07 Feb Work Placement & Career Opportunities

Work placement is a mandatory component of industry-based vocational education and training (VET) courses that students can choose as part of their studies for the NSW Higher School Certificate.

Working for Southern Region BEC as a Work Placement Coordinator provides the opportunity to place students into work environments enabling them to put into practice in Industry the skills and knowledge they have gained in the classroom.

Through personal experience of running a business and working as a retail manager, I have firsthand experience of the benefits this program provides for both the student and employer.
This program enables the host to instil in these students the real-life expectations of a job, giving them an insight into what is expected in the role from both customer and employer perspectives.

I have witnessed the successful outcomes available from this program with many students completing work placement being offered casual and fulltime employment in retail and hospitality roles, as a direct result of showing confidence and initiative in the workplace and an interest in the role.
A lot of students are not certain of what they would like to do for work. Therefore, being placed into a working environment and gaining real life experience in a role they are interested in can assist with making these decisions and as such is an invaluable tool in helping guide and assist these students in finding the right role for them.

Work placement also provides employers with the opportunity to pass on their skills and knowledge and encourage students to pursue these careers by sharing their passion for the job. It’s also a great way for employers to find new employees in varying roles.

Work placement is a simple yet effective way of transitioning from classroom learning to gaining real-life experience and even possible employment. It is a role that gives me the challenge and satisfaction of pairing students and hosts for a positive outcome for both parties.

‘It is easy to underestimate the value of work placement however the positive feedback from hosts and students is a testament to the effectiveness this program delivers.’
We are dedicated to maintaining our ongoing commitment to provide individuals the opportunity to explore and evaluate perspective career opportunities.

By Carissa Mills