Work Experience

Timing and duration of work experience

Timing of work experience

Work experience must take place during the school year, which is defined as the period between the first school day of the year and last school day of the year.

Students are to be encouraged to undertake work experience during school time and within the school week.

Students may undertake work experience during the holidays in terms 1, 2 and 3, but not during the holidays at the end of the year (that is, the Christmas/summer holiday period).

If work experience is undertaken during the school term holidays, the work experience coordinator (refer to Roles and responsibilities) must be available as a contact person for the student during the period of the arrangement.

Duration of work experience

The total number of work experience days for a student must not exceed:

• 40 days in a school year
• 10 days during any school term.

As an exception, the principal or nominated person can allow a student to undertake work experience for up to 15 days per term, but the total number of days must not exceed 40 days per year. Exceptions may be granted where one or all of the following is satisfied:

• a student requires an extended period of work experience to acquire particular skills as part of the student’s educational program
• to enable a student to learn more about the workplace, including different activities or jobs.

There is no minimum number of days for work experience.

Hours of work

Students are only permitted to undertake work experience during normal working hours (that is, normal working hours for a standard shift without overtime in their chosen industry). Students are not permitted to work:

• between the hours of 11 pm and 6 am, or if they are aged under 15 years, between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am
• beyond a time which is 10 hours before the start time of a work experience day or a school day which the student is expected to attend.

Students may undertake work experience during the weekend only if:

• the placement cannot take place during the school week
• the principal or nominated person is satisfied that it is appropriate for the work experience to take place, and is satisfied that it does not interfere with the wellbeing and the educational program of the student
• the principal or nominated person and the parent/carer (if the student is under 18 years of age) are satisfied with the arrangement.

Employers must ensure that the minimum conditions and entitlements that apply in Victoria in relation to a meal break are adhered to, that is, at least a 30-minute break after working continuously for 5 hours.