Structured workplace learning and work experience during COVID-19

Advice for all schools

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) and work experience are an important part of students' education, providing them with valuable opportunities to:

• develop employability skills
• explore possible career options
• connect their learning to the world of work
• understand employer expectations, and
• increase their self-understanding, maturity, independence, and self-confidence.

Students can take part in SWL and work experience placements.

Students must adhere to the workplace's COVIDSafe plan as well as any COVID-19 restrictions applicable to the workplace.

Conditions of SWL and work experience

SWL and work experience can only take place if the principal is satisfied that:

• the duty of care to students can be met including obligations to provide for the health, safety and welfare of students. This is outlined in Ministerial Order 55 for SWL and Ministerial Order 382 for work experience
• appropriate health and safety measures are in place at the workplace, as outlined in the COVID-19 advice for business and industry.

Principals should consider the following when deciding whether an SWL or work experience placement for a particular student should proceed:

• The extent to which it would be possible and practical for a student to maintain physical distancing at the placement by health advice.
• The level of supervision an employer would reasonably be able to provide the student to ensure safety measures are adhered to.
• The extent to which the placement could be regularly monitored by the school.
• The personal circumstances of the student, including any medical conditions or medical advice about the student's suitability to undertake the placement.

Where these conditions cannot be met, principals should consider cancelling or deferring SWL and work experience placements. If SWL or work experience placements are deferred or cancelled, all efforts should be made to organise alternative arrangements for students.

Updated SWL guidelines and work experience guidelines

The SWL Guidelines for Employers and Work Experience Guidelines for Employers have been revised to include advice relating to reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace. Schools should provide these guidelines to all employers before placements begin.

Student and parental engagement

For all SWL and work experience placements, it is recommended that the student and their parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) complete one of the following documents, whichever is relevant, as an acknowledgement and agreement that COVID-19 may have changed the proposed work environment or may do so in the future.

• Additional Structured Workplace Learning Form (COVID-19)
• Additional Work Experience Form (COVID-19)

A copy of this form should be attached to the SWL or Work Experience Arrangement Form kept at the school.

Process for the cancellation or deferral of SWL or work experience placement

Where it's necessary to defer or cancel an SWL or a work experience placement, the cancellation or deferral takes effect by written notice from a principal to an employer. If an SWL or a work experience placement needs to be cancelled, all efforts should be made to organise alternative options for students.

For placements organised through the SWL Statewide Portal, amend the placement status to "On Hold" for deferred placements and to "Cancelled" for cancelled placements.

A sample written notice is provided below:

Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders

Under Pandemic Orders made by the Minister for Health, some workers will need to provide evidence of their COVID-19 vaccination status to their employer to work onsite. These workers include students undertaking SWL and work experience at:

• workplaces that are the subject of these Orders; or
• when undertaking workplace learning outside of the home in industries or occupations that are the subject of these Orders.

For further information, refer to Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination orders and requirements for Structured Workplace Learning and work experience.

More information and contacts

More information is available on workplace learning for secondary students.

If students have any queries or concerns, they should ask their supervisor or employer for advice in the first instance. If they feel they cannot ask the supervisor/employer, they should speak to their school's SWL/Work Experience Coordinator immediately.

The 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) have been funded to facilitate student access to structured workplace learning placements across Victoria. LLENs can provide support and advice on work experience opportunities and connections to local employers. To find your nearest network, visit the Local Learning and Employment Network.

For advice on SWL within:

• VET certificates, contact the VCAA VET Unit at vet.vcaa@education.vic.gov.au
• VCAL, contact the VCAL Unit at vcaa.vcal@education.vic.gov.au
• Industry and Enterprise, contact the VCAA VCE Unit at vcaa.vce.curriculum@education.vic.gov.au

For queries about SWL or work experience placements, contact the Career Education Unit at career.education@education.vic.gov.au