Frequently asked questions
What is vocational placement?
The object of a vocational placement is to provide a student with the opportunity to undertake practical training and to gain the experience required to enable them to demonstrate competency against the outcomes of a nationally recognised course/qualification.
What is the difference between 'vocational placement' and 'work experience'?
The terms 'vocational placement' and 'work experience' are not interchangeable and each has a specific meaning. Some of the distinguishing characteristics of each arrangement are summarised in the following table:
| Vocational placement | Work experience |
|---|---|
|
|
Do you need approval to offer vocational placement?
Yes. Firstly, the registered training organisation (RTO) must have the course/qualification on its scope of registration and secondly, application must be made to the Training Employment and Recognition Council (TERC) to recognise a vocational placement scheme.
Is vocational placement recognised nationally?
A vocational placement scheme recognised by TERC is not recognised outside of Queensland. Therefore, a student cannot enter an agreement to undertake vocational placement with a placement person who is not located in Queensland. A student located outside of Queensland cannot enter an agreement to undertaken vocational placement within Queensland.
Are there different types of vocational placement?
Yes, there are two different types of vocational placement:
-
long placement - a placement for more than 240 hours per calendar year, students are entitled to benefits and payment as determined by the Industrial Commission
-
short placement - a placement not more than 240 hours per calendar year and students are not paid and are not eligible for other benefits.
Is there a maximum time limit for completing vocational placement?
Yes. The maximum hours are 240 hours per calendar year (unless the scheme has been recognised for a short period of time). Vocational placement hours are in addition to the nominal hours assigned to a course/qualification. However, once the student undertaking the placement has been assessed as competent in the skills and knowledge to which the placement relates, the placement must cease.
Is there any other documentation required?
A register to record details of each vocational placement agreement must be established by a registered training organisation (RTO) within seven days of a vocational placement scheme being recognised.
A vocational placement agreement needs to be reached between the registered training organisation, the student and the placement person. The vocational placement agreement defines the roles and responsibilities of each of the parties to the agreement.
In addition, a training plan must be negotiated and in place for each student before the student begins the placement. The training plan states the training that has been agreed between the registered training organisation and the placement person as per the agreement.
Who is a placement person?
A placement person is the person within a work environment who will deliver the training to the student during the placement.
Who arranges the placement?
The RTO offering the course/qualification must arrange the placement and must ensure the placement person and facilities are suitable.
What insurance requirements do I need?
An RTO conducting a course/qualification requiring a vocational placement must obtain insurance under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (section 22). This is to ensure a student is covered for injury arising out of, or in the course of, the vocational placement. Such insurance must remain in place until the course is no longer offered.
The RTO must also obtain and retain liability insurance that indemnifies the placement person against proceedings for damages brought by a student, another person injured and loss or damage to the placement person's property caused by the student during the placement.
Where can I get further information about vocational placement?
For further information on vocational placement access the Guide to vocational placement for Queensland registered training organisations, visit the vocational placement section of the department's website or contact Registration Services on telephone 07 3227 8808 or by email at registrationservices@deta.qld.gov.au