Develop increased competence in core workplace skills.
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Welcome to Swan Worklink

Entering the workforce is an important step for students in helping them shape their future.

Students are able to discover their strengths, interests and talents whilst learning about employer expectations and different industries.

Current research shows that young people want to do work that is meaningful in workplaces that prioritise safety, support and communication.

Swan Worklink helps equip and support students who are on this journey and commit to ensuring students have positive experiences where they can learn in safe and professional workplaces.

I have worked in the areas of youth employment, training and development for 20 years and oversee the Swan Worklink team in providing our services.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Mrs Heather Pitman

Manager of Swan Worklink

About the Program

Swan Worklink:

  • connects local employers to high school students who are wanting to gain industry experience as part of their learning journey
  • supports employers in their role by providing helpful information and visits
  • provides a high level of safety when placing students through OH&S and monitoring checks
  • supports schools and colleges by providing custom services and ongoing communication

 

We want students to experience real work skills in a workplace environment. We believe that this will help students engage with their studies and prepare them to flourish upon leaving school.

Our Mission

To build creative and beneficial links between industry and the colleges involved so that a greater understanding between the world of work and schooling is fostered in our region. Developing positive relationships between our local businesses and colleges thus contributing to the growth of our community.

Student Stories

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History of Swan Worklink

  • In 2022, Swan Christian College took charge of the Swan Worklink program. Previously known as Worklink – The Association of the Hills and Associated Colleges.
  • For 25 years, the Worklink program has serviced numerous schools and Colleges across the region, placing more than 5000 students in employment. The program is renowned for supporting various employers, students and Colleges.


Swan Worklink is proud to continue offering this support with the vision of growing our service base and connecting more students with their chosen industries.

Swan Worklink for Students

How can Workplace Learning help me?

By participating in Workplace Learning you will benefit from:

WACE Credits

Gain credit towards secondary graduation (WACE). Each placement successfully completed will count as one ‘unit equivalent’ (C grade) towards secondary graduation (WACE).

Career Plan

Figure out what you are interested in and form a career plan.

Build Networks

Grow your network and possibly land a job!

References

Get to know industry experts who may become your referees.

Job Search Support

Get the support of the Worklink team who will help match you to reputable employers.

Tafe Credits

Be able to use work experience hours for entry into competitive TAFE courses.

Industry Types

What types of industries could I complete Workplace Learning in? Below are some possible options for your placement.

If you have something specific in mind just let us know!

  • Agriculture/Horticulture (includes landscaping/greenkeeping, garden centres)
  • Animal Care (includes animal refuge, vet clinics, equine)
  • Beauty Therapy
  • Working with Children (includes childcare, teacher assistant and special needs)
  • Food (includes butcher, pastry cooks)
  • Hospitality (includes cafes, restaurants)
  • Hairdressing
  • Information Technology
  • Medical (includes nursing, aged care, dental/doctors’ surgeries)
  • Trades (includes auto electrical, mechanical, panel beating, spray painting, electrical, building, plumbing. refrigeration and air conditioning, cabinet making, furniture making, roofing, tiling, welding, metal fabrication)
  • Office and Administration
  • Retail
  • Sport & Recreation (includes schools, recreation centres, gymnasiums, swimming pools)

Enrolment enquiries

Student applications

Swan Worklink provide services to the following schools:

  • Schools within the Swan Christian Education Association
  • Carmel Adventist College
  • Helena College

Speak to your Careers teacher or apply now via our student application form.

The Arts

Swan Christian College offers a variety of creative subjects and extracurricular opportunities in the Arts.

Benefits to Employers

By participating in Workplace Learning you will benefit from:

Employ

Ability to choose your next apprentice / trainee or casual worker.

Invest

You can invest in and grow your industry.

Connect

You become connected to the Swan Worklink networks.

Give Back

It’s an opportunity to give back to your community.

Develop

You can allow others within your organisation to coach and support a student.

Inspire

You help young people develop career pathways.

Support

Free service with ongoing support.

What to expect

  • Students are interviewed before by Swan Worklink before joining the workplace learning program
  • Students are provided with appropriate student training through an induction process run by Swan Worklink about employer and industry expectations
  • You are provided with information and support in becoming a Host
  • You will have someone from the Swan Worklink team meet with you to discuss the placement and safety requirements before the placement begins
  • Students will be asked to contact you to arrange a pre-placement interview where you can get to know the student and help them prepare for their placement
  • You will receive a monitoring visit during the student’s placement where you can give feedback to the Swan Worklink team

What is required of a Host Employer?

  • You will need to be able to nominate a Workplace Supervisor who is responsible for the student while they are with you. This includes overseeing the completion of their Logbook, verifying the number of hours and tasks completed by the student.
  • You will need to be able to give students opportunities to learn, practice and then demonstrate competency in the workplace with tasks relevant to your industry
  • To provide a safe work environment for the student and to have appropriate insurance cover in place ($5 million minimum Public Liability)
  • To conduct a basic induction process using Swan Worklink induction documents with the student
  • To participate in an assessment of the student’s performance during a monitoring visit

BAE Systems understands the importance of student work experience programs and is committed to providing these opportunities.

The Worklink program allows schools, students and parents a streamlined process with BAE Systems to ensure each student has a safe and meaningful experience attending the BAE Hawk Lead in Fighter workplace. Worklink has a very efficient well managed program that BAE Systems is committed to support into the future.

Graham Bertolini

Site Coordinator

We spend most of our lives working in some capacity or another, so it's no wonder that career becomes a very important decision as our students near the end of their school education.

Helping young people through the journey of finding their fit in the workplace is a huge part of them finding their place in life - that's why it's so important to me.

I know from my own experience that our view of "work" can get pretty dim or boring, so I'm all about demonstrating what it means to find joy in what you do.

The most valuable thing for me is to see a young person genuinely excited about the rest of their life - confident in who God made them to be.

Jack Wallace

Editor

It is so rewarding to be able to encourage young talent so they can see what is possible.

I look forward in continuing to support the Swan Worklink Program and provide opportunity for students who are keen to pursue creative endeavours.

Aaron Welch

Founder Director

We really enjoy having students come through for work experience and believe it’s a really important role that we can play as a business to help those few students work out what they may or may not want to do in the future.

We would be happy to host more students in the future.

Ben Sonsee

General Manager

Employer enquiries

I want to become a Host Employer!

If you would like more information about becoming a Host Employer, please submit your enquiry via the contact form, or get in touch with the Swan Worklink Manager, Mrs Heather Pitman on (08) 9374 8300.

The Arts

Swan Christian College offers a variety of creative subjects and extracurricular opportunities in the Arts.

Please click on the following link to download the How to access Parent Lounge document:

Enrolment Enquiry

Before submitting your enrolment enquiry please be aware of the following:
  • Enrolments are now closed for 2024
  • Limited places available in Year 3, 2025
  • There are waitlists for Kindergarten and Year 7, 2025
  • There are also waitlists for Kindergarten and Year 7, 2026
  • We encourage you to submit applications at least two years in advance.

Swan Christian College Alumni Registration

 

Sign up today to hear about reunions and other events. Please be sure to list your personal email address, rather than a school, work or university address, to ensure you’re kept up to date throughout your career.