Work experience

During my interview at Knowsley Safari Park on 22nd March 2019 I had a group interview conducted by two members of the Learning and Discovery team. The interview began with an introduction from both members of staff. They explained more about the two placement types that they offer. The Discovery Team involves being part of engagement activities with visitors (Knowsley Safari, 2019). This can include: animal talks, accompanying visitors on the baboon bus and assisting with the giraffe encounters
(Knowsley Safari, 2019). Within the placement, students can assist with touch table station education and provide visitors with information about conservation projects supported by Knowsley Safari Park (Knowsley Safari, 2019) . The Explorer Team is one which runs a kids club (7-10 year olds) from Monday-Fridays (Knowsley Safari, 2019) . The team assist with animal encounters, crafts and games (Knowsley Safari, 2019) . Placement students have the opportunities to get involved in the delivery of activities and contribute to a long term research project that is ongoing by collecting data
(Knowsley Safari, 2019).

The group interview involved a small presentation of our ‘life timeline’ and a couple of group activities. Afterwards I had a 10 minute interview. In the interview we discussed that I was education, my work history and which placement I was interested in.

During the afternoon that day I received a call to say I’d been successful at the interview. I had been offered the placement which runs through the month of August this year. I will be doing 3 weeks with the Discovery Team and 1 week with the Explorer team. My training for the role will begin at the end of July. Plate 1 shows the placement offer email I received.

References:

Knowsley Safari (2019) Learning & Discovery Placements
http://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/education/internships Accessed 25/3/2019