Work Experience (flexible and case management models used)
At Winmalee High School students are provided with the opportunity to undertake work experience for one week during Year 10. The timing is flexible and depends upon the availability of suitable employers, the best time for the employer to support a work experience student and the capacity of students to find an employer to meet their employment interests and needs.
Students typically go on flexible Work Experience for one week during Year 10. Students seek out their own work experience employer and placement, often with the help of parents or the school Careers Advisor.
Work Experience provides many benefits, giving students the opportunity to develop skills and experience that may allow them to stand out to potential employers as well as helping them to choose the right sector in which to pursue work according to interest and aptitude.
Students and employers must fill in the Student Placement Record (SPR) before they are legally allowed to commence Work Experience. The SPR must be signed by the student, parent, employer and lastly the school. A copy of ‘The Workplace Learning Guide for Employers’ is given to the employer by the student and the employer keeps this. This outlines insurance arrangements.
A Case Management approach to Work Experience is used to support students from other years, typically Year 9, 11 and 12 who are interested or suited to a pathway to work. Students may apply for work experience if they can demonstrate a particular requirement that may advance their work, career or study opportunities. The Learning Hub can also assist students with special needs to find Work Experience.
Please speak with the Careers Adviser for further information, advice, options and the required application forms.
Year 10 and 11 Apprenticeship Mentoring – Construction
This program has been running successfully for over six years and is aimed at predominantly Year 10 and some Year 11 students. At present, TAFE teachers deliver the course on site at Winmalee High School.
It is a one year program that serves to develop in students a strong skill set related to the Construction industry and other associated industries, personal employability skills and introduce them to trade employment opportunities and create experiences for achievement in the Construction industry.
After one year of participation in the program students have the opportunity to graduate with a Certificate II nationally accredited industry qualification.
In Terms 1 and 2 students complete one day per week in activities that include: portfolio and resume development, industry based interview practice, industry project planning quotation and submission, First Aid and Workplace Health and Safety qualifications.
They participate in visits to both TAFE campuses and fully operational work sites and experience practical involvement in small, but focused, construction projects which serves as a contributor to early student motivation and enjoyment. These included the restoration and rebuilding of pathways, stairways and paved areas.
The final two terms, Terms 3 and 4, are focused on Certificate II Construction skills and knowledge, with students working to complete the National Construction curriculum. TAFE teachers have delivered the course for two days per week.
During this time the class engage in the design and planning for (including the costing and management of labour) a major construction project. Over the years they have erected BBQ tables and shelters, established an outdoor classroom, built retaining walls and gardens and constructed a vertical garden.
Students establish their own work site and monitor their own progress and organisation, under the direct supervision of the teacher.
Successes of the program are that many students typically find employment, apprenticeships or traineeships in the construction, plumbing and horticulture industries. Other students use the qualifications to fast track their TAFE study and enter advanced TAFE certificates as a continuation of this course.
Some students after the course, find that the ‘trade’ industries are not for them and return to the formal classroom as an engaged and focused learner
Year 9 Workplace Readiness and Work Transition
This is a short project-based program, aimed at Year 9 students delivered one day per week for one term. The students engage in basic work transition/employability and trade skill development activities. All skill development takes place in a workplace context/environment.
It is aimed at those students who want a pathway to work and are particularly keen to gain part time or future full time employment in the Hospitality or Horticulture industries, or for those students interested in pursuing the Apprenticeship Mentoring Construction program in Year 10 or 11.
Opportunities include development of work transition/readiness skills, workplace experiences in First Aid and Workplace Health and Safety and on the job experiential learning in Horticulture or Hospitality.
The program is delivered by local Industry and Training providers.
Hospitality students worked in the Kitchen and Servery at Baptist Care Residential Facility in Leura, Leura Café Open Day for residents and Mobile Café Van Training.
Horticulture students completed a practical project within the school grounds. They were an integral part of the garden design process, purchase of materials and completion of the physical work in garden restoration, building and planting. As a result the students worked as a well–functioning team to build a native garden that reflects the importance of the ATSI community, a quiet meeting place, focused on local indigenous plant species and utilising natural building materials.
Successful students gain a Statement of Attainment in their related courses and many went on to further work experience and casual employment. The course also served as preparation for entrance into the Year 10 Apprenticeship Mentoring Program.
