AISV - Compliance Framework, Work experience

Information dealing with issues such as duty of care, student wellbeing, excursions and work experience.

Compliance Directory
Students
Work experience

AISV Compliance Framework

Work experience

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, if your school conducts a work experience program.

Conditions of compliance

Work experience involves secondary school students in short-term industry placements, which broadens their experience and understanding of the world of work and career opportunities. It is generally undertaken in Years 9 or 10.

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) details that work experience is only to be undertaken during the official school year. This includes the first, second and third term holidays, but not the holidays at the end of the year.

Work experience is different to structured workplace learning which is undertaken by students who are enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in schools programs and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). These students must undertake tasks or activities that enable them to acquire skills and knowledge in an industry setting as part of an accredited vocational training program.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

There are many requirements of a work experience program with which you must comply. Full details are contained within DEECD's Work Experience Manual.

Some of the requirements are related to the following:

The age of students (particularly if a student is under 15)
Occupational health and safety
Work experience arrangement forms
Criminal records checks
Prohibited equipment and activities
Privacy legislation
Public liability insurance
WorkCover procedures
Anti-discrimination and work experience students
Harassment, bullying and occupational violence in the workplace
Students with disabilities
Contact during the placement
Timing of a work experience program
Hours of work
Length of work experience
Employer supervision of work experience students
Payment and taxation
Interstate placements
International students

There are also roles and responsibilities for principals, work experience coordinators, employers, students, parents and teachers. These are described in the Work Experience Manual.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.). You may also be putting your students at risk.

Who will help you?

AISV contact:

Peter Roberts
Assistant Director, Management Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@ais.vic.edu.au