Hosting a work-based learning placement for a school student or group of students is great way to develop your workforce, promote your industry or your business and it supports your local community.
Work-based learning benefits everyone—businesses, young people, schools, families, and communities. It’s a smart way to prepare for the future together.
Work-based learning (WBL) describes a range of real student experiences and exposure to the workplace. This can include school visits, exploration programs, work experience and longer work placements.
Students can explore different career options by seeing how jobs work in real life to stimulate interest. Students then get to learn about specific work skills in jobs they are interested in.
Did you know?
- 91% of employers who hosted a student said that the young person was engaged in the placement
- 91% of employers felt the process to organise placements was easy
- 79% of employers felt supported by the school
- 89% of students enjoyed their placement
- 81% of industry partners said working with a tech school helped improve community knowledge of their industries
How to host work experience
Work experience is a short placement where students observe and learn about your workplace.
How to host structured workplace learning (SWL)
Structured workplace learning integrates on-the-job work experience with students’ secondary school studies in VET.
How to employ a school-based apprentice and trainee (SBAT)
School-based apprenticeships and traineeships help students gain vocational skills and qualifications while staying in school.
How to host a group career experience
These are short activities. They include talks by guest speakers. They also include visits to workplaces and small community projects.
How to run an industry or community taster
Tasters are short, practical experiences that give students a taste of what working in your industry or workplace is like.
How to deliver a Tech School program
Tech School programs engage students in solving authentic STEM industry challenges.
How to host a career expo
1–2-day expos for larger groups to help students try a variety of jobs and learn about career pathways.
How to provide a quality placement for students
This guide helps employers plan and manage student work placements to ensure they are safe, well-structured, and supportive for everyone involved.
How to provide a safe placement for students
This guide helps employers keep students safe on placement by explaining their legal duties, child safety requirements, and how to prevent risks like bullying, discrimination, and abuse.
About work-based learning
Interested in hosting?
Expression of interest form
If your business can offer any of these opportunities, and would like to know where to start, register you interest here.
Find your closest LLEN
There are 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) across Victoria that create opportunities for students to explore careers, build skills and engage in real-world learning.
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