Work Placement with the Australian Vocational Academy

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.

How do I source my own work placement?

Students can discuss work placement with employers in their local community. We encourage students to take a copy of their resume and our Work Placement Agreement into local workplaces and speaking with the manager or owner.

It’s important to be well presented (dress as if you were attending a job interview). Start by introducing yourself and communicating you are undertaking a qualification that requires industry placement. Provide the employer representative with information on the hours and types of experience you need and then provide them with the information pack.

Key tip: Show the workplace representative you appreciate their expertise with statements such as “I would really like to undertake my placement here because of (say key things that make their work place stand out i.e. Your staff always give great customer service and I want to learn in this type of environment.

Finish the conversation with a direct question: Would you consider supporting work placement for me?


How does AVA source work placement?

Our College has dedicated team members who will contact work places to source work placement. During our contacts, we communicate with the correct person, educating them on our programs and the requirements for work placement.

There can be a significant amount of work in gaining work placement hosts, our work placement facilitation fee of $495 covers these costs associated with gaining work placement. This fee covers the sourcing of one work place.

We encourage students to secure work placement before enrolling in the course. Our full qualification courses cannot be completed without satisfactorily completing work placement.

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