On this page find out more about Work Placement, School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships, our Job Education Training (JET) and Get Back In The Game program(GBIG).
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 (HSC). It is a planned opportunity in a quality host work place that enables senior school students studying industry-based courses, to practise and develop their industry competencies and their employability skills in a vibrant real work context.
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 WPSP for the Illawarra, Southern Highlands, Shoalhaven, South Coast and Far South Coast regions. We work closely with local schools with secondary enrolments, TAFE NSW colleges and campuses, Registered Training Organisations and employers to coordinate the work placements for all eligible students across these regions. In 2019, Workplace Learning organised 3,740 placements with a week of industry skills training directly related to the HSC course the students studied. Once again, Hospitality (40% of placements) and Construction (22%) were the most highly sought-after placements. Metal & Engineering, Business Services, Retail and Electrotechnology were also very significant industries.The industry frameworks for work placement
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, Retail Services, Sports Coaching, Tourism, Travel & EventsBenefits of Work Placement
• Assists students to stay engaged with learning
• Schools are able to offer a diverse range of subjects and activities • Helps teaching staff stay aware of trends across a range of industries • It’s like work experience and 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 • The future workforce gets to try a career to see if it’s right for themWant help preparing your students for their work placement?
Work Ready SessionsWorkplace Learning can conduct free sessions for students required to undertake work placement as part of their VET course.
Topics covered include:
• Documents required (completion of Student Placement Record, Student Contact Emergency Cards and Student Journal)
• Processes to follow for work placement • How to prepare for work placement and the pre-placement interview • What to expect in the workplace • What to do if they have an incident or are unable to attend work placement • How to take advantage of their work placement opportunity • Answer specific questions or concerns regarding work placementTo organise a work ready session for your class, please contact your School-Business Partnership Manager.
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships 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.Job Education Training
JET assists students to achieve their transition from school to work and further learning objectives. Suitable for Year 9 to 12 students, JET assists them to:
• Re-engage • Understand their strengths • Find their fit • Identify post-school options • Plan their pathway • Attend structured work experience • Gain work readiness • Become employable READ MOREGet Back In the Game(GBIG)
GBIG within the Illawarra, Southern Highlands & Shoalhaven Region assists Young People aged 15 to 19 years, who have disengaged from education and are struggling to make effective transitions into employment
• To provide individual client case management, mentoring, training & and employment brokerage services to re-engage them in education and training and/or Support their transitions to sustainable employment.