The NSW Department of Education and Training is the lead agency for the Government's Election Commitment that over the next four years all government departments [are] to provide quality work placements for HSC VET courses.

The initiative supports the successful transition of young people from school to their next stage of learning, training or immediate employment. This is a significant government priority.

The initiative also helps promote the public sector to students as an employer of choice offering desirable and varied career opportunities.

Work placement is a mandatory component of a number of industry-based vocational education and training (VET) courses that students can choose as part of their pattern of study for the Higher School Certificate. The courses range from Business Services and Information Technology through to Construction, Metal and Engineering, Retail, Hospitality, Primary Industries, Tourism and Entertainment.

Work placement is not the same as work experience. Work placement provides a dynamic and relevant industry context for the delivery of these courses in schools or in TAFE NSW. Typically, it involves a week of unpaid placement in a relevant industry in Year 11 and a further week in Year 12, usually with a different host employer.

A network of Local Community Partnerships across NSW is funded to coordinate the placements. They liaise between host employers and schools and TAFE NSW, providing a single point of contact for host employers in their drawing area.

An information kit, custom designed for government departments, is available to support departments provide high quality work placements. Personnel are also available to meet with the designated department contact to provide advice and support.

I strongly encourage Chief Executive Officers to nominate a contact officer for the implementation of this initiative in their department.

Contact officer details and enquiries should be directed to Michael Hyam, Director, Vocational Education in Schools - 9244 5035 or [email protected].

C Gellatly
Director-General

Issued : Workforce Capability (Public Employment Office)
Contact: Frances Parker, Principal Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 9228 3130 Facsimile: 9228 5087
File no: PSM/05302