Enhancing Work Readiness: Western LCP Structured Workplace Learning Forum

1. Structured Workplace Learning Forum Western Local Community Partnership “SWL Overview”

2. Why a Structured Workplace Learning Forum? • Western Local Community Partnership (Western LCP) is funded to facilitate quality Structured Workplace Learning (SWL) • Based on Western LCP’s Structured Workplace Learning survey (2006) schools requested professional development on workreadiness and industry engagement

3. What does Structured Workplace Learning mean? • “Workplacement” is organised workplace learning which provides practical application to the skills learnt in class. A workplacement is for students studying VCAL, VET subjects or vocational programs. • “Workreadiness” = The preparation of students prior to working with employers

4. National Perspective on SWL Six essential ingredients for a quality SWL experience: • Efficient and effectively resourced internal arrangements • Strong and enduring relationships with stakeholders • Managing demand for places sensitively and effectively • Rigorous preparation of students and employers • Rewarding experience for employers & all students • All parties role in providing reliable outcomes

5. State perspective – the legal requirements • Ministerial orders No. 23: SWL Arrangements • Signed by all parties before placement commences • Which form? • Insurance • School must phone or visit student on workplacement • Students paid a minimum of $5 a day, except not-for-profit • VET subjects – strongly recommended, not mandatory

6. Western LCP is focusing on: • Providing resources for co-ordinators and teachers in preparing students for workplacement • Working with industry/employers to support quality SWL • Facilitating training to groups of teachers on websites supporting workreadiness or industry engagement • Providing forums for sharing work readiness activities from teachers across the Western Region

7. Recipe for successful SWL