What is Structured Workplace Learning?
Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) is a compulsory component of the School Based Vocational HSC courses that are recognised by both industry and the Board of Studies. It is a one week (35hours) mandatory Workplacement in industry to enhance skills learned in the classroom.
The Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Program provides students with a better understanding of the world of work and the opportunity to develop their technical and employability skills in any of the Board Endorsed Vocational Courses.
Download Framework Brochures
Automotive
Business Services
Building & Construction
Children's Services
Electrotechnology
Entertainment
Hospitality Commercial Cookery
Hospitality Food & Beverage
Information Technology
Primary Industries
Retail
Tourism
Metals & Engineering
Student Suggested Activities
Automotive
Business Services
Building & Construction
Children's Services
Electrotechnology
Entertainment
Hospitality
Information Technology
Primary Industries
Retail
Tourism
Metals & Engineering
Do students get paid?
Students do not get paid for Workplacement, they are volunteer workers. It is important that students are not paid as any payment to the student may invalidate insurance and indemnity arrangements.
Features of Structured Workplace Learning
- Students are supervised by an employer
- Students are able to participate in real work
- Students are expected to dress and behave in the same way as an employee
- Students are instructed and shown how to do certain tasks
- Students have the opportunity to practice skills learnt in the classroom
- Students are assessed in the workplace
- Insurance is provided for the students
Benefits of SWL for students
- Gaining their HSC and a National industry recognised qualification
- Developing their skills through real workplace experience
- Practicing what they are learning in class
- Contextualising theory so that their learning is more meaningful
- Access to business technology and personnel
- Establishing links with industry to assist in “real life” educational opportunities
- Creating an easier transition to work
- Improving self-esteem and self-confidence
Download Workplace Documents
Structured Workplace Learning Teachers Resource Kit – Revised 2011
Accident Indicent Report Form
Confidentiality Agreement
DET Student Placement Record
Employer Evaluation of Students
Prohibited Activity List
School Cancellation Variation Form
Student Checklist Prior to Workplacement
Student Daily Workplacement Journal
Student Evaluation of Workplacement
Student Registration Form
Student Workplacement Lead
Sydney CEO Student Workplace Learning Record
TAFE Student Placement Record
Teacher Evaluation of Workplacement
What Happens If
Workplacement Agreement
Workplacement Code of Conduct
Policy Documents
DET Parents Guide to Workplace Learning
CEO Parents guide to Workplace Learning
Teacher Industry Placements
Do you need to keep up with industry change or would you like to learn about other VET industries? CBCC is offering all Teachers within the region, the opportunity to take part in a VET industry placement. Update your skills & knowledge! To take this offer up call the SWL Team on (02) 9773 4933.
SWL Student Success Stories
Lesley Tohi - Wiley Park Girls High School
Lesley Tohi is a Year 11 student from Wiley Park Girls High School currently studying a VET Course, Certificate II in Business Services as part of her Higher School Certificate. Lesley recently completed her 35 hours of mandatory Workplacement for Business Services with JobFind Centre Australia in Lakemba.
Lesley chose the Business Services course in order to gain the skills required to begin her career path in the industry after the HSC.
Lesley said “I really enjoyed my Workplacement at JobFind Centre Australia in Lakemba as I gained more confidence and independence. I was given the opportunity to be in a different environment to school and I was made part of the team. The staff was very supportive and I learnt many new things such as how a business is run, how to solve problems and customer service skills.”
Maree Sammut, VET Coordinator at Wiley Park Girls High School added “VET Courses are very beneficial to students; they get a hands on look at the world of work in the framework/s chosen. It is great for the students to be given challenges, to which they are able to succeed.”
Lesley would like to thank her host employer for giving her the opportunity to gain real “hands on” experience and knowledge of the industry during her Workplacement Week.
Well done Lesley and thank you to JobFind Centre Australia - Lakemba for your continued support for local students in the Structured Workplace Learning Program.
Meet the Teacher
February 2011: Bankstown Girls Presentation Day
On Thursday 17th February 2011, Bankstown Girls High School held a Presentation Day at the Bankstown Sports Club celebrating 50 years of Quality Public Education and the achievements of all students throughout 2010.
There were many distinguished guests in attendance, most notably Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, Governor of New South Wales, The Honourable Jason Clare, MP (Minister for Blaxland) and Mr Rod Leonarder, School Education Director, Bankstown, South Western Region. Students were recognised for their committed approach and fantastic efforts towards their studies throughout 2010.
During her speech, Principal Ms Betty Harper said “Today we celebrate the success of our bright and beautiful girls and think about the future. In doing so I am compelled to reflect on our past and the journey that has led us to this point and will inspire us into the future.”
The presentation day included awards recognising academic awards for all grades, State Parliament Awards, Principals Award for Commitment, Vocational Education Student of the Year and the TVET – Top Performing Student in a TVET Course.
Deputy Principal, Mr Charles Borg stated “Today was about recognising and celebrating the outstanding academic, cultural and sporting achievements of our students in 2010 including the high achievers from the HSC and School Certificate 2010.”
Congratulations to all of the students at Bankstown Girls High School for your continued commitment to your studies, and dedication to becoming fine young ladies in today’s society.
Leanne Jackman - Auburn Girls High School
Leanne Jackman has been teaching in the Public Schools system for the past 12 years, 8 of these years have been spent at Auburn Girls High School teaching various subjects such as Hospitality, Textiles and Design, Food Technology, Design and Technology, Community and Family Studies, Exploring Early Childhood and PDHPE. Leanne chose teaching because she likes working with young people and imparting knowledge useful for these students’ future practices. Leanne said “I love watching children grow, develop and mature into young women who can make informed decisions about their lives because of what I have taught them.”
Leanne recently completed her Teacher Industry Placement at Peter Doyle at the Quay. As Auburn Girls High School offers Hospitality – Multiskilling to Year 11 and 12 students, teachers are required to be trained in Food & Beverage which includes going to TAFE and completing a Workplacement component to gain relevant industry experience. Whilst on Workplacement, Leanne was trained in a la carte table service, customer service, preparing for food service, operating point of sale equipment, closing down after service and cleaning and maintaining kitchen equipment. The most enjoyable part of the placement for Leanne was working within a team environment, and communicating with customers.
When asked what her thoughts on VET and Workplacement were, Leanne added “VET subjects are a great choice for student who want to gain skills for the work place and are not pursuing an academic career. Workplacement is essential so students can gain an accurate idea of what people do in their jobs and practice skills they have learnt at school. The employers are the people we need to thank as they go out of their way to provide positive experiences and skills to student who require Workplacements in they chosen frameworks. We must remember employers take on the students out of their own goodwill.“
Dr. Frederick Osman - Trinity Grammar School, Summer Hill
Dr. Frederick Osman is currently the Enterprise Education Coordinator at Trinity Grammar School, Summer Hill through the Trinity Enterprise Education Programme (TEEP). Frederick has had more than 20 years academic and industry experience in Physics and Mathematics education at Tertiary, Secondary, HSC and TAFE institutions.
Over the last several years, Frederick has been teaching mainly Mathematics at Trinity Grammar School and is also an active executive member of several professional societies such as the Australian Institute of Physics, Australian College of Educators, the NSW Teachers Guild and the Royal Society of NSW. He is currently the President elect and recognized as the Fellow of the Australian College of Educators for his outstanding leadership as a teacher in both tertiary and secondary sectors in the areas of maths and physics and for the development of effective and novel means of developing the capacity of beginning teachers and their mentors. Fred has also served as the Chair of the Australian Institute of Physics (NSW branch from 2008 and been involved with other AIP roles for the last 10 years) and is currently the Vice President of the NSW Teachers Guild.
Frederick commented “By carefully targeting VET in schools we are helping our students to develop industry recognised skills and to engage in practical and meaningful education while studying at school. Work placements promote self-regulated learning and hands-on training which provides a link between education and the working world. It prepares students for professional work by providing a link between school and work. I call this “a stepping stone to the real world”.
Trinity Grammar School has an established reputation for excellence in Senior School education through the HSC and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The TEEP Programme is a NEW initiative for the School which provides options in Vocational Education and Training through courses such as Hospitality Commercial Cookery, Electrotechnology, Building & Construction and Entertainment.
Great work Frederick, it definitely looks like you have found your forte!
Useful Links
Do you have a Workplacement to attend, but don’t know how to get there? Try these useful sites for travel information:
Digital Finery.