WACE UNIT EQUIVALENCE

Unit equivalence is allocated on the basis of 1 unit being equivalent for each 55 hours completed in the workplace, to a maximum of 4 units (220 hours). That is:

  • Less than 55 hours = 0 unit equivalent
  • 55 -109 hours  = 1 unit equivalent
  • 110 – 164 hours = 2 units equivalent
  • 165 – 219 hours  = 3 units equivalent
  • 220+ hours = 4 units equivalent

The total number of hours completed in the workplace is reported on the student's Western Australian Statement of Student Achievement.

STUDENT REGISTRATION AND SELECTION INTERVIEW

To enrol in INSTEP students must complete the Student Registration, which is an online application (instructions given by their School INSTEP Coordinator).

Applicants will then attend a selection interview conducted by the INSTEP Regional Office and will usually take place during Term 4 in preparation for placement in the following school year.  Their School INSTEP Coordinator will advise them of the venue, date and time of interview. Following the interview the applicant will receive an email advising whether or not they have been accepted into the program.

A less formal, performance interview is held mid-year for reviewing the students first placement and discussing choices for their second semester placement. These times will vary depending on if the student is doing a semester (1 day per week) or block placement.

Applicants will not be accepted if the interviewer believes they are unprepared to take on a work placement. This may be the result of a poorly organised portfolio, incomplete paperwork and/or a poor understanding and lack of enthusiasm and commitment to the INSTEP program. Their application will be discussed with the School INSTEP Coordinator to decide whether the student should reapply after addressing these issues.

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

An applicant's selection into the INSTEP program can be greatly enhanced by sound preparation beforehand. This is to be treated as applying for a job, to present smart and professional. When invited into the interview room, introducing themselves, smile and shake hands with the interviewer/s. This is good practice for when they meet their workplace supervisor. During the interview they could be asked a series of questions relating to:

  • The INSTEP program, how it works and reasons for applying.
  • Their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Their understanding of the workplace and the type of tasks they may do.
  • Strategies for maintaining their study program (i.e. keeping up with school work).
  • 'What if ' questions. A work situation will be described and they will be asked how they would handle that situation.
  • What they hope to gain by being involved in the program, and benefits they would bring to the workplace from an employer's point of view (i.e. why would an employer want them in his/her workplace?).

PLACEMENTS AVAILABLE

Following is a list of work placements that are generally available:

  • Agriculture/Horticulture (includes landscaping/greenkeeping, garden centres)
  • Animal Care (includes animal refuge, vet clinics, equine)
  • Beauty Therapy
  • Working with Children (includes childcare, teacher assistant and special needs)
  • Design (includes graphic, multimedia, interior design, publishing, photography, fashion, printing)
  • Electronics (includes sound and lighting)
  • Food (includes butcher, pastry cooks, cake decorators)
  • Hospitality (includes cafes, restaurants)
  • Hairdressing
  • Information Technology
  • Library Assistant
  • Marine (includes aquaculture, boat building/servicing)
  • Medical (includes nursing, aged care, dental/doctors' surgeries)
  • Metals and Engineering (includes welding, fabrication)
  • Office and Administration
  • Retail
  • Sport and Recreation (includes schools, recreation centers, gymnasiums, swimming pools)
  • Surveying
  • Trades (includes auto electrical, mechanical, panel beating, spray painting, electrical, building, plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, cabinet making, furniture making, roofing and tiling).

Please note that whilst we endeavour to match a student's first work placement preference, the following industries can be difficult to secure work placements with:

  • Defence Forces (Army, Navy and Airforce)
  • Police, Security and Customs
  • Television and Radio
  • Theatre and Stage Production (mainly evening and weekend work)

Should students still wish to pursue placements in these industry areas, they are encouraged to use personal/family contacts.

careers PORTFOLIO

A careers portfolio should be brought to the selection interview and include:

  • Letter of Application to join the INSTEP program
  • Resume with References
  • School Report with any examples of excellent school work (include photographs)
  • Certificates of Achievement(s) and/or Award(s)
  • WorkSafe SmartMove Certificate(s), and White Card accreditation (if applicable)

Time and care should be taken with the presentation, correctness and order of their portfolio. If needed seek advice from School INSTEP Coordinators. This portfolio is a very valuable resource as it can be used when applying for future employment.

WORKSAFE SMARTMOVE CERTIFICATE

In line with the increasing obligations from WorkSafe Western Australia, it is our requirement that all INSTEP applicants complete the WorkSafe SmartMove Certificate. This is available online https://smartmove.safetyline.wa.gov.au

WHITE CARD ACCREDITATION

We strongly encourage those students completing work placement within the trades sector to complete the White Card accreditation. This is not only compulsory for those on building sites, but is a very useful certificate to have which does not expire. School INSTEP Coordinators will guide students on the best way to complete this.

PLACEMENT

When a work placement has been secured a confirmation email is sent out to the student and their Workplace Supervisor.

The student is then expected to make contact with their Workplace Supervisor, introduce themselves and discuss arrangements for their work placement (confirming location, start and finish times, dress code and transport arrangements etc). Sometimes the student may be asked by the employer to meet them prior to commencing their placement, which would be another great opportunity to showcase their Careers Portfolio.