VET stands for Vocational Education and Training—a form of study and practical training designed to develop the skills and knowledge needed for employment.

VET combines theoretical education with hands-on training, equipping students with industry-specific, work-related competencies. It creates formal pathways between the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the workplace, and further education. VET courses can be undertaken through TAFE, at school, or a combination of both.

These courses provide students with valuable industry experience as they learn in real-world environments. Being competency-based, VET courses offer formal national recognition in both the school system and the workforce. With additional training, they can also lead to apprenticeships and traineeships.

Key Features of VET Courses:

– Available to students in Years 11 and 12

– Delivered by qualified teachers at schools and TAFE

– Offer a head start in various career pathways

– Provide work-related skills that support further study at university or TAFE

– Designed to suit students of all interests and abilities

– May contribute to a student’s ATAR if the optional HSC exam is undertaken

Experience has shown that students gain a wide range of benefits from participating in work placements. These include:

– Applying classroom learning in real-world settings: Students gain a deeper understanding by putting theoretical knowledge into practice within an industry context.

– Building self-confidence and maturity: Working alongside adults helps students develop greater independence and professionalism while reinforcing the skills learned at school.

– Increased motivation: Experiencing the relevance of their studies to future employment often inspires students to engage more deeply across all subjects.

– Integrated learning: Work placements create a strong link between on-the-job (practical) and off-the-job (theoretical) learning, enhancing overall educational outcomes.

– Improved communication and initiative: Taking responsibility in a workplace setting encourages students to develop essential soft skills, such as effective communication and problem-solving.

– Career awareness: Exposure to different roles and industries helps students explore career options and understand the expectations of potential employers.

– Enhanced employability: Students expand their skills, knowledge, and attitudes—qualities valued by both employers and institutions offering further education and training.

Students in Years 11 and 12 who are undertaking Industry Curriculum Framework Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses as part of their Higher School Certificate (HSC) are required to complete compulsory work placement in the relevant industry.

Each Industry Curriculum Framework course includes a mandatory period of workplace learning, allowing students to apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment. In addition, other vocational courses may also include work placement as part of their course requirements

To meet the required number of hours for work placement, students must understand and be prepared to work the standard hours of the relevant industry. These hours are set by the individual employer and may include:

– Early starts

– Evening work

– Split shifts (e.g. 10:00am–2:00pm & 5:00pm–10:00pm in one day)

Workplace learning must occur during school term time as part of the student’s educational program, excluding the first and last week of each term.

Are meal breaks included in the required hours?

No. Meal breaks do not count toward the total hours worked. For example, to complete a 7-hour day, a student would need to work from 9:00am to 4:30pm if taking a 30-minute lunch break.

– Meal breaks should be negotiated with the host employer.

– Employers are legally required to provide a break after 5 hours of work.

– Breaks should be appropriate to the number of hours worked.

Once your son or daughter accepts a work placement, it’s essential that they commit fully to attending. If the placement is cancelled by the student or family, it can be very difficult to secure a suitable replacement that meets course requirements.

Before accepting a placement, please ensure your child considers:

– Upcoming assessments or assignments

– Scheduled exams

– Existing work commitments

– Social events or family holidays

– Medical or other appointments

Once confirmed, the work placement should be treated as a formal commitment—just like a job. Students should not make other plans during that week which could interfere with their attendance.

When attending work placement, students are representing both themselves and their school. As capable young adults, they are expected to take responsibility and demonstrate professionalism by doing the following:

– Be punctual – Arrive on time every day and return promptly after breaks

– Bring required materials – Take your Student Placement Record and Work Placement Journal

– Engage actively – Ask questions, listen carefully, and offer feedback when appropriate

– Dress appropriately – Wear clothing that suits the industry and is neat and safe

– Be respectful – Treat supervisors, colleagues, and customers with courtesy and professionalism

– Show initiative – Be proactive, take on tasks responsibly, and show willingness to learn

For safety and legal reasons, students are prohibited from performing the following activities while on work placement:

– Serving alcohol

– Using dangerous machinery

– Air travel on charter flights or aircraft other than regular public transport services

– Travel by helicopter

– Travel beyond the 12 nautical mile limit at sea

– Scuba and deep-sea diving

– Any work of a sexual or explicit nature

– Attendance at abattoirs

– Working on roofs or in roof cavities

– Working in areas where asbestos is present

– High-risk construction work

– Work on demolition sites

– Work on excavation sites

– Activities requiring licenses that the student does not hold

– Operating certain construction machinery unless the student is suitably trained, instructed, and supervised

If you have any concerns or questions, please contact us for further assistance.

Students undertaking work placement have comprehensive insurance coverage provided through their school and the relevant departmental body. This means:

– The host employer has no insurance responsibility as long as the student is unpaid during their placement.

Insurance policies cover:

– Employer indemnity

– Public liability indemnity

– Damage to the employer’s property

– Compensation for students and teachers

The responsible departmental bodies are:

– Department of Education (DoE) – for all Government schools and TAFE

– Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW)– for all Catholic schools

– The Association of Independent Schools NSW (AIS) – for all other participating schools

If you require further details about insurance, please contact your school or relevant authority.

If a student is injured or involved in an accident at the workplace or while traveling to and from the placement, the following steps must be taken immediately:

1. Provide medical attention: Ensure the student receives appropriate first aid or emergency care without delay.
   Note: Students are volunteers, not employees, so injuries should not be classified as Workers’ Compensation claims.

2. Notify the school: Contact the student’s teacher, South West Connect, and the student’s parents or guardians as soon as possible.

3. Complete insurance forms: Students must accurately complete any required insurance documentation. If forms are unavailable, students should request them from their school.

4. Health claims: Parents or caregivers should first claim on their Medicare and private health insurance.

5. Submit documentation: Parents or caregivers must provide the school with details of any medical expenses not covered by insurance, including all supporting receipts and account statements.

6. School action: The school principal will make copies of all documents and follow the required procedures as per their school system guidelines.