Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Information dealing with issues such as duty of care, student wellbeing, excursions and work experience.

Structured workplace learning

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, if your school has students undertaking structured workplace learning.

Conditions of compliance

Structured workplace learning is on the job training during which a student is expected to master a set of skills or competencies, related to a course accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA). These include Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools programs, Further information can be found on the Compliance Framework VET in Schools page.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

The principles of quality structured workplace learning, are that quality structured workplace learning is:

• integrated into a program
• structured
• monitored
• regulated
• assessed.

When developing and reviewing structured workplace learning programs as part of the post compulsory curricula for senior students, schools should ensure that the principles for quality delivery of structured workplace learning, under Ministerial order 55, are embedded wherever applicable.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

There are many requirements of structured workplace learning with which you must comply. There are roles and responsibilities for principals, structured workplace learning coordinators, employers, students and parents. These are described in the Structured Workplace Learning Manual.

Some of the requirements are related to the following:

• The age of students
• Occupational health and safety
• Structured workplace learning arrangement forms
• Privacy legislation
• Public liability insurance
• WorkCover procedures
• Anti-discrimination
• Harassment, bullying and occupational violence in the workplace
• Students with disabilities
• Contact during a program
• Timing a program
• Hours of work
• Length of a program
• Employer supervision
• Assessment
• Payment and taxation
• Interstate placements
• International students

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.). You may also be putting your students at risk.

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Pam Hargreaves
Education Consultant, Pathways
Ph. 03 9825 7246
pam.hargreaves@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Other links:

DEECD: Structured Workplace Learning

DEECD: Curriculum - Workplace Learning

Submitted 8/18/2006, edited 07/06/2011