The quality of trainee supervision is a key factor in the success of a work-study program.

In the supervisor, trainees have access to a competent and experienced employee familiar with their Training Plan and able to help them learn.

      Supervisor profile

The following are key criteria in selecting a trainee supervisor:

-       Professional competence

-       Knowledge and skills and the ability to pass them on to the trainee

-       Communication skills (encouragement, constructive criticism, etc.)

-       Ability to detect difficulties the trainee is having and to help him or her learn

      Roles and responsibilities of the supervisor

The supervisor has three types of duties:

1 - Organization and management of the practicum:

-     Serve as link with the school’s practicum coordinator

-     Be responsible for trainee orientation

-     Help the trainee become familiar with company operations, the work environment      and regulations

-    Help the trainee integrate into the company

2 - Trainee support

-     See that the Training Plan is respected

-     Show the trainee work methods and gives the trainee an opportunity to benefit from his or her experience

-     Check that the trainee has understood instructions given

-     Supervise the trainee’s learning and work

-     Provides support to help the trainee learn

      3 - Trainee evaluation

-      Evaluates results and progress, as agreed with the school

-      Identify the trainee’s strengths and weaknesses: skills, abilities, attitudes, behaviour

The supervisor is also responsible for reporting to company management and the school’s practicum coordinator any accidents, damage to equipment, learning problems, behaviour problems or other difficulties encountered during the practicum.

      Support for the supervisor

The supervisor must have a good understanding of the expectations and responsibilities of a supervisor. The school accordingly provides basic preparation before the trainee arrives. The preparation generally covers the following:

-     The purpose of the practicum

-     The content of the Training Plan

-     The trainee’s status (requirements, abilities, needs and restrictions)

-     Materials provided by the school for trainee supervision and evaluation

-    Aspects of the work-study program evaluation that involve the supervisor after the practicum

Supervisors who would like more information about their role can check with the school’s practicum coordinator about additional support. Some schools organize group training activities for host companies and supervisors, and these can be very helpful.

The school can also provide the supervisor with a practical guide for workplace supervisors. This guide offers advice and guidelines to help supervisors fulfil their role and deal with different situations that may arise during the practicum.