Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) Fundamentals

Boyd Maplestone

Melton VET Cluster – Wednesday 4th February 2009

Overview

• Key elements• Preparation• Confirmation• Participation• Feedback & Recognition• Summary

Key Elements

• Enrolled in VET or VCAL• Workreadiness undertaken & OH&S complete• Approaching & confirming placement with employer• Student visit employer• SWL form signed by all parties & stored appropriately• Workplacement completed• Recognition of student achievement

Preparation

a) Workreadiness: - Exploration: site visits, guest speaker, industry projects, try a trade events, open days- Presentation, punctuality and communication- Understanding rights & responsibilities

Preparation (continued)

b) Planning/Timeline: - Highlight key milestones & set deadlines

c) Administration:- Ensure student & parents clear on milestones & timeframe- Other teachers aware of dates of placement

Confirmation

a) Checklist – student ask employer

- Hours of work?- How many breaks and for what time period?- Who is your supervisor? - Contact details for supervisor and organisation- Is the organisation non-for-profit (may effect payment)- What type of work, activities, how relate to VET course- Transport to placement (trial run)

Confirmation (continued)

b) Checklist – School confirm with student

- OH&S general & Industry specific completed- Workplacement confirmed with employer- Structured Workplace Learning Arrangement Form (Ministerial order from No.55) signed

Confirmation (continued)

c) Checklist – school to student & parent

- SWL Arrangement form (MO No. 55) filed at school and stored for minimum 5 years.- Log books/diary distribution- Communication with Parent

Participation

a) Student undertakes SWL placement:- log book/diary being completed - student completing job requirements

b) Teacher visits workplace:- check progress with student and employer- assess safety and any other issues

Participation (continued)

c) Student completes placement:- Log book/diary completed & signed off by supervisor- Reference or referee organised by student

Feedback & Recognistion

a) Feedback from studentb) Certificate of successful completion by schoolc) Outstanding achievement recognised – Nominate for

Awards- Western Youth Futures: Education and Industry Awards

Summary

• Preparing students in early years (whole school approach)• Timeline and milestones• Good communication with student, employer, parent and

other teachers/school.• Clear expectations in workplace• Feedback – planning for next year• Recognition of achievement