How to host structured workplace learning (SWL)

Structured workplace learning gives students real work experience while they study at school. It helps them build job skills and gain a qualification through learning. Some Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses require students to do Structured workplace learning (SWL) because the qualification rules say students must be assessed in a real workplace.

Year levels: 11 and 12
Duration: 20 days per year
(Students can do up to 40 days, but only 20 days with one employer.)
Number of students: normally one, however this can vary depending on employer preference
Employer commitment: medium to high
Minimum payment: $5 per day
Typical activities: workplace tasks, mentoring, feedback, learning how a workplace operates and safety

Examples

A manufacturing company hosts a Year 11 student for 10 days. The student learns how to safely use machines and check product quality. They gain feedback to use in their school assessments.
A healthcare provider offers placements for students studying Certificate III in Health Services as part of their VCE. Students help with office tasks and watch patient care to connect theory with real work.
A small IT business hosts a year 11 student who is studying IT as part of their VCE. The student learns software testing and customer support skills. This helps them gain experience for future IT jobs.

Employer guide: how to host a successful SWL placement

Before the placement – plan and prepare

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or contact your Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) to answer any of your questions
Agree on placement dates, tasks, supervision and hours.
Give the school your public liability insurance details
Complete required paperwork
Finalise how many students you can host
Confirm the start date and schedule
Arrange a minimum payment of $5 per day which is mandatory minimum payment

Preparing your staff

Choose supervisors or mentors who can guide and support students
Plan safe and meaningful tasks that follow workplace safety laws
Make sure transport is sorted if students travel while in the placement
Explain the purpose of the placement and what is expected
Discuss child safety responsibilities with all staff
Let staff know what tasks students can do and remind them students are there to learn
Share the timetable and supervision plan with your team
Inform staff of any medical or support needs
Set up regular check-ins with the student and school

During the placement – a quality experience for all

Student induction

Welcome the student and introduce key staff
Assign a supervisor, buddy or mentor
Explain what your business does and your values
Go over daily tasks and who will supervise them
Let them know the rules for behaviour, uniform and attendance
Provide a tour of the site and emergency procedures
Explain safety rules and workplace policies
Share emergency contact details for the school
Set learning goals so the student knows what to aim for
Record their attendance and tasks for school records
Involve the student in team meetings if possible
Give information about jobs and careers in your industry
Hold a feedback session at the end of the placement
Plan backup tasks if work changes
Describe how students will travel for the job and who will supervise them
Make sure the student knows the dress code before starting

Supervising students

Give tasks that match their skills and training
Keep them safe and supervised at all times
Do not allow unsafe or unlicensed tasks
Give clear instructions and explain how to use equipment
Give the student feedback and encourage them to learn
Allow planned visits from school staff
Allow time for school journals or assessment tasks

After the placement – follow up

Give the student feedback on their performance
Encourage them to keep learning and growing
Complete any paperwork needed by the school
Consider further opportunities for the student, such as an SBAT
Stay connected to the school if you are interested in hosting again

How to get involved

Structured Workplace Learning is coordinated through the school to work portal

Or contact us if you are interested in working with schools to host one of these experiences by filling in this Expression of Interest form

Additional resources

Further information

How can I make students feel welcome and included?

Show that you value the ideas of people from different backgrounds. It helps students see that you are open to new ideas and that their ideas matter.
Create a friendly, respectful work environment. When people feel they belong, they take part more.
Show diversity in your team. Students feel safer and more understood when they see people like them.

Here are some good documents to support this:

How do I encourage all types of students to apply for structured workplace learning?

Use fair hiring practices that welcome young people from many backgrounds
Write job ads in plain language so they are easy for all students to understand
Encourage people from all cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and people with disability to apply
Select students using fair rules. Consider people’s different needs and give support when required

How do I make structure workplace learning students feel safe and supported?

Create a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected
Point out your rules about bullying and unfair treatment and who to ask for help
Provide training so staff can learn about different cultures and ways of life
Offer flexible work hours and other support to help young workers who have special needs
Make time to show students how the workplace works and support them as they learn
Provide opportunities for young people young people to ask questions and raise concerns safely

How can I help students to get the most out of their work experience placement?

Give young workers chances to learn new skills
Encourage students to ask your staff for advice on job skills and careers
Provide a mentor or peer support
Connect students with staff networks

How can I make students feel safe and welcome

Treat everyone fairly so students feel safe
Show equal treatment so students see good behaviour
Use inclusive policies so all students feel welcome
Check the workplace culture often to keep it positive for students

How can I track and improve structured workplace learning placements?

Check in to understand how young workers are doing
Review who may need more support
Review diversity and inclusion programs often to make sure they still work
Share progress with staff and keep working to improve

Supporting Aboriginal students and workers

Create a safe and respectful workplace for Aboriginal people.
Connect Aboriginal students with Aboriginal staff networks.
Show respect for Aboriginal culture and history. Include a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country when appropriate.
Include Aboriginal voices and stories in learning and work.
Train staff so they understand Aboriginal culture and how to support Aboriginal workers.
Work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to create real opportunities.
Involve Aboriginal people in decisions that affect them.

Education & training

Updated 17 April 2026