Bundaberg State High School offers a work experience program which provides a formal arrangement whereby students participate in activities at a place of paid or voluntary work.
Students currently participate in Work Experience in the follow contexts:
• Year 10 Work Experience Program
• Years 10-12 Special Education Program (SEP)
• Ignite transition to work program
• Students from years 10-12, who wish to participate in Work Experience outside of curriculum or programs.
Work experience is the short term placement of students with businesses and organisations to provide insights into the industry and the workplace in which they are located, and is unpaid. Whilst undertaking work experience, students will observe different aspects of work within their chosen industry and may assist with tasks allocated by their supervisor, but should not undertake activities which require extensive training or expertise.
Students must be at least 14 years old and participation should not disadvantage students with regards to the rest of their education program at school. Participation in work experience can be on selected days or half days over a specified period of time, or each day of the week for a specified period.
Students can be placed on work experience up to a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year, however it is recommended that a student should not stay with the one placement provider for more than one semester.
The Principal, in consultation with the parent/carer and student, may approve work experience of more than 30 days for a student with disability.
The insurance cover for Work Experience students has certain restrictions and activities precluded from cover, and these activities may not be undertaken during Work Experience. The insurance policies cover students undertaking Work Experience placements in Queensland.
Work Experience Process 1. Sourcing a Work Experience Placement The student meets with the Pathways Officer to discuss possible Work Experience options. During this appointment, the Pathways Officer and student will discuss: - Purpose of the placement – e.g. general industry insight or a work trial
- Alignment to the student's pathway and goals
- Alternative pathway options that support the student's career interests
- Suitable dates and timelines – including that:
- Work experience is not available during school holidays
- Dates must consider assessment requirements, classes missed, current progress and the student's ability to keep up with schoolwork
- Work Experience Orientation that must be completed by students
- Required risk assessments for the proposed placement and any special requirements (e.g. White Card) and realistic timelines to achieve these
- Documentation required and when it must be returned
- How to approach potential employers
- Process for returning fully completed applications
- The need to communicate outcomes back to the Pathways Officer
- The importance of using strong organisation and communication skills – e.g. regularly checking emails for updates on the application
Important: Submitting an application does not mean the placement is approved.
This is an application only and does not yet represent a school-endorsed Work Experience Agreement. The student is given a Work Experience Application Pack, which includes: - Work Experience Senior Program Information for Parents, Carers and Students
- Work Experience Orientation – Student Induction
- Work Experience Application Form
- Work Experience Senior Program Information for Work Experience Providers (Employers)
- Insurance Information
The student needs to complete the Orientation to Work Experience and undertake relevant WHS training. Student then approaches employers to request a placement. When a suitable employer is identified, the student completes the Work Experience Application form and returns it to the Pathways Officer with all relevant evidence of WHS training.
2. School Processing Once the completed application is returned, the school will: - Communicate with the employer
- Conduct risk assessments and manage any further documentation requirements
Processing times will depend on: - The student completing the application form fully and accurately
- The host employer confirming all details
- The type and level of risk assessments required
Students must regularly check their school emails for updates from the Pathways Officer regarding the status of their Work Experience application. 3. Work Experience Agreement If the application is not approved the school will discuss this in detail with the student to identify other suitable options. If the application is approved, the student is provided with a Work Experience Confirmation Pack, which includes: - Work Experience Agreement
- The student must obtain all required signatures confirming agreement to each party's responsibilities.
- This document must be signed by the student, parent/carer and the Work Experience provider.
- Confirmation Letter & Induction Checklist
- To be given to the Work Experience provider.
- Student Evidence Handbook
- To be completed by the student during the placement.
The student must return the fully signed Agreement to the Pathways Officer. Once endorsed by the Principal: - Copies of the Work Experience Agreement are emailed to employers, parents/carers and students.
- The student's attendance at Work Experience is updated on IDAttend in line with the agreement dates.
No placement can proceed until all parties have received the endorsed Work Experience Agreement. 4. Preparing for Placement Approximately 1–2 weeks before the start date, the student should contact the Work Experience provider to: - Reconfirm the placement details and start date
- Confirm start and finish times
- Confirm dress code and any specific requirements (e.g. PPE, lunch arrangements, tools, transport)
5. During the Placement The student will: - Undertake a workplace induction with their nominated supervisor on the first day
- Complete the Student Evidence Handbook during the placement
- Follow all school and provider expectations, including Work Health and Safety (WHS) requirements
- Contact the employer if they are unable to attend Work Experience
- A parent/carer must also notify the school of any absences
The employer will: - Complete the Induction Checklist and email a copy to pathways@bundabergshs.eq.edu.au
- Notify the school of any student absences during the placement
6. After the Placement School will review the placement with the student.
|