SWL - OVERVIEW

Student Workplace Learning Program gives students learning opportunities in a real or simulated workplace.  Every student who studies a Vocation Education Training Course (VET) is designed to give students the chance to put into practice the skills that they learn in the classroom and learn new skills.

Workplace learning programs have been operating in NSW secondary schools since the 1970’s. Workplace learning refers to programs approved and organised by the school or by a registered training organisation (RTO) such as TAFE NSW.  Students spend time in the workplace as an extension of the classroom. Students are expected to attend the workplace every day of the program.  There are two types of workplace learning programs.

  • Work experience, which involves Year 9 and 10 students and provides a general orientation to the world or work as part of work and career education programs.
  • Workplacement, which involves Year11 and year 12 students who are studying an industry recognised course may be delivered by the school, TAFE or by a private or community registered training organisation.  Workplacement is compulsory requirement for some Vocational Education and Training (VET) HSC Courses. Subjects are Business Services, Construction, Electrotechnology, Entertainment, Hospitality, Information Technology, Metals & Engineering, Primary Industries (Dairy), Primary Industries (Horticulture), Retail and Tourism

Work placement has benefits for both students and for local business

 

Benefits for Students
  • Workplacements enable students to make informed career decisions.
  • Workplacement builds students confidence and gives them an understanding of industry and the working environment.
  • Students from the local community gain skills that will increase their future employment opportunities
  • Students meet the HSC requirements for this subject
  • Students can demonstrate that they are becoming work ready, mature, responsible and skilled to the industry’s entry level.
  • Students get to try out a career before they decide if it is really what they want to do.

Benefits to Local Businesses
  • Good PR for businesses
  • Identifies and retains local talent
  • Develops awareness between local businesses and young people
  • Broadens the skill base for industry
  • Creates opportunities for staff to develop leadership skills
  • Previews potential new recruits
Many students undertaking workplacements are offered part-time work, traineeships or apprenticeships following their workplace experience. Employers often report stories of how impressed they were with a particular student, and of how helpful they proved to be for the week.