Workplace Learning is a community organisation with over 22 years’ experience in supporting young people with their transition from school into further education, training or employment. We actively seek and foster partnerships with business and industry to showcase local skill needs and career opportunities for youth. We also support business and industry to provide ‘hands on’ workplace learning opportunities for young people.
“We have proudly provided work placement to approximately 100 students doing their VET course in Business Services so far.
It is very rewarding for us to be able to give these students some practical working skills and see them gain confidence working with the public and in a team environment. The team at Workplace Learning has also been excellent to deal with, staff are helpful and professional and the processes are easy and efficient”
Grace Benavente
Franchise Partner – Fernwood Fitness – Shellharbour
On this page find out more about Work Placement and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Work Placement
Work placement is a mandatory component of industry-based Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses that students can choose as part of their studies for the NSW Higher School Certificate. It is a planned opportunity in a quality host work place, that enables senior school students studying particular industry-based courses to practice and develop their industry competencies and their employability skills in a vibrant real work context.
Prepare your future workforce.
Bring youthful and new ideas to your business.
Gain access to potential employees, apprentices or trainees.
Strengthen your links with the community and raise your business profile.
Provide students with practical skills training as an integral part of the industry course they are studying for the HSC.
Raise the quality of those coming into your industry.
Students attend and assist in your business for one week (35 hours)
It is unpaid and students are insured by the Department of Education, Catholic Education Office or the Independent School which they attend
Work placement is like work experience but work placement is compulsory for Years 11 and 12 students and directly relates to their Vocational Education and Training (VET) course
Students put into practice the skills they’ve learnt in the classroom
Your future workforce gets to try a career to see if it’s right for them
Students require one week
work placements in
Aeroskills
Animal Studies
Automotive
Business Services
Construction
Early Childhood Education and Care
Electrotechnology
Entertainment Industry
Financial Services
Hospitality
Human Services
Information & Digital Technology
Manufacturing and Engineering
Outdoor Recreation
Primary Industries
Plumbing
Retail Services
Sports Coaching
Tourism, Travel & Events
Give meaningful direction and support as young people link their school studies with the world of work.
Work Placement is coordinated across NSW by a network of Work Placement Service Providers (WPSP). WPSPs are non-government, not for profit organisations contracted to support and coordinate the mandatory work placements for students.
Workplace Learning is the Work Placement Service Provider for the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven and Far South Coast regions. We work closely with local High Schools , TAFE NSW and other Registered Training Organisations and employers to coordinate the work placements for all eligible students across these regions.
If you feel your business may benefit from hosting a student or forming a partnership with a particular school or schools, please submit your details by following the link below
Get Started TodaySchool Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships all allow Students to make an early start on their career while still finishing school.
Opportunities are available across a wide range of occupations. Each offers a chance of getting paid for real work experience, while gaining a nationally-recognised qualification and contributing towards their HSC studies.
School Based Apprentices will complete the first stage of a trade qualification by the end of their HSC year. Trainees complete an initial qualification by the end of year 12.
The study and work associated with their chosen career also becomes a part of their HSC.