Structured Workplace Learning
This is a key component of many Vocation Education Certificates. It allows students to acquire skills and knowledge in an industry setting by undertaking tasks in order to demonstrate or reinforce competencies.
These programs give Nudgee College students in Years 10 – 12 the chance to experience work environments in a variety of industries where they can observe and (under supervision) assist with tasks. Although the industry area may be one that the student is currently studying, it also gives the student the opportunity to experience other fields in which they have interests.
Students who are enrolled in Certificate I General Construction, Certificate I in Engineering or Certificate II in Hospitality (which are nationally recognised) must complete at least 60 hours of work placement.
During the work placement, students are classified as volunteer workers and therefore have no right to expect or receive payment in any form. Generally students are expected to work the normal hours of the business - not school hours. However, some students may have commitments (such as a part time work, representative sport, army cadets or compulsory school activities) that may mean they will need to negotiate the hours of work with their employers.
Students placed in the Building and Construction Industry must have an 'Induction Card' (White Card Safety Induction) as evidence that they have completed the specific building and construction industry work place induction. Most building and construction employers ask if students have an Induction Card and will not accept them if they do not.
Prior to placement, Education Queensland has arrangement with an insurer to indemnify both students and work experience providers if a student is injured while on the premises of the work experience provider, or at another location, while carrying out work experience duties. Nudgee College also has additional insurance policy to cover students called Industrial Special Risks - Combined Material Damage/Business Interruption including Machinery Breakdown. This policy is at no cost to the student and is paid by the College.
Contact with employers may lead to casual employment and future job prospects, including Traineeships and Apprenticeships plus the knowledge to assist with informed career choices prior to leaving school.