The Department of Education funds the School to Work program to improve student access to work-based learning. Program providers work with local employers, industry partners and schools.
Changes in 2027
We are making School to Work more efficient and effective to create more opportunities and support for students.
We consulted with schools, employers, parents, students and Local Learning and Employment Networks to find opportunities for improvement. To learn more, visit Engage Victoria.
In 2027, School to Work will be reshaped to help more students access work-based learning. For more information, visit: Reshaping School to Work in 2027
Work-based learning
'Work-based learning' describes learning about work, often through being in a workplace. It helps students to:
- understand how their education prepares them for work
- understand workplace expectations
- develop employability skills
- explore career options
- make informed pathway and career decisions
- stay engaged with and complete secondary schooling.
School to Work helps create opportunities for school students to do 3 kinds of work-based learning:
- Group learning activities with employers: Employer visits or presentations at schools, or excursions where multiple students visit workplaces. These could include presentations, demonstrations, tours, ‘tasters’ or career expos.
- Work experience: Time in a workplace for job shadowing or doing supervised light work. Work experience is different to having a job. The main goal of work experience is to learn about work. Work experience can be in a block of days (for example, one week) or individual days over a longer time (one day a week).
- Structured workplace learning: Time in a workplace to gain specific skills for a Vocational Education and Training (VET) certificate while in a workplace. These placements help young people link the skills they are building to real work.
Government schools receive support to arrange school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) from the Head Start program.
Find work-based learning opportunities in 2026
School to Work will continue to be delivered by Local Learning and Employment Networks for the remainder of 2026.
For the remainder of 2026, school staff and students can use the School to Work Portal to search for opportunities.
Employers from all industries work with LLENs to publish opportunities on the portal.
You can search for opportunities by location, industry or course.
This portal will no longer be active after 31 December 2026. Schools will receive information about how to access opportunities for students early in Term 1 of 2027.
Offer work-based learning opportunities
Running or hosting work-based learning is a great way to develop your workforce, promote your industry or business and support your local community
Employers and industry groups can learn about offering opportunities to school students: Your Future Workforce Today.
Policies and guidance
Updated