspect all the sports equipment for damage.
TUTOR:
The schools will actually be responsible for their own equipment.
TUTOR:
You'll be accountable for the site and everything happening on it.
HOLLY:
So once the children have changed and gone onto the field, I'll need to keep them inside the designated area.
TUTOR:
You should also check places such as the changing rooms for trip hazards.
TUTOR:
But your top priority is making sure no child wanders off.
HOLLY:
I'll need enough staff to help me monitor that.
TUTOR:
And remember to think about the spectators too.
HOLLY:
Most of them will probably be parents.
HOLLY:
I wondered whether they could help us run some of the activities.
TUTOR:
I wouldn't count on it.
TUTOR:
They'll be much more concerned with recording their children than with volunteering.
HOLLY:
Then I'll have to stop them getting in the way while they're doing that.
TUTOR:
That can be difficult, especially when a proud parent wants a photograph, and you're asking them to stand somewhere else.
HOLLY:
What should I consider when I draw up the timetable?
TUTOR:
Sporting events can be delayed by all kinds of things, including rain.
TUTOR:
Though fortunately the weather hasn't caused trouble for us so far.
HOLLY:
I was also thinking about injuries.
HOLLY:
Someone was hurt last year.
HOLLY:
Wasn't that what held everything up for such a long time?
TUTOR:
And you need a plan for situations like that.
HOLLY:
Suppose a match finishes level.
HOLLY:
Should I let the teams continue until one of them wins?
TUTOR:
That decision will be yours.
TUTOR:
But whatever you choose, you must allow for it in advance.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the tutorial, you have some time to look at questions 25 to 30.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 25 to 30.
TUTOR:
The purpose of the placement is to help you build the skills required in events management.
TUTOR:
Let's look at those skills now.
HOLLY:
I think I'm already quite a good communicator.
HOLLY:
I'm comfortable speaking to people on the phone, booking venues and doing similar tasks.
TUTOR:
But communication isn't only about your words.
TUTOR:
Imagine meeting somebody in person and trying to convince them to sponsor an event, for instance.
HOLLY:
Then I'll need to choose what I wear carefully, of course.
TUTOR:
Now let's consider organization.
TUTOR:
Events management is centered on people, so arrangements won't always unfold exactly as planned.
HOLLY:
So the key is being able to change course when circumstances shift.
TUTOR:
An unexpected problem might force you to alter the timetable immediately.
HOLLY:
And I should just make the change there and then.
TUTOR:
How are you getting on with managing your time?
HOLLY:
I definitely work better when there's a firm deadline, which is one reason this kind of work suits me.
TUTOR:
Although what matters is how you behave when that deadline is getting close.
HOLLY:
Even if I'm anxious, I have to appear completely composed.
TUTOR:
Keep reminding yourself that other people mustn't see that you're under pressure.
HOLLY:
Even when I'm trying to handle several jobs at once.
TUTOR:
Creativity is another essential skill.
TUTOR:
Clients often arrive with the broad concept, and the events manager has to work out all the practical points needed to turn it into reality.
HOLLY:
So I should listen closely to the overall idea, then identify everything that's still missing.
TUTOR:
You will also lead a team.
TUTOR:
They may offer plenty of suggestions, but the final decisions are yours.
TUTOR:
Whether refreshments should be served indoors or outside, for example.
HOLLY:
Wouldn't it be better to let everyone decide together?
TUTOR:
That sounds fair, but responsibility ultimately rests with you.
TUTOR:
Back the decision you believe is best and be willing to say that an idea is good but unsuitable for this particular event.
HOLLY:
And what about networking?
HOLLY:
Many students find that worrying because we haven't yet got much professional experience to offer.
TUTOR:
Experience isn't everything.
TUTOR:
You can still be an engaging person with worthwhile ideas, and each useful contact you impress may benefit you later.
HOLLY:
That should help when I start applying for a permanent position.
TUTOR:
Look ahead, remember what you want to achieve, and keep those ambitions in view.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part three.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers.
