Structured workplace learning (SWL) and work experience during coronavirus (COVID-19)

Advice for all schools

Structured workplace learning (SWL) and work experience

All structured workplace learning (SWL) can occur on site for all students.

All students can start work experience, with the exception of those in high-risk settings (for example, residential aged care facilities, hospitals).

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 (pdf - 99 (pdf - 99.9kb) for SWL and Ministerial Order 382 (pdf - 98 (pdf - 98.93kb) 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
  
• the work experience is not taking place at high risk settings (for example, residential aged care facilities, hospitals)

Principals should consider the following in 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 distance at the placement in accordance with 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 until further notice (refer below).

Updated SWL guidelines and work experience guidelines

The SWL Guidelines for Employers (docx - 62 (docx - 65.92kb) and Work Experience Guidelines for Employers (docx - 62 (docx - 62.72kb) have been revised to include advice relating to reducing the risk of transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace. Schools should provide these guidelines to all employers before placements begin.

The above process is not required for any new SWL or work experience arrangements as schools provide copies of the SWL/Work Experience Guidelines to employers before the placements.

Student and parental engagement

For new SWL and work experience placements, it's recommended that the student and the parent/guardian (if the student is under 18 years of age) complete the Additional Structured Workplace Learning Form (COVID-19) (docx - 98 (docx - 98.98kb) or the Additional Work Experience Form (COVID-19) (docx - 99 (docx - 99.01kb) - whichever is relevant - as an acknowledgement and agreement that coronavirus (COVID-19) may have changed the proposed work environment.

A copy of this form must be attached to the SWL or Work Experience Arrangement Form kept at the school (for all new arrangements).

Additional information and contacts

Additional information is available on workplace learning for secondary students
  
 For advice on:

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

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