Policy
This policy sets out the requirements for conducting structured workplace learning in schools.
Summary
- Structured workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to integrate on-the-job experience with secondary study as part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
- Schools must ensure they implement this policy and follow the guidance on the Guidance tab, when planning for and conducting structured workplace learning arrangements, to ensure compliance with legislation.
Details
Structured workplace learning provides students with the opportunity to:
- integrate practical on-the-job experience and learning in workplaces with nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) undertaken as part of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate
- undertake work placement to complement an applied learning program as part of the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate
- demonstrate the practical application of work-related skills as part of VCE Industry and Enterprise.
Structured workplace learning provides the opportunity for:
- enhanced skill development
- practical application of industry knowledge
- assessment of units of competency
- achievement of some learning outcomes
- enhanced employment opportunities.
Structured workplace learning arrangements
All structured workplace learning arrangements must comply with Ministerial Order 55 – Structured Workplace Learning and the accompanying arrangement forms must be used – refer to the Resources tab.
The department has developed comprehensive guidance, on the Guidance tab, to support schools to comply with their obligations under Ministerial Order 55.
Structured workplace learning arrangement form
This Structured workplace learning arrangement form must be completed and signed before the structured workplace learning commences. It must be signed by:
- the employer
- the student
- the parent/guardian of the student – if the student is under 18 years of age
- the principal or acting principal – this authority cannot be delegated to an assistant principal or other member of staff.
The principal must ensure a copy of the signed arrangement form is provided to each party. The principal should retain the original copy.
Variations or amendments to the arrangement form may only be made in writing and must be signed by the employer, student, parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) and the principal.
Structured workplace learning travel and accommodation form
The Structured workplace learning travel and accommodation form must be used:
- if it is proposed that the student may need to undertake vehicle travel with their employer and/or supervisor during the arrangement, including travel to-or-from the workplace
- if the student is required to stay in accommodation other than their normal place of residence while undertaking structured workplace learning.
This form must be signed by:
- for travel – both the employer and the parent/guardian – or the student if they are aged 18 years or over
- for accommodation – the parent/guardian – or the student if they are aged 18 years or over.
Structured Workplace Learning Statewide Portal
The department has established the Structured Workplace Learning Statewide Portal – a website which provides students and teachers with a single, easy to navigate, information and referral point for work-based learning opportunities offered by a diverse range of employers.
Searching on the portal can be done by:
- location
- industry
- VET certificate.
If you are a student or teacher looking for work-based learning opportunities including work experience and structured workplace learning, refer to the SWL Statewide .
The 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (Victorian LLENs) have been funded to deliver the School to Work Program and facilitate student access to work-based learning placements which are tailored to local priorities and employment opportunities. To find your nearest LLEN, refer to the Local Learning and Employment .
Occupational health and safety
Principals must be satisfied that a student is either undertaking or has completed occupational health and safety (OHS) training prior to commencing structured workplace learning as follows:
- where a student is undertaking structured workplace learning as part of a VET program within the VCE including the VCE Vocational Major, or the Victorian Pathways Certificate – the principal must be satisfied that the student is undertaking, or has completed the OHS training unit of competency within the VET program
- where a student is undertaking structured workplace learning which is not related to their VET program within the VCE including the VCE Vocational Major, or the Victorian Pathways Certificate – the principal must be satisfied that the student has completed an OHS program required by the department as follows:
COVID-19 advice
Employers and students participating in structured workplace learning should continue to follow COVIDSafe practices, in line with public health guidance and recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Employers should ensure that students are aware of the workplace’s COVIDSafe Plan, if available, as part of their induction to the workplace. Students should comply with any control measures implemented in the workplace to manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Some employers, particularly in the healthcare and aged care industries, may have a workplace vaccination policy that requires a student on placement to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status to attend work onsite. Students and schools are encouraged to check with employers if a vaccination policy is in place before making a structured workplace learning arrangement. If a student refuses to disclose their vaccination status to an employer and the employer is not comfortable with the placement proceeding on that basis, then the employer may choose not to proceed with the placement. If this occurs, all efforts should be made to organise alternative arrangements for students.
Schools should ensure that students undertaking structured workplace learning that is required for assessment within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), the VCE Vocational Major or the Victorian Pathways Certificate understand that any exclusion from attending work onsite may impact their ability to complete their placement hours and their course completion.
For other department policy, guidance and advice on school operations during COVID-19, schools can also refer to COVID-19 advice.
Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian schools to ensure they are well prepared to keep children and young people safe and protect them from abuse. Ministerial Order 1359 – Implementing the Child Safe Standards – Managing the risk of child abuse in schools provides the framework for child safety in schools.
The Child Safe Standards require schools to put in place systems and processes to help prevent harm to students in all school environments, including workplace learning environments where students undertake:
- work experience
- structured workplace learning
- school community work/volunteering
- and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships.
For more information, visit:
Contacts
For assistance with queries relating to structured workplace learning arrangements, please contact the relevant organisation as outlined below.
For government schools
Career Education Unit, Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Taskforce, Department of Education, email: career.education@education.vic.gov.au
For Catholic schools
Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools, Jenny Wilson, email: jwilson@macs.vic.edu.au phone: 03 9267 0253
For independent schools
Independent Schools Victoria, Pam Hargreaves, email: Pam.Hargreaves@is.vic.cedu.au phone: 03 9825 7246
Definitions
Structured workplace learning
Provides students with the opportunity to integrate on-the-job experience with secondary study.
Related policies
- School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
- School Community Work
- Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students
- Work Experience
Relevant legislation
Reviewed 14 April 2023