Work Experience is a highly valued opportunity at Springfield Central SHS, providing students with real-world insights into the workplace. Students are strongly encouraged to participate to develop skills and explore career pathways.
Benefits of Work Experience
By participating in Work Experience, students gain:
Employability skills to prepare for future careers.
Connections between classroom learning and workplace skills.
Awareness of knowledge and skills required in different industries.
Understanding of future career and training opportunities.
Students are responsible for organising their own Work Experience placement through personal contacts or local businesses. The Principal reserves the right to decline participation if a student cannot reflect the school's core values in the community.
Work Experience Guidelines
- Up to 30 days of Work Experience per calendar year.
- One week per term (Ideally 40 hours over 5 days).
- Placements within 20 km of the school (further placements require approval).
- Work Experience is unpaid.
- Students are insured through the Department of Education.
- Not permitted on weekends or during school holidays.
- Application forms must be submitted at least two weeks before placement begins.
How to Organise Work Experience
Step 1: Prepare for Work Experience
Discuss career goals with parents and guardians.
Select suitable dates that won’t heavily impact assessment.
Research businesses that align with your future career interests.
Update your resume.
Practice requesting a Work Experience opportunity (see script in resources).
Consult the Senior Pathways team if you need help.
Step 2: Organise Work Experience
Dress appropriately when approaching businesses.
Contact businesses to request a placement.
Fill out the Permission Form (signed by you, your parent/guardian, and Work Experience Provider).
The Principal’s signature will be collected by Pathways staff.
Step 3: Seek School Approval
Click the Apply Now link.
Upload your Permission Form.
Approval/disapproval will be emailed to you.
The Pathways Office will contact the Work Experience Provider to finalise details.
Step 4: Prepare for Work Experience
Contact your employer the week before you start to confirm details.
Ensure you know start and finish times, dress code, and required materials.
During Work Experience
- Follow Respect, Resilience, Responsibility, and Relationships at all times.
- Report any issues to your employer and the Pathways Office.
- Download and print your timesheet, have it signed daily by your supervisor.
- Dress appropriately for your workplace.
- Follow safety instructions carefully.
- Ask questions and engage with the experience.
- Check your school emails for updates.
- If sick or absent, contact your employer and the Pathways Office immediately.
- Complete your Reflection Survey after your last day and upload your timesheet.
Information for Work Experience Providers
Work Experience provides businesses with an opportunity to support local students, while also mentoring potential future employees.
✔ Flexible activities, including observation, shadowing, and hands-on tasks. ✔ Students are unpaid and insuredthrough the Department of Education. ✔ Employers determine suitable work hours, attire, and requirements.
✔ School staff provide support throughout the program.
Employer Support & Feedback
Before placement, businesses will be contacted by the school for an induction into the program.
Employers complete two brief surveys:
At the beginning of the placement to confirm student progress.
At the end of the placement to provide feedback on student performance.
This feedback helps enhance our Work Experience program and ensures students graduate with strong employability skills.
Interested in hosting a Work Experience student? Contact Pathways Office at:
📧 pathways@springfieldcentralshs.eq.edu.au