Structured Workplace Learning
Career Links has Placement Officers who have been allocated to each vocational subject to advise and support students throughout the workplacement process. They will help organise structured workplace learning. There are 3 steps to workplacement, Registration, Workplacement Choice and completion of the Workplacement Info Pack. Click here for more information about the organisation process, or read on for other FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Structured Workplace Learning
What is structured workplace learning?
Is structured workplace learning the same as work experience?
Do I have to do structured workplace learning?
When do I do structured workplace learning?
How do I know if I am work ready?
How long do I spend on structured workplace learning?
How do I get to my workplacement?
What do I wear to my workplacement?
What will happen if I arrive at my workplacement without the correct clothing or equipment?
If I am already working in the industry, do I still have to do structured workplace learning?
What is structured workplace learning?
Workplacement is the on the job training component of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) course you are studying.
Workplacement focuses on linking your knowledge and skills with real workplace situations and will give you an important insight into your chosen industry.
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Is structured workplace learning the same as work experience?
No. Workplacement is different from work experience.
Instead of just observing what goes on, workplacement enables you to put into practice and develop the skills related to the competencies in your Vocational Education and Training (VET) course. Students will also be required to keep a journal of the tasks they undertake and the hours they work during their time with an employer.
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Do I have to do structured workplace learning?
Yes. Work placement is a compulsory part of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) course you are studying. You cannot achieve your certificate if you do not successfully complete your workplace hours.
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When do I do structured workplace learning?
Workplacement is completed during school terms, on dates specified by your school or TAFE. Workplacement dates will be provided to students at the beginning of the year when Registration forms are completed.
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How do I know if I am work ready?
The Class Teacher will advise students if they have been declared work ready before a workplacement can be organized. Some important considerations in work readiness are:
* Attendance – how many classes have you missed?
* Attitude – do I pay attention and behave in a suitable manner?
* Assessment tasks – have they all been handed in on time and completed to a suitable standard?
Students who are not work ready when the class goes on placement can complete the placement early in Term 4.
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How long do I spend on structured workplace learning?
Minimum of 35 hours (5 days) in year 11
Minimum of 35 hours (5 days) in year 12
The actual work roster will depend on the normal opening hours of the business. Students must be available to work to the roster set by the employer. For example - If you are a hospitality student, split shifts, weekend and night work will be expected.
***All hours must be documented and signed off by the employer as evidence***
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How do I get to my workplacement?
You will need to find your own way to your workplacement venue. Think about how you will get there – will you be driving, catching public transport, walking, or getting a lift? Check out bus timetables and/or talk to your parents to make sure you can get to the suburbs you have indicated on your choice form in time to start work.
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What do I wear to my workplacement?
You will need to wear clothing and footwear that is appropriate for the organisation you are placed with. Each business will have specific safety and dress requirements and you must be prepared to follow their instructions carefully. When you are choosing an employer, please think about whether you have suitable clothing for the business. At your interview your employer will discuss their dress code in more detail with you.
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What will happen if I arrive at my workplacement without the correct clothing or equipment?
For Occupational Health and Safety reasons workplacement cannot be undertaken without the correct clothing or footwear. The employer will remove the student from the workplace until the correct clothing or footwear is worn.
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If I am already working in the industry, do I still have to do structured workplace learning?
All Students already working in the industry are eligible to APPLY for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Students must be able to provide evidence of the hours being worked and the activities undertaken as part of the job. Any additional Occupational Health and Safety, training or other certificates that have been completed can be presented as evidence. The Class Teacher will advise if the application has been successful.
Key points to remember about workplacement...
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Be on time every day – arriving 5 minutes early creates a good impression |
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If you are going to be late – Call the employer to explain
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Dress appropriately. If you’re not sure what to wear - Ask |
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Communicate clearly and ask questions |
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Listen and learn from your employer |
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Be enthusiastic
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Enjoy yourself |
