Teacher FAQ

  • 1. What hours does the student have to work?

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    Students are expected to follow industry-standard hours, which are set by each individual host employer. This may include early starts, evening shifts, or split shifts (e.g. 10:00am–2:00pm and 5:00pm–10:00pm on the same day). Teachers should ensure that students understand these expectations prior to placement.

    When should work placements take place?

    Workplace learning activities must occur during the school term as part of the student’s ongoing educational program. Placements should not be scheduled during the first or last week of each term.

    Are meal breaks included in the required work hours?

    No. Meal or rest breaks are not counted toward the total number of hours worked. For example, to meet a seven-hour day requirement with a 30-minute lunch break, a student would need to be at the workplace from 9:00am to 4:30pm.

    What are the legal requirements for student breaks?

    Employers are legally required to provide a break after five consecutive hours of work. Students should negotiate appropriate meal breaks with their host employer based on the hours they are working.

  • 2. What activities are students prohibited to perform?

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    For safety and legal reasons, students must not engage in the following activities during their placement:

    – Serving alcohol

    – Using dangerous machinery

    – Air travel on charter flights or any aircraft not operating as part of a regular public transport service

    – Travel by helicopter

    – Travel beyond 12 nautical miles at sea

    – Scuba diving or deep-sea diving

    – Any work of a sexual or explicit nature

    – Attendance at abattoirs

    – Working on roofs or in roof cavities

    – Working where asbestos is present

    – High-risk construction work

    – Working on demolition or excavation sites

    – Any activity that requires a licence the student does not hold

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

    If you have any concerns or questions about permitted activities, please contact us.

  • 3. How are students assessed?

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    Student competency is assessed using a combination of methods. The most common approach involves:

    • Employer feedback: An employer report is completed at the end of the placement, based on their observations of the student’s performance.

    • Teacher assessment: The teacher’s own observations and assessment processes are used to evaluate the student’s competency in line with course outcomes.

    These combined insights help ensure a fair and accurate evaluation of the student’s learning and workplace readiness.

  • 4. What happens in case of an accident?

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    In the event of an accident or injury involving a student, the following steps must be followed:

    1. The Host Employer must provide Immediate Medical Attention
      and ensure the student receives appropriate first aid or emergency care.
      Note: Students are considered volunteers, not employees, so these incidents are not covered under Workers’ Compensation.

    2. Host Employers should Notify Relevant Parties Promptly
      As soon as practicable, they should contact:

      • – The student’s teacher

      • – South West Connect

      • – The student’s parents or guardians

    3. School Accident Form
      The student must obtain and complete a School Accident Form, which must be submitted to both the school and South West Connect.  Accurate and complete information is essential for insurance purposes.

    4. Medical Expenses and Claims

      • – The parent or caregiver should claim costs through Medicare and/or their private health fund.

      • – Any uncovered expenses must be documented (including receipts and statements) and forwarded to the school.

    5. School Procedures
      The school principal should:

      • – Copy all relevant documents.

      • – Follow the procedures set by their school system for managing such incidents.

  • 5. What is the host’s role in Work Placement?

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    Host employers play a vital role in supporting the success of student work placements. Their responsibilities include:

    – Identifying suitable workplace opportunities prior to the student’s commencement.

    – Ensuring staff understand the purpose of the student’s workplace learning experience.

    – Providing students and their coordinator with details about start times, location, and expectations for the first day.

    – Appointing an appropriate supervisor to guide and support the student during their placement.

    – Providing a safe working environment, in compliance with workplace health and safety requirements.

    – Negotiating a structured learning plan tailored to the student’s course outcomes.

    – Defining learning outcomes and competencies that the student can address during the placement.

    – Planning a basic training schedule, suggesting tasks and the time required to meet learning goals.

    – Monitoring the student’s progress throughout the placement.

    – Completing the employer section of the student’s Work Placement Record/Booklet.

    – Communicating with the supervising teacher as needed during the placement period.

    – Notifying South West Connect immediately if a student does not attend as scheduled.

    Clear communication and planning between schools, South West Connect, and host employers help ensure a valuable and meaningful learning experience for all students.