Workplace Learning

The two main types of workplace learning programs are as follows:

Students participate in a general orientation to the ‘world of work’, usually in a field chosen by the student.
Students can observe a variety of work as well as undertake supervised work appropriate to their skill level.
Work experience builds on work, career and enterprising learning programs as well as other course work and the school’s provision of career development activities.
These programs are usually first undertaken in Years 9 or 10. Continuing opportunities are also available in Years 11 and 12.

Work placement involves students enrolled in a Higher School Certificate (HSC) industry-recognised course.
Courses include Automotive, Business Services, Construction, Electrotechnology, Entertainment, Hospitality, Information Technology, Metal and Engineering, Primary Industries, Retail and Tourism and Events.
These vocational courses may be delivered by the school or by a TAFE NSW institute, or sometimes by a private or community registered training organization (P/C RTO), also known as a ‘private provider’ that has been contracted by the school to deliver a particular industry-based course to students.
Work placement is a compulsory HSC requirement for the courses listed above. During work placement, a host employer supervises the student as they participate as a voluntary worker in the host employer’s workplace.
Practicing and extending the specific industry skills that the student has been learning in their off the job training at school, TAFE NSW or at a P/C RTO.
Work placement is used by teachers to gather evidence of student achievement of competence at industry standard. This may be in partnership with a suitably qualified workplace assessor.
Student competency leads to an industry-specific VET qualification that is recognised throughout Australia.

Mr Colin McCartney, Careers Adviser