Workplacement

What is Workplacement?

Workplacement provides students studying a Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses towards their Higher School Certificate (HSC) with a valuable opportunity to develop vocational skills, knowledge and attitudes in the context of real work environments. These courses lead to nationally recognised VET qualifications, so it is important for students to have opportunities to apply their classroom learning in real work contexts. For this reason, work placement is a mandatory component of these courses.

Host workplacement employers assist Newman College to prepare young people for the workplace by providing meaningful workplace learning opportunities.

Host employers have the opportunity:

  • to be involved in the education and training of young people
  • to meet and train potential employees and contribute to the development of a committed and skilled workforce
  • to enhance the professional development of their own employees as they gain experience as workplace supervisors
  • to meet students from diverse backgrounds who may have skills which can be useful to the organisation
  • to promote goodwill in the community through closer links with schools.

Students have the opportunity:

  • to experience real work situations
  • to access industry standard facilities, equipment and experienced staff
  • to develop self-confidence, skills and understandings that will assist them in their transition to meaningful work
  • to evaluate their abilities and interests in relation to career choices.

How long are the programs?

This varies. Students usually spend one day per week with an employer for an entire school term along with an additional 5 day block.

Are students paid?

No. Students are voluntary workers and should not be paid.

There is an exception: where a student uses their current part-time employment to fulfil a mandatory HSC VET work placement requirement. This arrangement must be negotiated with the employer and approved by Newman . In this case, the student is not a voluntary worker and the insurance arrangements of the employer apply to the student.

Also, If you would like employ the student, you may wish to consider a School-based Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

Who do I contact if there is a problem?

If you have any concerns or difficulties during the placement regarding the student or other matters, please contact College on (02) 6580 3800 and ask for the students nominated Industry Based Learning Teacher as soon as possible so that solutions can be found quickly.

What are my responsibilities regarding student supervision?

Employers are expected to act in accordance with workplace responsibilities as set out for all employees and members of the public. This includes responsibilities that flow from legislation such as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Child Protection, Privacy, Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Legislation.

Are there any special industrial conditions?

Yes, here are just some:

  • No student is to be directed to work on any dangerous machine.
  • Students must not be used in place of regular employees.

Thank you for your interest in providing workplace learning opportunities for Newman students. Your contribution to the vocational development of young people is valued and appreciated. If you have further questions, or wish to host a Workplacement student please click here to register your interest or contact the Newman Career Development Team on (02) 6580 3800 or newman@lism.catholic.edu.au