Students from Secondary Colleges throughout South Gippsland and Bass Coast have the opportunity to take part in a “Structured Work Placement” (SWL) as part of the new enhanced SWL program
The program is funded by the Department of Education (DET) and delivered by South Gippsland Bass Coast Local Learning & Employment Network (SGBCLLEN). The SWL 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).
SGBCLLEN Karena Kerr SWL Coordinator said “the SWL programme facilitates engagement between schools and employers, and supports schools to source local SWL placements for difficult to place students whilst identifying local needs and industry priorities for appropriate SWL placements.
An online state wide SWL placement portal has been developed by DET to 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. Karena Kerr said “the portal offers significant benefits to students as they will also have the ability to access SWL placements outside the region. Schools will have assistance with difficult to find placements and will benefit as with business from a more time efficient system.
South Gippsland Secondary College student Bailey Hams undertook a placement facilitated by SGBCLLEN at Cervus Equipment over the July school holidays. Bailey is in year 10 and undertaking a VET Cert 2 in Automotive at the new South Gippsland Trade Skills Alliance facility in Leongatha. Bailey said “I have really enjoyed the SWL placement as it has been hands on and I have had the opportunity to learn new skills that have complimented my automotive studies and given me experience in the automotive field”. Peter Doolan Service Manager said that “having students on placements is a great way to give students the opportunity to experience real work in a chosen industry and employers also have the advantage of observing potential future staff”. The practical experience Bailey had gained from his VET automotive studies has been a definite advantage as Bailey has a good understanding and knowledge of general mechanics and was ready to assist with practical tasks in the workplace.
If you are a student, parent, from business or the community and require further information regarding SWL, the SGTSA or VET please contact Karena Kerr SGBCLLEN (03) 5662 5500.