Workplace Learning Coordinators Program
The Workplace Learning Coordinator Program is a joint initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments. The program identifies, facilitates and coordinates industry specific learning opportunities for young people and connects industry and schools to provide the opportunity for students to experience quality workplace learning.
Program Objectives:
• Increase the numbers of young people undertaking quality workplace learning placements in places of employment, especially in industries that provide strong vocational outcomes for young people
• Increase the alignment between Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCAL), vocational education and training (VET) provision and local industry needs
• Increase the number of Koorie young people undertaking workplace learning placements
Program Overview:
• Liaison: Workplace Learning Coordinators will liaise with industry, secondary school (government and non-government), VET and ACE providers to identify workplace learning opportunities, particularly in industry areas with strong vocational outcomes and to facilitate and coordinate access to these placements for young people 15-19 years
• Work placement generation: WLCP will expand the number of quality placements available
• Information dissemination role through LLENs: to ensure access to information about workplace learning requirements and opportunities.
• A visible contact for employers: WLCP Coordinators will be a consistent and visible contact for employers
• Contribute to the breadth of education and training activity: The program will identify industry needs and the availability of workplace learning places and align these with local education and training delivery. The program will promote workplace learning opportunities that support improved outcomes and learning experiences of young people.
• Targeted opportunities for Koorie young people: WLCP will work with Koorie Transitions Coordinators and other initiatives to support and increase Koorie Young people’s access to appropriate workplace learning placements.
Schools supported by OELLEN to deliver the SWLC Program:
Aquinas College, Mountain District Christian School
Bayswater Secondary College, Mt. Evelyn Christian School
Belgrave Heights Christian School, Norwood Secondary College
Billanook College, Oxley College
Boronia Heights College, Parkwood Secondary College
Croydon Community School, Yarra Hills Secondary College Croydon Secondary College, Ringwood Secondary College
Emerald Secondary College, Rowville Secondary College
Fairhills High School, Rudolph Steiner School
Healesville High School, Scoresby Secondary College
Heathmont Secondary College, Sherbrooke Community School
Lilydale Adventist Academy, St. Josephs College
Lilydale Heights Secondary College, Swinburne University of TAFE
Lilydale High School, The Knox School
Luther College, Tintern Schools
Maroondah Secondary College, Upper Yarra Secondary College
Mater Christi College, Upwey High School
Melbourne Rudolf Steiner School, Wantirna College
Monbulk College, Waverley Christian College
Mooroolbark Secondary College, Worowa Aboriginal College
Mount Lilydale Mercy College, Yarra Valley Grammar School
ACE TAFE Providers:
Morrisons
Upper Yarra Community House
Box Hill TAFE
Holmesglen TAFE
Swinburne TAFE
WHAT IS STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENT?
A structured work placement enables a student to demonstrate acquired skills and knowledge in an industry setting. During the work placement a student will have specific tasks to undertake in order to demonstrate competence. They will be regularly monitored and may be assessed on the job.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENT AND WORK EXPERIENCE?
Work experience is generally undertaken in Years 9 or 10. It involves secondary school students in short-term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. In general, students observe different aspects of work within the industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor.
This is different to structured workplace learning students who are undertaking Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools programs. These students must undertake tasks or activities that enable them to acquire skills and knowledge in an industry setting as part of an accredited vocational training program.
BENEFITS OF STRUCTURED WORK PLACEMENTS FOR STUDENTS
• Expose to the ‘real’ work of work
• A greater understanding of the workplace environment behaviour and expectations
• The chance to put into practice skills and knowledge you have acquired in your studies
• Improved communication skills – through interaction with adults in a variety of workplace situations
• An opportunity to develop contacts with potential employers
• Assistance in career planning through contact with employers
• An opportunity to test future career choice before leaving school
• Improved self-confidence and self awareness