Host a Student (SWL)

Host a Student

Help a Young Person Take Their Next Step

Real workplace experience is an important part of helping students understand careers, develop confidence and build the skills they need for their future.

By hosting a secondary school student, you are sharing your expertise, your business can provide valuable exposure to the world of work while helping develop the next generation of skilled local workers.

There are several ways employers can support students across the Sunbury Macedon Ranges region, from a short work experience placement through to Structured Workplace Learning or a School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

Learn more below.

Why Host a Student?

Hosting a student isn't just about providing a placement. It's an opportunity to inspire a young person, showcase your industry and contribute to the future local workforce.

Whether you can offer a few days of work experience, regular Structured Workplace Learning or an ongoing School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship, your involvement can make a meaningful difference.

Partner with the SMRVC

The Sunbury Macedon Ranges VET Cluster welcomes connections with local employers, businesses and industry organisations interested in supporting secondary school students.

Help students discover where their skills can take them—and help build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.

Structured Workplace Learning (SWL)

Turn Learning into Real-World Experience

Structured Workplace Learning gives students undertaking VET the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge they are developing through their course in a real workplace.

Unlike general work experience, SWL is connected to a student's VET program and provides opportunities to develop relevant industry skills and understand workplace expectations.

By hosting an SWL student, your workplace can help them:

apply their VET learning in a real industry environment
develop practical and employability skills
understand workplace expectations and responsibilities
build confidence and independence
learn from experienced industry professionals
explore whether the industry is right for them
develop connections that may lead to future employment, an apprenticeship or traineeship.

What does an employer provide?

Employers provide appropriate workplace activities, supervision and guidance while giving the student an opportunity to experience day-to-day work within the industry.

Placements may occur as a block placement or on selected days, depending on the student's course, school and workplace arrangements.

Could your workplace provide a student with valuable industry experience? We'd love to hear from you.

Work Experience

Sometimes a few days in a workplace can help a young person see their future differently.

Work experience allows secondary school students to explore an occupation or industry, observe people at work and develop a better understanding of what different careers involve.

Students don't necessarily need previous experience in your industry. They are there to learn, observe, ask questions and experience the workplace.

Give a Student Their First Look at an Industry

Hosting a work experience student can help them:

explore an industry or occupation they are considering
understand what a typical working day looks like
learn about different jobs within your organisation
develop communication and workplace skills
understand employer expectations
make more informed subject, VET and career choices.

For employers, it is also an opportunity to showcase your industry, inspire young people and build awareness of future career opportunities within your sector.

A positive first workplace experience can have a lasting impact on a young person's career decisions.

ENQUIRE ABOUT HOSTING A WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENT

A School-Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) allows a student to combine secondary school, paid employment and nationally recognised training.

Students gain genuine workplace experience while progressing towards a qualification and completing their senior secondary education.

SBATs are available across a range of industries and require coordination between the student, employer, school, training provider and other relevant apprenticeship and training organisations.

Interested in employing a school-based apprentice or trainee? We can help connect you with the right people to explore the opportunity.

School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT)

Develop Your Future Workforce

For employers, an SBAT can provide an opportunity to identify and develop enthusiastic young people who may become part of your future workforce.

Benefits for employers can include:

developing young people with skills relevant to your business
introducing students to your workplace practices and culture
building a future pipeline of skilled employees
supporting local young people to transition from school into employment
contributing to skills development within your industry and community
identifying potential future apprentices, trainees or employees.