Work Placement

Work placement is a mandatory component of many Stage 6 VET courses and provides students with valuable opportunities to develop industry skills in a real workplace setting. Students are to complete a total of 70 hours of work placement (35 hours per year). This is typically completed as 2 x one week blocks. 

Our school coordinates placements through a Work Placement Service Provider (WPSP), who organise the majority of the placing for us. 

Work Placement Dates

Please note the scheduled placement periods:

• Business: 13 July – 17 July 2026 (This is Staff Training Week; the third week of the holidays mid year) 
• Fitness: 13 July – 17 July 2026 (as above) 
• Construction: 21 September – 4 October 2026
  (This is a two-week period. Students are only required to attend one week within this timeframe. We encourage students to attend in the first week as this is the final week of Term 3)

These dates are scheduled to assist CareerLinks with planning, as they look after many schools in Newcastle. Students also have the opportunity to Self-Source or RPL, as detailed below. 

How the process works

• The school will receive a list of potential workplaces from the WPSP. 
• Students will select their preferred workplace from this list. We try and place a student in a business the is geographically close to either home, or transportation (public or private). 
• Once a placement is chosen, students must complete a Student Placement Record (SPR).
• The SPR must be signed by the student, parent/carer, employer and the school before the placement can commence.
• Students are required to visit their employer in person prior to starting their work placement to introduce themselves and confirm arrangements.

During work placement

• Students must take their Work Placement Journal each day.
• The journal is to be completed daily and signed by the employer.

Self-sourced placements

Students may choose to self-source a work placement if they have a preferred workplace.

• Students must complete the self-sourcing form (attached).
• They are required to make contact with the employer and gain initial agreement.
• The placement must be approved by the school.
• All documentation must be returned at least 6 weeks prior to the commencement of work placement.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

If a student is already employed in an industry relevant to their VET course, they may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Please contact the school for further information about this process.

Parent/Carer responsibilities

We ask that you:

• Review and sign the Student Placement Record (SPR) when applicable 
• Support your child in preparing for workplace expectations (punctuality, communication and safety)
• Inform the school of any medical conditions or additional needs

Simple checklist

Before placement begins, please ensure:

• Workplace has been selected (or self-sourced and approved)
• Student Placement Record (SPR) is fully completed and signed
• Student has visited the workplace prior to commencement
• All requirements are submitted at least 6 weeks prior (if self-sourced)
• Student is prepared with their Work Placement Journal

Please click on the buttons below to view the following guides or forms.