At the Australian Vocational Academy, we understand that not all students are employed in a workplace where they can gain the practical experience required for their studies. To bridge this gap, we support structured work placements with host employers to ensure students can apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Work placement is a vital component of vocational education, designed to help students develop hands-on skills and workplace readiness while under the guidance of industry professionals. These placements provide invaluable opportunities to meet the practical requirements of the course, build confidence, and gain insight into industry operations. We utilise these placements to undertake assessment of your practical skills.
In Australia, work placement is lawfully unpaid when it is a requirement of an accredited training course. This ensures compliance with the Fair Work Act 2009, which recognises unpaid vocational placements as legitimate when they are part of a formal educational program. Host employers generously offer their time, resources, and expertise to support students in their learning journey, helping them prepare for future employment opportunities.
By engaging in work placement with the Australian Vocational Academy, students can gain the practical experience they need to succeed while meeting all necessary legal and ethical standards.
Frequently asked questions
What is work placement? | Work placement is a structured, hands-on learning experience where students gain practical skills and industry knowledge in a real workplace setting. It complements your studies and prepares you for employment in your chosen field. We utilise work placements to assess your practical skills as part of each module. |
How much work placement is required to undertake the course? | Work placement durations vary depending on the qualification you are undertaking. We provide a minimum mandatory hours however some students undertake significantly more placement hours if they need more exposure or time to practice in the workplace. |
I’m working in the industry, can I use my paid work instead of completing work placement? | If your workplace meets the range of work & facilities required for your chosen course, you can use your place of work. |
Why is work placement unpaid? | Work placement is unpaid because it is part of your educational program and focuses on skill development rather than providing employment. Australian law allows unpaid work placement when it is a requirement of a recognised course. |
If I can paid work while undertaking work placement, can I use the paid work instead of undertaking work placements? | If the workplace meets the range of work & facilities required for your chosen course, you can use your place of work. |
Who covers me for insurance while I’m undertaking placement? | Australian Vocational Academy provides insurance that covers students while on approved work placements. Work placements are not approved until you recieve a copy of our Work Placement Agreement signed by yourself, the workplace and our College. |
Who sources work placement? | Our College can source work placement for your course. Our work placement sourcing fee is $495. Whilst we will make attempts to source placement close to your home, we cannot guarantee placement availability. Students should be aware travel and accommodation costs are the responsibility of the student. You can contact workplaces in your local area and source work placement. |
What support will I have whilst I’m in work placement? | Our team are available to provide support to workplaces and students throughout the placement journey. Your trainer will be liaising with you and your workplace to support your skill development. |