Work Placement

Work experience involves secondary school students undertaking short-term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. Placements with parents and relatives are not recommended as the student gains more benefit from meeting new challenges in new environments. In general, students observe different aspects of work within the industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor.

Work experience students are assessed or evaluated by the school according to school-based criteria. The employers are also asked to provide feedback on the performance of the students in the workplace.

A Job Well Done is a government website with resources to assist secondary schools students with a disability to complete the required OH&S program.  For further information please see:
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/sensecyouth/careertrans/worklearn/jobwelldone.htm

Structured Workplace Learning

Structured workplace learning students who are undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools programs and VCAL may be required to complete a structured workplace learning placement. These students must undertake tasks or activities that enable them to acquire skills and knowledge in an industry setting as part of an accredited vocational training program. Contact your Local Community Partnership for assistance in finding SWL opportunities.

Work Experience Opportunities

Work Experience can be completed during a school term, school holidays or at a designated time arranged by the Secondary College.

In many cases students will be required to find their own placements. There are links below to potential work experience opportunities. Otherwise contact your local council, supported employment business or local disability services who may be able to assist students in finding a placement.

Workplace Learning Coordinator Program

Workplace Learning Coordinators are available in each Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) area to facilitate workplace based learning experiences for students.  Nearly $20 million is being invested over four years in this streamlined arrangement to expand workplace learning opportunities available to young people and to make it easier for education and training providers and employers.

Coordinators work with Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs), secondary schools, TAFEs, Adult and Community Education providers and local employers to coordinate work placements for School-Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, Structured Workplace Learning and work experience.

For details about how to contact the Workplace Learning Coordinator in your LLEN area, please see:  http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/postcomp/WLCcontacts.pdf

The following organisations offer work experience opportunities. 

City of Melbourne
The City of Melbourne offers work experience to Secondary Students in a variety of Council areas. This is a general work experience program.
Website:  employment.melbourne.vic.gov.au/default.asp?newsID=98233
Phone:  (03) 9658 9658

La Trobe University
La Trobe University at Bundoora offers a work experience program to secondary students. They offer office work, outdoor work or a combination of both. Areas include: Artistic, Clerical, Community Service, Manual, Outdoor, Scientific and Technical. This is a general work experience program.
Website:  www.latrobe.edu.au/study/school/careers-advisers/work-experience
Phone:  (03) 9479 2959
Email:  study@latrobe.edu.au

Oakleigh Centre
Oakleigh Centre Industries offer work experience programs to students referred through TAFE, Special Schools, The Department of Human Services and other agencies. They also offer opportunities through their two Opportunity Shops and within their factory in Sandringham.
Website:  www.oakleighcentre.org/oci_employ.htm
Phone:  (03) 9575 4200
Email:  oci@oakleighcentre.org

Prospects Australia
Prospects Australia is an online site offering work experience opportunities around Australia
Website:  www.acq.edu.au/Prospectsaustralia/index.html

Other relevant websites
RSPCA  www.rspcavic.org/volunteer/work_experience.htm
State Library  http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about-us/work-experience
Parks Victoria  www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1process_content.cfm?section=11&page=17
Royal Women’s Hospital       
http://www.thewomens.org.au/SchoolWorkExperience?searchTerms[]=work&searchTerms[]=experience&searchTerms[]=program
Zoos Victoria  www.zoo.org.au/hr/careers/work_experience/secondary
Department of Justice, Victoria        

http://www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/justlib/magistrates+court/home/about+the+court/education/magistrates+-+work+experience
Royal Children’s Hospital  wch.org.au/careers/index.cfm?doc_id=2162
Victoria Police  http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=16291               

We would like to acknowledge that some of this information was sourced from The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the National Disability Coordination Officer Program. The views expressed in these materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Government, Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.