Company Policy For Apprentices - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Cambridge IELTS 14 Academic Listening Test 1 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–12 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 13–14 Multiple Choice (Two Answers)
Choose TWO letters, A-E.
Questions 15–20 Matching
What does the manager say about each of the following aspects of the company policy for apprentices?
Write the correct letter, A, B or C, next to Questions.
A It is encouraged.
B There are some restrictions.
C It is against the rules.
Company policy for apprentices
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | — | — | |
| Q12 | A / C | The important thing is to check with someone if you’re not sure what to do talk to as many people as possible |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript suggests that it's important to ask for help when you are unsure and to talk to as many people as possible. Answer Explanation: The answer indicates that two important pieces of advice are to ask lots of questions (A) and to talk to as many people as possible (C). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer matches the advice given in the excerpt, as asking lots of questions and talking to many people align with the manager's recommendations of seeking help and interacting with colleagues during the apprenticeship's first week. |
| Q13 | — | — | |
| Q14 | B / E | what goals you’ve achieved so far, as well as helping you to identify any areas for improvement. You can also discuss your more long-term ambitions with them as well. |
Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript is saying that mentors can help you figure out what you have accomplished so far and show you areas where you still need to improve. You can also talk to them about your future goals and dreams. Answer Explanation: The answer states that mentors can help with making career plans (B) and reviewing progress (E). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is B (making career plans) and E (reviewing progress) because these align with the excerpt where it mentions discussing long-term ambitions with mentors and analyzing achievements for improvement. |
| Q15 | B | don’t use it for personal use | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript indicates that using the internet for personal reasons is not allowed. Answer Explanation: The answer indicates that there are some restrictions when it comes to using the internet at work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'B' because the statement 'don’t use it for personal use' implies that there are limitations or restrictions on using the internet, rather than it being completely against the rules. |
| Q16 | B | it will depend on which department you’re in and what your personal circumstances are. | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript means that whether apprentices can have flexible working arrangements will be different depending on their department and personal situation. Answer Explanation: The answer here means that there are some restrictions on flexible working for apprentices. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'B' because the manager mentions that flexible working for apprentices will depend on factors like the department they are in and their personal circumstances. This implies that while flexible working might be allowed in some cases, there are likely restrictions or guidelines that need to be followed. |
| Q17 | C | we ask that you don’t book any holidays until after your six-month apprenticeship has finished. | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript means that apprentices should not plan or request time off for holidays until they have completed their six-month training period. Answer Explanation: The answer indicates that booking holidays is against the rules for apprentices. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is supported by the statement from the excerpt that explicitly states apprentices should avoid booking any holidays before completing their six-month apprenticeship. Therefore, the information matches with the answer choice 'C' for 'It is against the rules.' |
| Q18 | A | it can be a valuable experience – so we advise you to take it up if possible. | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript suggests that working overtime can be a good and beneficial experience, so they recommend apprentices to do it if they can. Answer Explanation: The answer suggests that apprentices are encouraged to work overtime. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is A (encouraged) because the manager advises apprentices to take up working overtime if possible, indicating a positive stance towards it in the company policy. |
| Q19 | A | Comfortable shoes like trainers are preferable. | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript says that it is better for apprentices to wear comfortable shoes like trainers. Answer Explanation: The answer choice 'A' means it is encouraged. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'A' because the manager encourages apprentices to wear trainers, which are considered comfortable shoes. Therefore, it is in line with the company policy to wear trainers as suggested in the excerpt. |
| Q20 | C | we’ve decided to introduce a no packed lunch policy. | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript mentions that a rule has been implemented where apprentices are not allowed to bring their own food to work. Answer Explanation: The answer indicates that bringing food to work for apprentices is against the rules. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'C' because the excerpt states the introduction of a 'no packed lunch policy,' which means bringing food to work is not allowed for apprentices as per the company policy. |
Transcript
Good morning everyone. My name’s Janet Parker and I’m the human resources manager. We’re very happy to welcome you to your new apprenticeship. I hope that the next six months will be a positive and enjoyable experience for you.
I’d like to start with some general advice about being an apprentice. Most of you have very little or no experience of working for a big organisation and the first week or so may be quite challenging. There will be a lot of new information to take in but don’t worry too much about trying to remember everything. The important thing is to check with someone if you’re not sure what to do – you’ll find your supervisor is very approachable and won’t mind explaining things or helping you out. You’re here to learn so make the most of that opportunity. You’ll be spending time in different departments during your first week so make an effort to talk to as many people as possible about their work – you’ll make some new friends and find out lots of useful information.
As well as having a supervisor, you’ll each be assigned a mentor. This person will be someone who’s recently completed an apprenticeship and you’ll meet with them on a weekly basis. Their role is to provide help and support throughout your apprenticeship. Of course, this doesn’t mean they’ll actually do any of your work for you – instead they’ll be asking you about what goals you’ve achieved so far, as well as helping you to identify any areas for improvement. You can also discuss your more long-term ambitions with them as well.
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Now I just want to run through a few company policies for our apprenticeship scheme with you… Most importantly, the internet. As part of your job you’ll be doing some research online so obviously you’ll have unlimited access for that but please don’t use it for personal use – you’ll have your own phones for that.
Some of you have already asked me about flexible working. After your probationary three-month period – some of you will be eligible for this – but it will depend on which department you’re in and what your personal circumstances are. So please don’t assume you’ll automatically be permitted to do this.
I want to make sure there’s no confusion about our holiday policy. Apart from any statutory public holidays we ask that you don’t book any holidays until after your six-month apprenticeship has finished. Time off should only be taken if you are unwell. Please speak to your supervisor if this is going to be a problem.
You’ll be expected to work a 40-hour week but there may be opportunities to do overtime during busy periods. Although you’re not required to do this, it can be a valuable experience – so we advise you to take it up if possible. Obviously, we understand that people do have commitments outside work, so don’t worry if there are times when you are unavailable.
As you know, we don’t have a formal dress code here – you may wear casual clothes as long as they’re practical – and the only restriction for shoes we have is on high heels for health and safety reasons. Comfortable shoes like trainers are preferable.
There’s a heavily subsidised canteen on site where you can get hot meals or salads cheaply. Snacks and drinks are also provided – so we’ve decided to introduce a no packed lunch policy. This is partly to encourage healthy eating at work and partly to stop people from eating at their workstation, which is unhygienic.
OK moving on to …