1 - Introduction ~5 mins
Today you start your Work Experience Pack: folders first, then a short plan with real headings and lists.
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Create {{code:Digital_Portfolio}} and {{code:Digital_Documents}}
- Apply Title and Heading 1 so sections show in the side panel
- Build a multi-level numbered list with {{kbd:Tab}} and {{kbd:Shift+Tab}}
- Jump sections using the headings panel
Warm-up
Which workplace near you would you try for a week? Jot one line on paper or in Notes and keep it beside you. You will use it under What I am aiming for later.
2 - Your 10-week Journey ~8 mins
Today = Week 1 only. Skim that row. The rest is a map, not today’s task.
| Week | Focus | Portfolio file |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plan + folders | {{code:01_pack_plan}} |
| 2 | CV draft table | {{code:02_cv_draft}} |
| 3 | CV final + PDF | {{code:03_cv_final}} |
| 4 | Cover letter | {{code:04_cover_letter}} |
| 5 | Partner review | {{code:05_review_log}} |
| 6 | Info sheet | {{code:06_placement_info_sheet}} |
| 7 | Diary template | {{code:07_placement_diary}} |
| 8 | Sector profile | {{code:08_sector_profile}} |
| 9 | Report + TOC | {{code:09_report_template}} |
| 10 | Timed application | {{code:10_application}} |
3 - Key Concepts ~4 mins
| Concept | Why it matters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Title style: marks the document title | Teachers see a clear pack title at once | Title on My Work Experience Pack |
| Heading 1: marks each main section | The side list needs real styles, not bold | Three target placements as Heading 1 |
| Multi-level list: {{kbd:Tab}} nests; {{kbd:Shift+Tab}} climbs | Why and contact sit under each placement | 1. Local vet clinic, then indented why |
| Headings panel: side jump list | One click moves you while you edit | Word: Title + H1 in Navigation. Docs: H1s in the outline (Title may not show) |
Quick look: Styles hold Title and Heading 1. Turn on Numbering before {{kbd:Tab}}. Open Navigation (Word) or the outline (Docs) after headings exist. The next task shows each control.
4 - Step-by-step Task: Folders and Practice File ~7 mins
Create your portfolio folders, open a blank document inside {{code:Digital_Documents}}, and name it {{code:pack_plan_practice}}. This file is practice only. Your real portfolio file comes later.
Checkpoint: you should see {{code:Digital_Documents}} open with a document named {{code:pack_plan_practice}}.
5 - Step-by-step Task: Styles, List and Navigation ~10 mins
In {{code:pack_plan_practice}}, build a short sample pack plan. Use numbering only (no bullet tool). Sub-points may show as 1.1 or a: that is correct.
This looks long on paper: the three placements use the same {{kbd:Tab}} / {{kbd:Shift+Tab}} pattern. Nail the first placement, then copy the next two from the sample.
Sample pack plan (vet clinic)
Title: My Work Experience Pack
What I am aiming for
I want a placement where I help with animals and see how a clinic runs day to day. I am ready to learn basic care tasks and how the team works together.
Three target placements
- Local vet clinic
- Why it interests me: I want real animal-care experience
- How I would contact them: email the practice manager through the clinic website
- County council animal welfare office
- Why it interests me: public-service animal work
- How I would contact them: ask the school work experience coordinator
- Local pet shop or boarding kennels
- Why it interests me: daily animal care and customer work
- How I would contact them: phone from school with a teacher using the number on their window
Documents I will make
Pack plan, CV, cover letter, review log, placement information sheet, placement diary, sector profile, report template, application files.
My three goals for this module
- Write a clear one-page CV
- Send a cover letter aimed at one real employer
- Keep notes I can use in a placement report
Checkpoint: Navigation or outline lists four Heading 1 sections, and your list uses numbers only.
6 - Common Issues ~2 mins
Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| {{code:Digital_Documents}} ended up beside {{code:Digital_Portfolio}}, not inside it | Open {{code:Digital_Portfolio}} first, then create the folder from inside that view |
| {{kbd:Tab}} only indents and does not change list level | Turn on Numbering first, then press {{kbd:Tab}} on the new list item |
| The headings panel looks empty | Select each section title and apply Heading 1 again, not plain bold |
7 - Portfolio Build: 01_pack_plan ~15 mins
Independent Practice
- {{code:01_pack_plan}} sits inside {{code:Digital_Documents}}
- Title style plus four Heading 1 sections named above
- Three numbered placements, each with why and contact sub-points
- Headings panel lists four sections you can jump to
Placement ideas
- Local vet clinic
- Local sports club
- Pharmacy or garage
- Café, shop, crèche, or local radio
Use school email or school phone as stand-ins. Do not type home address, date of birth, or personal ID.
8 - Reflection ~5 mins
Quick check
Open the headings panel. Four Heading 1 sections? Is {{code:01_pack_plan}} inside {{code:Digital_Documents}}?
Think about
Which target placement feels most realistic, and why? Be ready to say it in one sentence.
9 - Lesson Summary ~4 mins
What you covered
- Portfolio folders: {{code:Digital_Portfolio}} and {{code:Digital_Documents}}
- Title and Heading 1 styles the side panel can read
- Multi-level numbered lists with {{kbd:Tab}} and {{kbd:Shift+Tab}}
- Jumping the plan with the headings panel
Extension
Add a fourth target placement with why and contact sub-points. Keep list items as list items, not headings.
That was a sample lesson from Digital Documents
Every lesson in the course is ready to teach like this one. See what else comes with it, and how to order it.
This lesson is copyright of Coding Ireland 2017 - 2026. Unauthorised use, copying or distribution is not allowed.