The Department of Education funds the School to Work program. This program is currently delivered by 31 organisations called Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs).
As program providers, LLENs work with local employers, industry partners and schools to improve access to work-based learning.
Changes in 2027
We have committed to make School to Work more efficient and effective. We consulted with LLENs, schools, employers, parents and students to find opportunities for improvement.
Consultation highlighted the community’s expectation that this program:
- delivers more value for students, schools and employers across Victoria
- focuses on students who cannot find work-based learning placement opportunities without support
- addresses the additional challenges for access to work-based learning in regional Victoria.
School to Work will change significantly in 2027 so that is fit-for-purpose in today’s career education and pathway system. To learn more 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:
- 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.
- 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.
Government schools receive support to arrange school-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SBATs) from the Head Start program. LLENs work with Head Start hubs to support work-based learning for government school students.
Find work-based learning opportunities
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.
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