Workplace Learning
Workplace learning enables students to develop skills and knowledge, which improves their ability to link curriculum outcomes, and their relevance to lifelong learning.
Workplace learning includes work experience for students aged 14 and over, as well as work placements for students studying Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects.
Workplace learning gives students the chance to:
- Explore the world of work firsthand
- Gain job-ready skills and knowledge
- Practice general skills and specific skills related to an industry
- Discover different career options and pathways
- Get inspired by new work opportunities
Students do not get paid for workplace learning.
Policy
Workplace learning for secondary students in government schools is the policy that supports workplace learning programs in your school.
For advice on workplace learning, contact Career and Workplace Learning.
Workplace Learning Policy and Procedures e-learning (MyPL-NR26976) is mandatory for all staff organising or overseeing student workplace learning, including work experience and work placement.
This includes careers advisers, transition advisers, vocational education and training teachers, executive staff, and any other staff involved in managing workplace learning.
Staff must complete the online course every two years from the date of their original completion.
Workplace learning usually takes place during school terms only. However, principals may approve holiday placements for individual Year 11 or 12 students.
Please note that placements are not permitted during the December–January school holidays.
See below for more information:
During work experience, students spend time in an industry or job of their choice. They can be inspired and motivated by the people they meet and benefit from connecting with employers.
Work experience arrangements are made with school approval. For more information, talk to your school careers adviser.
Work experience helps students to:
- Connect classroom learning to real workplaces
- Apply what they’ve learned in class
- Explore if they like a particular job or industry
- Understand what working life is really like
- Discover study, training, and career options
- Choose subjects that suit their goals
- Prepare for life after school
Schools provide suitable pre-placement activities, such as myworkexperience, to get students ready and help make the workplace learning experience valuable.
Work placement is a mandatory part of many VET courses, including Industry Curriculum Framework (ICF) courses and some VET Board Endorsed courses. During placements, students develop industry-specific skills, employability abilities, and appropriate workplace attitudes in real work environments.
Most industries operate outside regular school hours, so students need to be flexible and prepared to travel. For example, construction students might start work at 7 am, while hospitality students may work evening shifts.
Typically, students complete around 70 hours of work placement during Years 11 and 12. The school or an external VET (EVET) provider will arrange a suitable host employer.
Industry Curriculum Framework (ICF) courses
Work placement is required for ICF courses. Placements are usually coordinated by a work placement service provider, although some may be organised directly by schools or EVET providers.
VET Board Endorsed courses
Many VET Board Endorsed courses also require work placement. The school or EVET provider arranges these placements. Some students in Years 9 and 10 studying these courses may have mandatory placement requirements as well.
Examples of VET Board Endorsed courses with mandatory work placement include:
- Assistant Dance Teaching
- Fitness
- Sport Coaching – Certificate II
More information
For details about work placement and a full list of work placement service providers in NSW, visit Work placement in NSW and Sydney Access.
For additional information on VET courses, see Skills at school.
Location
Students should participate in workplace learning in NSW – where possible. Schools located near a border may arrange interstate placements, if required, with the principal’s approval.
Accommodation away from home
The principal must approve any workplace learning involving accommodation away from home. Before approval is given, the following are considered:
- educational value of the workplace learning
- suitability of the proposed transport, accommodation and overnight supervision arrangements
- parent or carer's approval.
The school or external vocational and education and training (EVET) provider must discuss arrangements with the student and parents or carers and confirm supervision and emergency contact arrangements. Both the 'Student Placement Record' and 'Workplace learning – accommodation away from home' forms must be completed and submitted to the school.
The duty of a school or EVET provider to care for students extends beyond the work day of the placement, particularly where accommodation is away from home. This duty cannot be delegated by the school or EVET provider.
The school or EVET provider must take reasonable care to keep all students in placement away from home free from harm and minimise the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Child protection
Any persons, other than family members, supervising students overnight must complete the following Working With Children Check documents:
Declaration for volunteers and non-child related contractors (PDF 255 KB)
Work readiness
Schools and EVET providers must prepare students before they start workplace learning. Suitable pre-placement activities such as myworkexperience and go2workplacement must be provided by the school to prepare all students for workplace learning and to optimise the planned workplace learning experience.
Preparation includes:
- safety in the workplace
- employer expectations
- what to do if help is needed during the placement.
Safety
Workplace learning will not be approved if there are any doubts about the safety of our students.
View the department's public liability certificate of currency.
For more information on managing risk, visit Keeping students safe.
Record keeping
Schools retain and dispose of workplace learning records in accordance with regulations. For information on how long records must be kept to comply with the legal and departmental requirements, visit Documents and records – retention and disposal. Refer to the 'Teaching and learning' and the 'Accidents and incidents' sections.
For more information on legal requirements, visit the Functional Retention and Disposal Authority for primary and secondary education – FA387.
Last modified date
14/01/2026
Business unit contact email
Executive director
Rebecca Allen, Suzie Matthews
Executive director’s business unit
Education and Skills Reform