Real world of work opportunities for students
During 2016 a number of students from local Secondary Colleges have been assisted in their endeavours to find a structured workplace learning (SWL) placement as part of their studies. South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning and Employment Network (SGBCLLEN) are working with local business and industry to create placement opportunities as part of the Department of Education (DET).
Structured Work Placement (SWL) program. The program enables students undertaking Vocational Education & Training (VET) access to appropriate SWL placements as part of their Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Victorian Certificate of Applied learning (VCAL).
The SWL programme facilitates engagement between schools and employers, and supports schools to source local SWL placements for students whilst identifying local needs and industry priorities. DET has created placement portal which will streamline the placement process. Businesses will access the portal to create SWL placement opportunities, students will access placements from the portal and schools will have a reduced amount of administration.
Program Coordinator Karena Kerr said “the SWL programme facilitates engagement between schools and employers, and supports schools to source local SWL placements whilst identifying local needs and industry priorities.
Russell Hemming, Manager of Leongatha Holden signed up to the DET SWL portal to offer a placement in 2017 for a student studying Cert 2 in Automotive at the new South Gippsland Trade Skills automotive workshop located on the Leongatha Education Precinct. Russell knows the importance of supporting students with work placements as he sees the positive outcomes not only for the student but also for his staff and business.
If your business would like the opportunity to host a structure work placement student in 2017 or you are a student, parent or employer that would like further information on the SWL program please contact Karena Kerr SGBCLLEN (03) 5662 5500.