The Objectives of the Structured Workplace Learning SWL Program are to:
- Increase the numbers of young people undertaking SWL and SBAT work placement in relevant places of employment, with emphasis on industries that provide strong vocational outcomes
- Increase the alignment between vocational education and training (VET) provision and local industry needs
The Program will Contribute to:
- Improving opportunities for all young people to undertake workplace learning placements
- Improving the quality of VCAL and VETiS programs through increased opportunities for young people to undertake SWL and be assessed in work-based contexts
Developing a ‘bank’ of ongoing workplace learning placements - Improving the match between VET provision and effective student learning pathways
- Promoting workplace learning to industry by improving industry understanding of the benefits to them
- Structured workplace learning is on the job training during which a student is expected to master a set of skills or competencies, related to a course accredited by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA).
These courses are Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs undertaken by Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) students. The VCAA has determined that structured workplace learning is an appropriate and valuable component of all VET undertaken by VCE and VCAL students. Structured workplace learning complements the training undertaken at school or at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and should be spread across the duration of the training program.
It provides the context for:
- enhanced skill development
- practical application of industry knowledge
- assessment of units of competence/modules, as determined by the RTO
- increased employment opportunities