« DISCO Programs & Services

Structured Workplace Learning

DISCO provides support to assist member schools to place students in industry to obtain practical experience from which to test theoretical knowledge gained at school.

This program is a great way to test options for a possible future career. Placements can often lead to the establishment of a relationship with an employer, which could result in a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship or even a casual employment position.

Students can undertake industry placement for a maximum of thirty days in a calendar year. Students undertake placements in line with the schools timetable or they may choose to undertake a placement in the school holidays.

DISCO recommends students identifiy possible placements based on their preferences or interests and undertake preparation with employers to ensure they will be suitable and supportive. Students are normally provided with preparatory information (which can be supplied to the school by DISCO if requested) and DISCO recommends that the student meet with the employer before the placement commences. Most employers will offer a placement on the condition of an interview to assess suitability and to ensure the young person knows important details about how the placement will work. Normally at this time the employer will sign insurance paperwork which will need to be returned to the school before the placement commences.

Students are normally equipped with a logbook and badge prior to their placement commencing. The logbook is used to note competencies achieved or to diarise the nature of the work undertaken for review by the relevant school representative. Employers are asked to initial student’s logbook notes to confirm accuracy and assist validation of the industry placement process. Students are identified as being on industry training with their badge and this assists both staff and customers of the business to understand the training role they are undertaking whilst working.

At the halfway point of the placement the school representative will normally conduct a mid place assessment which allows them to pass on structured feedback to the student which can be used for assessment purposes. Primarily this assessment is done to ensure the student is coping with, and has evidence of, their time in the workplace.

At the end of each calendar year DISCO holds training awards to recognise both students and employers who participated in the structured workplace learning program and acknowledge excellent work and professionalism from nominees.