Is workplacement compulsory?

Workplacement is compulsory in the Industry Curriculum Framework courses. Details are as follows:

Automotive, Business Services, Construction, Electrotechnology, Hospitality, Information Technology, Metal & Engineering, Primary Industries, Retail and Tourism course requirements:

• students must complete a minimum of 70 indicative hours workplacement over the 240 hour course duration or a minimum of 35 hours workplacement over the 120 indicative hours course duration.

Who organises workplacement?

Workplacement is usually organised by workplacement co-ordinators. However, it is possible for a student to suggest a placement for themselves. If the placement is approved by the co-ordinator, the student could attend the placement.

What is the purpose of workplacement?

Workplacement is included in these courses because it:

• provides you with knowledge of the industry area
• consolidates the job experience
• generates an awareness of the working environment, and
• develops appropriate attitudes and behaviours to the industry in particular, and work in general

Other advantages of workplacement are the:

• development of transferable skills
• enhancement of existing social skills
• increased confidence and independence

Furthermore, by undertaking workplacement you are in a position to identify whether a particular industry is one that you wish to pursue with your future career.

When do students go on workplacement?

There are a number of factors influencing the timing of the workplacement. For example:

• you will need to have attended a sufficient number of classes in order to have developed relevant work place and industry skills
• Industry must be available and willing to have you
• the total number of students needing the same type of workplacement
• your school timetable - it is your responsibility to inform the TAFE teacher of anticipated school related events, including trial exams, and
• you have demonstrated that you are work ready

What do you do whilst on workplacement?

Your class teacher will develop a list of competencies you need to develop whilst on workplacement. You will be provided with information about how you are to present the knowledge and skills you gain during workplacement (ie you may be asked to keep a workplacement diary).

At all times, you must follow Occupational Health and Safety practices, wear the required protective clothing and work boots (where appropriate), and ensure that you do not participate in unsafe work practices.

In general, competent workplacement performance will require you to:

• perform at an acceptable level of skill
• organise tasks
• respond and react appropriately when things go wrong
• interact with others in the workplace
• transfer knowledge, skills and attitudes to new situations