All about Work Placements

As a student in a vocational course, you might be wondering what work placement is all about. Work placement is a mandatory internship, usually unpaid, for vocational courses in Australia. It is designed to give students real-life experience in their chosen field of study and ensure that they have the skills required to enter the industry when they graduate. It typically involves working for an employer in the relevant industry for a set number of hours, depending on the course requirements.

For instance, at Alliance College, Commercial Cookery students are required to complete 360 hours of work placement, and Hospitality students need to complete 108 hours. Other courses, such as Carpentry and Automotive, also have work placement requirements. Carpentry students need to complete 380 hours, and Automotive students require 360 hours for the Cert III level and 100 hours for the Cert IV level, totalling 460 hours.

Work placement provides students with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, gain new skills, and develop their confidence in the workplace. It also helps students make valuable industry contacts and gain insight into the day-to-day operations of their chosen industry.

When to begin the work placement?

Students can complete the work placement at any point during the enrolment, but if they’re not currently working in the industry, the work placement will usually start once they’ve finished certain theory units. Prior to starting the work placement, students and their workplace supervisor will need to sign several documents, such as a Business Checklist and a Host Agreement, which must be submitted to Alliance College before the placement begins.

Does Alliance College offer guaranteed placement for students?

Alliance College offers a Career Development Program in both Sydney and Adelaide. The program in Sydney is specifically focused on Commercial Cookery and Hospitality courses, with participating companies such as Accor Hotel, Meriton, Travelodge, and La Vie Hotel & Resorts. These companies can offer paid placement opportunities to our students. Similarly, in Adelaide, we’re partnered with several leading industrial restaurants and hotels, such as Adelaide Venue Management and the Mayfair Hotel. Our Career Development Program in Adelaide also offers students who are studying Carpentry. It is designed to provide work placement opportunities within the construction industry.

In the field of automotive, a majority of the placement opportunities available are unpaid. We have a number of students who have already gained experience working in the industry, which is a highly skilled occupation. However, nearly half of our students have yet to secure employment in this field. For international students, it can be particularly challenging to obtain their first work experience. Students who are struggling in this regard are encouraged to speak with their trainer, who has over 25 years of experience in the industry, and the Student Support team that may be able to offer helpful advice.

What support can students get regarding work placement?

Students who study at Alliance College don’t have to worry about finding work placement opportunities. We provide full support for work placement, including assistance with finding placements and insurance coverage. Our dedicated marketing team will always search for new businesses and recommend them to our students.

If a student wishes to find their own work placement, they should first speak with their employer and inquire about whether they would be willing to sign any necessary paperwork. It’s possible that some employers may be hesitant to sign such documents due to a lack of information, but our representatives are available to answer any questions they may have. It’s crucial for students to be aware of insurance requirements. If the placement is paid, and the student is already employed by the kitchen, with the placement being utilized for training purposes, then the employer’s work cover will provide coverage. However, if the placement is unpaid, the student will be covered by the school’s insurance.

What’s the right attitude for doing work placement?

It is essential to maintain the right attitude during work placement. Students should always be on time and even show up a little bit earlier for their shift. They should be curious and not be afraid to ask questions. It is also important to be friendly and approachable. Teamwork skills are also crucial for work placement.

If you’d like to talk to our team to learn more about your study options, reach out to us at marketing@alliancecollege.edu.au.