Workplace Learning
INSTEP West represents a cluster of schools who offer Year 11 and 12 students the School Curriculum and Standards Authority endorsed program - Workplace Learning (ADWPL) as part of the Western Australian Certificate of Secondary Education (WACE). Students undertake workplace learning to (i) gain employability skills, (ii) open career pathways by experiencing the real work environment in an industry/sector of future career interest and (iii) complete course units that count towards WACE graduation.
The Program
Potential student trainees are short-listed by their school and formally interviewed by INSTEP West to determine their suitability for the program and discuss their workplace interests. Students generally complete two different placements per year.
INSTEP West maintains a large data base of businesses/organisations who support the program. We look for suitable matchings and when arranged with the host workplace, INSTEP West sends a confirmation email detailing the attendance dates, student and emergency contact details, school insurance details (the Certificate of Currency which covers personal injury and public liability), and a copy of the Workplace Supervisor Information. The Employer Acknowledgement of Responsibilities is also emailed which needs to be signed and returned to the INSTEP office before the commencement of the placement.
It is the student's responsibility to contact the employer to arrange an interview before the placement commences.
Employers may choose to waive this interview in which case the student will telephone to discuss start and finish times, dress requirements, transport details, tasks/duties to be undertaken and other details related to the placement.
Students are timetabled out of school and must attend their work placement on each of the listed dates. Their hours of work are determined by you but we do ask, from a duty of care perspective, that students are given reasonable start and finish times as many use public transport.
Students are responsible for completing a Logbook and Skills Journal which they should always have with them for the duration of the placement. Please take time to familiarise yourself with this document.
Employers should be aware that all students agree to a set of Expectations, Rights and Responsibilities before starting their placement.
Students also attend an Induction where these are covered including Occupational Health and Safety; professionalism, communication and responsibilities in the workplace; personal grooming and hygiene; dress standards; confidentiality; protective behaviours (dealing with harassment and bullying) and workplace protocols including use of the internet, mobile phones and drug and alcohol testing.
HOST WORKPLACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Please note: You must acknowledge your responsibilities by signing the Acknowledgement of Responsibilities form emailed to you with the placement confirmation.
It is the responsibility of the host workplace to:
- nominate a workplace supervisor who will monitor the progress of the student and ensure instruction and supervision occurs at all times. Any nominated/delegated person must be informed of their responsibilities in accordance with this document. This includes overseeing completion of the logbook, verifying the number of hours and tasks completed by the student and evaluating the students workplace performance .
- advise the student of the workplace's safe working practices and protocols and provide appropriate information, training, instruction and supervision to the student in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health regulations.
- provide a workplace that is safe and free of bullying, discrimination, harassment or intimidation.
- consider and to take into account the competency, maturity and physical capabilities of the student in relation to all activities he/she will undertake.
- provide any equipment which is required to comply with the duty of care towards the student. Students will provide any special clothing/footwear (eg safety boots, high vis wear) if required.
- offer a variety of experiences and training opportunities that develop employability skills and knowledge whilst offering regular feedback to the student.
- notify the INSTEP West office as soon as possible if the student becomes ill, is absent without explanation or if there are concerns about the student's behaviour.
- contact the INSTEP West office or school immediately if the student (i) is injured or is involved in an accident in the workplace (ii) is involved in or witnesses a traumatic incident in the workplace (iii) takes unexplained absences. It is expected that the workplace will seek emergency medical assistance i.e. ambulance where the student is seriously injured.
- ensure that when a student is travelling in a work vehicle, that the vehicle and driver(s) are currently licensed.
- Child related workplace/industries only – as per the Working with Children (Criminal Record Checking) Act 2004 (eg child care centres), confirm all the employees have current Working with Children Checks (WWCC).
BENEFITS AND EMPLOYER FEEDBACK
The success of the INSTEP West program depends on willing employers who see the vocational/career benefits of students completing a work placement.
By participating in the program you are:
- developing in young people a realistic understanding of industry expectations and standards;
- providing a valued training role in educating young people in the workplace;
- enhancing an understanding of the link between school studies and work;
- helping develop career pathways for students.
INSTEP West staff and the individual school coordinators will make contact with you (and visit where practical) during the placement to discuss the student's progress.
While we do our best to prepare students for a work placement, employers and supervisors are not expected to tolerate students who are dishonest, disrespectful, unreliable, unwilling to learn or take frequent unexplained absences.
Do not hesitate to contact us at any time if you have concerns or queries about a student's attitude or performance. We also welcome any suggestions you may have to improve the program.
Thank you for your support.