NEWSLETTER

VCAL Work Placements

VCAL Students and their Work Placements

One of the great opportunities of VCAL is to gain experience in the work force. This experience contributes towards the VCAL and in years 11 and 12 is a committed, recurring, one day a week placement called ‘Structured Workplace Learning’ (SWL). Year 10 VCAL DO NOT require an SWL placements but are welcome to introduce one throughout the year should they become work ready.

 

The expectation to find these SWL placements is of the students who have chosen this employment focuses pathway, however support is available to those who have not yet secured a place.  Placements do not have to already be underway but students absolutely should be working hard to secure them ASAP. All yr. 11 & 12 VCAL students need to have SWL Placements by Term 2.

 

WHAT'S REQURIED

  • Students need to approach employers or lean on social networks, families and friends to enquire about a recurring Wednesday placement
  • Students can use the ‘SWL Portal’ to search for host employers in their industry of choice www.workplacements.education.vic.gov.au/
  • Students/Parents/Employer all MUST complete and sign the SWL Arrangement Form which all VCAL students have been given, but there are ALWAYS more available in the Senior School Office.
  • SWL Placements can be half or full days, or ever just a couple of hours and go for a maximum of 20 days and then are reviewed before continuing.
  • SWL Placements are not paid employment, they are for experience and have a minimum $5 per day payment to be discussed between employer and student.

 

SUPPORT AVAILABLE

  • There is a ‘Cheat Sheet’ on how to talk to employers about SWL in the senior school office
  • A phone can be used in my office for students to make cold calls
  • I am able to contact employers with student present if they are struggling to make first contact, BUT students need to some with a list of employers they have considered and chosen.

 

With our biggest cohort of VCAL students this year, demand for support is great. My advice in order to get students into the workplace as soon as possible is for families to lean on any and all networks available. Often IT IS MORE about who you know.

 

Kerry Cheeseman

Pathways Coordinator