AN EMPLOYERS GUIDE TO STUDENT WORKPLACE LEARNING
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AN EMPLOYERS GUIDE
TO STUDENT
WORKPLACE
LEARNING
Contents
Thank you for your interest and involvement Sect io n 1. Ab o ut Wo r kp lace Lear n in g 2
in our workplace learning program. As an Sect io n 2. Ho w Wo r kp lace Lear n in g Wo r ks 3
employer who can provide quality workplace Sect io n 3. Legal Req uir em en t s an d Pap er w o r k 5
learning, you will be helping students to gain Sect io n 3a. Accid en t s an d Em er gen cies 5
valuable practical experience which will
Sect io n 4. Pr o vid in g a Saf e Wo r kp lace 6
assist them in their school courses and help
ready them for work. Sect io n 5. A Ch ecklist f o r Em p lo yer s 8
Sect io n 6. Im p o r t an t Co n t act s 9
1
An employers guide to workplace learning
1 ABOUT WORKPLACE LEARNING • Employers supervise the students as they
This guide introduces you and your staff to the practise and extend the specific industry skills
concepts of workplace learning. It explains the they have learned in their course work.
workplace learning programs and the • During their work placement, students work
procedures and responsibilities when hosting towards gaining specific industry competencies.
students in your workplace. It also includes a • Students achieving competency receive an
handy checklist for employers, both large and industry-specific VET qualification that is
small, to help guide you through the workplace recognised throughout Australia.
learning process.
Work placement is a compulsory HSC
What is workplace learning? requirement for the following Framework
Workplace learning programs form part of the courses:
NSW secondary school curriculum. They • Automotive
enable students to spend time in the workplace, • Business Services
gaining practical experience, assisting their • Construction
career choices and building their industry skills. • Electrotechnology
Workplace learning is available to students in • Entertainment Industry
Years 10,11 and 12. Students are generally • Financial Services
placed in an industry of their choice or study • Hospitality
requirements, reflecting the type of work they • Human Services
plan to do after completing their studies. For • Information Digital Technology
some students workplace learning is their first • Metal and Engineering
experience of the workplace. • Primary Industries
• Retail Services
What kinds of workplace learning are • Tourism and Events
there?
NSW secondary schools offer two main types of It is school policy and subject required to be
workplace learning − work experience and completed for Board Endorsed Courses:
mandatory workplacement for HSC vocational Sports Coaching
education and training (VET) courses. Furniture Making
Hairdressing
Work Experience
These programs are usually undertaken by Workplace learning assists students to:
students in Years 10 or 11. Work experience • observe a variety of work being done
provides a general introduction to the ‘world of • undertake supervised work appropriate to their
work’. Work experience can assist the social skill level
and vocational development of students and • gain general skills related to being at work
enable students to test tentative career choices • learn how enterprises work and how to be
against the realities of the workplace. enterprising in a business and community
• complete course assignments relevant to the
HSC VET Work Placement industry or workplace
• Work Placement Courses are accredited by: • find out about training and employment
industry, the Australian Skills Quality Authority opportunities
(ASQA) and the Board of Studies of NSW. • fine-tune their career aspirations and career
• Work placement is a compulsory component and transition planning.
for students enrolled in Higher School • apply classroom learning in the workplace
Certificate (HSC) industry-recognised courses. • develop confidence in their skills
• These vocational education and training (VET)
courses may be delivered by the school, a Benefits for employers
TAFE NSW institute or a private training Host employers have the opportunity to:
provide. • participate in the education, career
• Work placement ensures that these students development and vocational training of young
spend a period of time as voluntary workers in a people in your community
relevant workplace. • promote the attitudes and skills you want in
your workforce
• identify and train young people with potential by undertaking a placement during the school
for your industry or business holidays. Conditions apply. Restrictions apply to
• strengthen your links with the community and younger students in work experience programs.
raise your business profile Students in Years 10 cannot undertake
• increase the supervisory, training and workplace learning during school holidays.
mentoring skills of your staff Students under 15 years age cannot work
• give students the knowledge of the value of before 7am or after 6pm.
work and raise the quality of those coming into
your industry or business
What is the general procedure
2 HOW WORKPLACE for a placement?
LEARNING WORKS
before the placement
Who organises work placements? Ho st em p lo yer s r eceive w o r kp lace
lear n in g g u id elin es.
Schools will generally arrange their own Wo r kp lace p o sit io n s ar e n eg o t iat ed w it h
workplace learning programs working with em p lo yer s an d sub m it t ed t o t h e sch o o l
f o r ap p r o val.
private providers involved in the delivery of
coursework. Employers may be approached by
the student, school, TAFE, third party or private
provider to host students in their workplace. For
HSC VET work placements, the approach often St u d en t s ar e m at ch ed t o a p o sit io n
comes from a Work Placement Service b ased o n t h eir co u r se w o r k an d /o r
Provider who is funded to negotiate and car eer p lan n in g . Th eir p ar en t s o r car er s
coordinate these mandatory placements. In the sig n o f f o n t h e ar r an g em en t s.
case of work experience, students may make Teach er s co n d u ct act ivit ies t o p r ep ar e
their own approach to an employer for a st u d en t s f o r t h e exp er ien ce.
workplace position and then submit the position
to their school for approval
Work placement service providers
Service Providers during the placement
These local organisations are funded to St u d en t s at t en d t h e w o r kp lace ever y
coordinate HSC VET work placements, liaising d ay o f
between schools, TAFE NSW institutes, private t h e p r o g r am d et er m in ed b y t h e
co n t r act .
providers and employers. You will find they
Ho st em p lo yer s o r n o m in at ed w o r kp lace
have considerable expertise and resources to su p er viso r s su p er vise t h e st u d en t s in
help you provide quality work placements for t he
HSC VET students. w o r kp lace, p r o vid in g t asks t h at ar e
You are welcome to contact them directly: ap p r o p r iat e
Please go to www.workplacement.nsw.edu.au an d at t im es, ch allen g in g f o r t h e
for their contact details. st u d en t .
Teach er s m ake a su p er viso r y visit o r
The Diocese currently has agreements with – p h o n e call t o t h e em p lo yer an d t h e
Youth Express for the Upper Hunter and st u d en t t o ch eck o n t h eir p r o g r ess an d
w elf ar e. Wh er e r elevan t , st u d en t s ar e
Maitland area schools 49537099
assessed f o r in d ust r y -b ased
Career Links for Newcastle region schools co m p et en cies.
49312723
When can workplace learning occur? after the placement
St u d en t s r eco r d t h eir exp er ien ces an d
Workplace learning is usually scheduled on r eview
t h eir car eer p r ef er en ces an d t r ain in g
weekdays during school or TAFE terms. This
p at h w ays.
can be varied for individual students in Years Ho st em p lo yer s r ep o r t o n t h e st u d en t ’s
11 and 12 with the approval of their school or p er f o r m an ce in t h e w o r kp lace.
TAFE. A student may wish to extend their skills Teach er s im m ed iat ely f o llo w u p w it h t h e
st u d en t s t o en su r e m axim u m b en ef it .
Who has duty of care?
The school maintains a duty of care to students
undertaking workplace learning. Schools are
responsible for deciding if placements are
suitable, preparing students for workplace
learning, monitoring the student’s progress and
welfare during the placement and following up
with them immediately afterwards. It is the
responsibility of the host employer to provide a
safe workplace environment and appropriate
supervision for the student. Parents and carers Are students paid for workplacement?
are required to nominate emergency contact for Students are voluntary workers and should not
any emergencies that occur outside normal be paid. If you decide to pay the student, this
business hours. will change your relationship to that of
employer/employee and may invalidate the
Working Together: the workplace insurance and indemnity arrangements.
learning partnership The one exception is where the student uses
their part-time employment as part of their
Workplace learning programs are a partnership mandatory HSC VET work placement
between educators, employers, students and requirement. In this case, the student is not a
their parents or carers. We seek the input and voluntary worker and the insurance
approval of all parties in the arrangement of arrangements of the employer apply to the
placements, with every party agreeing to certain student. This arrangement must be negotiated
roles and responsibilities. Central to this with the employer and approved by the school.
process is the Student Placement Record, a
form that records contacts, arrangements and Who do I contact if there is a problem?
approvals relating to the student’s placement. If you have any concerns or difficulties during
Once everyone has completed their section of the placement regarding the student or other
the form, copies are held by the school, host matters, please contact the school as
employer, student and the parent or carer. indicated on the Student Work Placement
The Student Placement Record also records Record that you will receive before the
information regarding any disability, medical placement.
condition, allergy or restriction that may affect
the safety and supervision of the student in the Contact should be made as soon as possible so
workplace. It will indicate if employers need that solutions can be found quickly.
to make adjustments to accommodate a
student’s additional support needs or
Useful tips from employers
disability.
Engage the student straight away as
Is there a cost involved? the first hour can set the tone for the
week.
NO! There is no financial outlay involved in
having a student on placement but it is Chat with the student about their
acknowledged that there is an indirect cost in
current school work so you can set the
terms of the time involved in implementing the
work at the right skill level for them.
program and training the student.
Consider hosting students in pairs to
give them buddy support to solve
problems and get the work done.
Busy students tend to be happier and
learn more, having a reserve list of jobs
helps with this.
Debrief with your student at the end of
each day and plan the next day’s work.
3 Legal Requirements and No, as long as you follow the requirements in
this guide, you will not need to change your
Paperwork insurance or WorkCover arrangements when
taking on a student under a workplace learning
program. You are expected to have current
Do I have to sign any documents? public liability coverage as is standard business
Yes. Each student is issued with a Student practice. If you are a private provider arranging
Placement Record to document the workplace learning activities for students within
arrangements for their placement. This your own organisation, your company’s own
important form allows for information to be insurance and indemnity arrangements will
shared and approved by all parties − the apply.
student, their parent/carer, the host employer
and the school or relevant TAFE or private
Can I claim compensation for damaged
provider.
As an employer, you will be asked to record
property?
your workplace details, the student’s working
hours, arrangements for their supervision, the The NSW Catholic schools can compensate
activities they will undertake during their employers participating in approved workplace
placement, any pre-training required and the learning programs for damage to their property,
measures you are taking to enable them to do the property of employees or property in the
the work safely. employer’s physical or legal control provided
The student’s educational institution must then that:
approve the placement as described. Parents • any claim for compensation is immediately
and students must also provide their consent, notified to the relevant school or institute
emergency contacts and details of any disability • the employer cooperates fully with the
Catholic Education Commission and the CEC’s
or additional support needs the child may have.
In the case of mandatory HSC VET work legal representatives in investigation of the
placements, Work Placement Service claim
Providers help streamline this process for you. • the damage does not stem from a lack of
supervision or instruction by the employer
Are there any other conditions?
As students are not employees, Workers’
Compensation does not apply.
• Participating students must be aged 14 years
or over.
3a. What to do if an accident or
• Students under 15 years cannot work before
7am or after 6pm. emergency occurs involving the student
• No student can be directed to carry out any
task that is not safe. • Seek medical help immediately, using the
• Employers and employees are to respect the student’s Medicare number as provided on the
rights of students to a safe and healthy host Student Placement Record.
workplace, free from harassment, discrimination Do not treat this as a workers’ compensation
and any conduct that is unacceptable in terms claim.
of child protection. • During normal business hours, contact the
school, TAFE or private provider (and the
What about insurance? parents or carers depending on the seriousness
of the injury).
Insurance and indemnity requirements are • Outside normal business hours, contact the
arranged for NSW Catholic schools. A copy of student’s parents or carers or their nominated
the policy and the currency certificate are emergency contact.
attached to the back of this booklet. • Ask the doctor attending for a medical
certificate.
• Complete a written report of the accident and
Will my business need to change its forward it to the school or relevant provider. The
insurance arrangements? report must include a full statement from the
All claims for damage should be referred to student, the supervisor and relevant witnesses.
the school or relevant provider.4 Providing a Safe Workplace • any special clothing required by the student
eg. enclosed footwear
• any steps you will take or adjustments you will
How can I make my place safe for make to support students with a disability or
students? other additional needs as described on their
Student Placement Record
Before any placement can be approved, • awareness of your responsibilities under child
employers needs to satisfy the school, TAFE protection legislation.
NSW Institute or private provider that they can
provide a safe and healthy host workplace for What are my responsibilities regarding
students, the supervision of students?
compliant with the NSW Work Health and
Safety Act 2011 and anti-discrimination Employers are expected to act in accordance
legislation. with workplace responsibilities as set out for all
You will be asked to provide information on the employees and members of the public. That is,
Student Placement Record. responsibilities that flow from legislation such
It is also expected that employers will give as Workplace Health & Safety, Child Protection,
students a site-specific Workplace Health & Privacy, Equal Employment Opportunity and
Safety briefing at the commencement of, or Anti-Discrimination Legislation.
prior to, the workplace learning program.
During the placement you need to
Are any activities prohibited for provide:
workplace learning students? • activities and skill development tasks
appropriate to the student’s skill level
Yes. Some activities are completely prohibited • ongoing instruction and supervision by a
e.g. working on a roof, while others have capable and trustworthy employee briefed for
conditions attached. There are restrictions the task
on the operation of machinery and equipment, • a workplace induction for students at the
the service of alcohol, work on construction beginning of the placement, including relevant
sites and adventure or sporting activities in safety matters
industries like tourism. Students are not allowed • any personal protective equipment (PPE)
to undertake activities requiring a license (e.g. a required and training in its correct use.
driver’s licence), permit or certificate of Likewise, the students are expected to
competence unless they already hold the comply with the employer’s workplace
relevant license, certificate or permit. Even safety requirements and procedures. They
then, the activity must relate directly to the are not to act in any way that could jeopardise
learning activities of the placement. Employers the safety of themselves or others.
must list these activities on the Student
Placement Record prior to approval. Students must:
Some higher risk industries such as • Participate in orientation and any pre training
construction require the students to undertake or induction identified.
training prior to their work placement. For • Use safety equipment and protective gear
example, all students must complete the WH&S where relevant.
Construction Induction training as a prerequisite • Follow safety rules and procedures.
to placement. • Report any risks or hazards immediately.
A limited range of work involving animals is • Understand and follow emergency
available. The school, TAFE or a Work procedures.
Placement Service Provider can also advise
you if you have any further queries.
Employers must be aware that complaints of
You will need to indicate upfront: harassment or abuse of student in the
• areas of possible risk in the student’s tasks workplace will require investigation and
and your strategies to eliminate or minimise the possible notification according to
risk Part 3a NSW Ombudsman’s Act 1974 and
• any pre-training or induction required by the Section 39 Commission for Children and
student to undertake certain tasks Young People Act 1998.
• your supervision arrangements for the studentChild Protection
In accordance with privacy requirements, it is
expected that employers will:
Working with children and young people is very
rewarding. However, to ensure the safety and • keep all personal student information secure
welfare of young people in your workplace, you and confidential, particularly any health
and your staff must comply with a few simple information.
rules. It is your responsibility as the employer • ensure that information regarding the student
to ensure that your staff know how to conduct is used only for the purpose of the workplace
themselves appropriately with children and learning program.
young people. They must avoid any conduct • dispose of all student details once the
that could make a young person feel workplace learning program is completed
threatened or coerced. This could include • provide student access to any student records
initiation of activities or horseplay involving the held by the employer, including the supervisor’s
report.
student; physical or verbal abuse; physical
assault; inappropriate conversations, remarks
This legislation applies to the information
or jokes of a sexual nature; the showing of
collected about students by the school and
sexually suggestive publications, electronic
passed on to employers, regardless of whether
media or illustrations and any unwarranted
or not it directly applies to your organisation.
and/or inappropriate touching or personal
Similarly, all information provided by the host
communication with students regarding their
employer to the school or the Business
sexual feelings. As an employer, you will be
asked to indicate on the Student Placement Education Partnership will be used only for the
Record that, to your knowledge, there is purpose of the workplacement or work
nothing in the background of any staff member experience program.
or person in close contact with the student that
would make them unsuitable for working with
children. Host employers must report any
allegations against an employee in the area of
child protection to the Principal of the school or
the relevant TAFE NSW Institute Manager.
Child protection legislation requires that
allegations about employee conduct be
reported to the NSW Ombudsman. Allegations
involving abuse, harm or risk of significant
harm to the student must also be reported to
the Department of Community Service and in
some cases, to the NSW Police - your Do I need to consider any Industrial
Responsibilities Relations issues?
Certain conditions that have been negotiated
Privacy with the ACTU need to be taken into
consideration. Three important conditions are
The Commonwealth Privacy Amendment that:
(Private Sector) Act 2000 regulates the • the hours of placement that a student does in
collection and storage of personal and sensitive your workplace should be in accordance with
information that may be held by organisations. the award for your industry
In order to meet duty of care responsibilities • the student should not replace a paid
and to facilitate the design of suitable workplace employee (including employees who are on
learning experiences, employers are provided paid annual leave or sick leave) or reduce the
with relevant information regarding students hours which a paid employee would otherwise
who are on workplacement or work experience. be paid to work
This may include name, address, age, • the student should not be used to replace
emergency contact details and possibly employees engaged in industrial disputes
sensitive health information.5 A Checklist for Employers
BEFORE Complete the employer section of the Student
Placement Record (see Sections 3 and 4 of this
• Decide when it is convenient for you to host guide) and return it to the relevant school,
students for work experience or HSC VET work TAFE or private provider.
placement
• Decide the duration of the placements and DURING -
how/when students should apply
• Appoint an experienced staff member to Ensure that the student completes a first day
coordinate your workplace learning programs induction and orientation tour.
for students
• Consult with staff to draw up a list of activities The student’s induction should include:
that can be achieved and safely managed by a welcome and introduction to supervisors
students. and co-workers
a brief overview of your business, product,
These activities should: mission and values
offer insight into the industry and workplace an outline of the student’s planned activities
be varied, safe, interesting and sometimes and supervision arrangements
challenging expectations of behaviour, attitude and dress
not contravene the prohibited activities clarification of working hours, breaks and
indicated in Section 5 of this guide other workplace routines
include tasks and skills appropriate to the a tour of facilities including the student’s work
student’s coursework requirements (eg. VET area/desk, toilets, change rooms, exits, food
course competencies). For HSC work outlets etc.
placements, an explanation of safety - its importance,
see Suggested Student Activities in the relevant reasons and procedures
student journal at www.ezwp.det.nsw.edu.au first aid and evacuation plans and other
emergency drills
Appoint supervisory staff for each student: a brief outline of policies on bullying,
Supervisors harassment and discrimination
Other employees able to help procedures for lateness or absence
rules regarding confidentiality and the use of
Supervisory staff should be capable and PCs, the internet etc.
trustworthy with good communication and
delegation skills. They should be briefed for the
task and given sufficient time to instruct and Students should be given the opportunity to
monitor the student and provide feedback. We ask questions about the workplace and told
also advise you appoint a separate workplace who they can go to for advice or help.
advisor or mentor to provide the students with Ensure that the student is sufficiently
general support and advice. challenged and supervised in the workplace.
Prepare your staff by ensuring they:
understand the purpose of the workplace
learning activity
are aware of the responsibilities of working
with young people, including child protection
guidelines
do not use the students in place of regular
paid employees
receive a timetable of proposed student
activities and arrangements for their supervision
and inductionYour supervisors will need to ensure that
the student:
undertakes varied activities appropriate to Employers section
their skill level and workplace learning www.ezwp.det.nsw.edu.au
requirements Work Placement Made Easy! with easy to
does not undertake any prohibited activities follow materials developed by an experienced
as indicated in Section 5 of this guide employer for fellow employers hosting HSC
does not undertake any activity requiring a VET Also, suggested student activities for HSC
license, permit or certificate of competence work placements
unless they already have the relevant
qualification and the activity has been approved www.inworkingorder.com.au
by all parties before the placement In Working Order, an injury prevention and
is given appropriate feedback and workplace safety toolkit for educators,
encouragement employers, supervisors and parents of young
has sufficient time to complete diaries, work workers
placement journals or research projects http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/newlegislatio
provided by their school, TAFE or private n2012/youngworkers/Pages/default.aspx
provider
|1 For Information on supporting young workers in
your workplace
AFTER - providing feedback on the in the www.workplacement.nsw.edu.au/sydneyaccess
workplace /index.php
Before the placement ends, please:
complete the student report or evaluation
form supplied by the school, TAFE or private
provider
ensure that any property or identification
cards on loan have been returned
take time to provide the student with helpful
feedback and encouragement.
6. Important Contacts
Thank you for taking time to read the
information in this guide. We hope that you feel
confident and well-prepared to support a young
person as they take up these valuable Procedures for Workplace learning programs
workplace learning opportunities. If you have within the Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle, are
any queries, please get in touch with one of the in line with and referenced from the
following: Department of Education and Communities.
• for HSC VET work placements, your Work
Placement Service Provider
• the VET coordinator, careers adviser, or
school-to-work coordinator at the student’s
school
• the HSC VET coordinator for school or HSC
students at the relevant TAFE
• the TVET consultant at the relevant TAFE
• the vocational education officer at the Catholic
Schools officeYou can also read
