It is important that schools and their VET students are aware of the advice recently published by NESA regarding mandatory work placement for VET courses. In relation to VET work placement, the latest advice is located on the NESA COVID advice page for Year 11 and 12.

For continuing students: those who commenced a VET course in 2021
It is expected that continuing students will complete a minimum of 35 hours of work placement, however, they will remain eligible for HSC credit units if unable to complete the full work placement requirements for their VET course.

For commencing students: those commencing a VET course in 2022
All students commencing a VET course in 2022 are expected to meet full course requirements as per the syllabus or course description. Schools are advised to ensure that students undertaking a VET course are well aware of the course requirements, which include a mandatory work placement component.

VET placement and COVID-19 vaccination
In relation to COVID vaccinations, the NSW Government has this website link detailing vaccination requirements for workers. This lists industries with mandatory vaccination requirements. Students undertaking work placement in Health Care, Aged Care, Child Care, Transport or Community Services (most likely through EVET or a Private Provider), must be fully vaccinated.

What about workplaces without mandatory vaccination? 
While industries including Hospitality, Construction, Business, and IDT are not included in the above list, many businesses or employers will still require vaccination even when it is not mandatory. There may be some that are willing to take on non-vaccinated students, and in these circumstances, your VET Compliance Officers should liaise with the local Work Place Service Provider to determine if they have employers willing to take on non-vaccinated students.

Most importantly
If commencing students cannot complete the mandatory work placement component, they will be unable to meet the full VET course requirements and may be ineligible to receive the HSC credential.

Please contact Cathy Sip, Vocational Education Manager AISNSW csip@aisnsw.edu.au if you have any further questions.