Structured Workplace Learning Forum

Western Local Community Partnership

“SWL Overview”

Why a Structured Workplace Learning Forum?

Western Local Community Partnership (Western LCP) is funded to facilitate quality Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

Based on Western LCP’s Structured Workplace Learning survey (2006) schools requested professional development on workreadiness and industry engagement

What does Structured Workplace Learning mean?

“Workplacement” is organised workplace learning which provides practical application to the skills learnt in class. A workplacement is for students studying VCAL, VET subjects or vocational programs.

“Workreadiness” = The preparation of students prior to working with employers

National Perspective on SWL

Six essential ingredients for a quality SWL experience:1. Efficient and effectively resourced internal arrangements2. Strong and enduring relationships with stakeholders3. Managing demand for places sensitively and effectively4. Rigorous preparation of students and employers5. Rewarding experience for employers & all students6. All parties role in providing reliable outcomes

State perspective – the legal requirements

Ministerial orders No. 23: SWL Arrangements Signed by all parties before placement commences Which form? Insurance School must phone or visit student on workplacement Students paid a minimum of $5 a day, except not-for-profit VET subjects – strongly recommended, not mandatory

Western LCP is focusing on:

Providing resources for co-ordinators and teachers in preparing students for workplacement

Working with industry/employers to support quality SWL Facilitating training to groups of teachers on websites

supporting workreadiness or industry engagement Providing forums for sharing work readiness activities from

teachers across the Western Region

Recipe for successful SWL