Work experience

This program provides broad understandings of the world of work and develops a range of knowledge, skills and attributes relevant to a wide range of work environments. This includes:

• the development of employability skills (detailed below)

• increasing the connections between learning in the classroom and learning in the workplace

• facilitating an awareness of knowledge and skills required in workplaces

• facilitating an awareness of industry career opportunities.

Students in year 10 to 12 voluntarily complete work experience in their own time. Students with special needs complete work experience as part of their life skills program. A minimum age of 14 years is a prerequisite prior to engaging in work experience.

Australian employers have identified the following eight groups of skills and listed some of the personal attributes that they consider to be essential to successful workplace performance regardless of where you work or what work you do. Having these skills and attributes will also lead to enjoyment and achievement in other areas of your life.

Employability skills refer to the following eight categories of learning outcomes:

• communication
• team work
• problem-solving
• initiative and enterprise
• planning and organising
• self-management
• learning

• technology

For more information on employability skills from an employers perspective:

ACCI employability skills – an employer’s perspective

• Employability skill overview (PDF, 34 KB)

After the students have completed their work experience placement employers complete a work report which the students can include in their curriculum vitae for future job applications and interviews.

Sometimes students receive casual, full-time or traineeship/apprenticeship job offers from their work experience providers.

There are also benefits for employers providing work experience opportunities.

Benefits for employers

• an inexpensive way to train and prepare potential new employees
• provide employers with the opportunity to develop existing staff by partnering the employee with the student
• employers can use the process to initiate staff training and improve induction procedures
• employers have access to a pool of trained recruits for paid casual or part time work if needed
• the use of semi skilled labour at minimal cost to the business
• employers receive local community recognition and are identified as supporters of youth experience and employment.

Structured workplace learning (SWL)

The structured workplace learning programme (SWL) is an initiative that aims to provide workplace opportunities to students to assist them make a successful transition through school and from school to future education, training, employment and active participation in the community.

Specifically, the SWL programme provides students with structured learning opportunities in a real or simulated workplace. This structured work placement is a component of a vocational education and training (VET) in schools course undertaken by senior secondary students. The placement provides on the job training and mentoring that develops the students’ technical and generic employability skills. The skills are assessed, usually following the work placement, by a registered training organisation (RTO) and the VET qualifications are recognised nationally by industry and education systems.

The SWL program also comes with many benefits for both the employers and students.

Employer benefits include:

• an inexpensive way to train and prepare potential new employees
• provides employers with the opportunity to develop existing staff by partnering the employee with the student
• industry can be involved in student selection
• employers can use the process to initiate staff training and improve induction procedures
• employers have access to a pool of trained recruits for paid casual or part time work if needed
• the use of semi skilled labour at minimal cost to the business

• employers receive local community recognition and are identified as supporters of youth experience and employment.

Student benefits include:

• the development of skills in a classroom, workplace environment and specific industry
• facilitate an awareness of your career choices
• gain confidence and improve communication skills in an adult learning environment
• gain knowledge of employer expectations
• the experience may lead to casual, part-time or even full-time employment
• confirm your decision to study in a particular area with a better understanding of the work involved

• gain credit towards current vocational studies, further training, traineeships and apprenticeships.

Students entering vocational subjects at Stanthorpe High (eg. hospitality, business, computer studies, agricultural studies, etc) are encouraged to include at least

Queensland College of Wine Tourism (QCWT)

Work experience project

The QCWT work experience program provides students in tourism, hospitality, business and viticulture with industry based training at the Banca Ridge bistro, cellar door and vineyard. Students benefit greatly from this real business experience, working with real customers and training with industry qualified staff at the college. At the end of their training students are provided with progress reports, which can be used as evidence for competency in relevant units from certificate II in tourism, certificate II in hospitality and certificate II in business.

The QCWT also offers work experience for year 10 to 12 students who have an interest in tourism, wine tourism, hospitality, business, viticulture and retail. Work experience in the Banca Ridge bistro, cellar door and vineyard will provide students with the opportunity to develop proficiency in industry skills and knowledge and possibly an inclusion on the paid work list at the QCWT. At present students have the opportunity to gain work experience in the following areas:

• cellar door
• food and beverage service
• tour guiding
• kitchen operations
• office and reception

• vineyard and cellar