How to Apply for Work Placement: Tips & Resources

Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey where you will practise and develop the online skills you learned in a real-life work setting.

Approaching companies for work placement will take time, which is why we encourage students to begin looking for work placement a few months before work placement commences. But remember – you will not be able to commence logging your hours at placement and having your tasks signed off until you have submitted the required modules in your chosen course.

We know that approaching companies and finding work placement might seem daunting, but it can also be incredibly exciting.

In this article, our good friends at Open Colleges have provided six useful steps in securing a work placement opportunity – from research, volunteering, the best ways to apply, and more! 

Make a list of businesses in your area that you would like to work for. We also recommend expanding your search area to ensure you don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity. If you’re willing to travel a bit further, you will open yourself up to far more opportunities!

Use this opportunity to learn about the business you are applying to, the people who work there, and make sure to search their website for job opportunities if they have a career section. Don’t forget to check their social media channels for a better insight into the company and how they interact with customers.

Also, try asking people in your personal network if they know of any companies or organisations that offer work experience placements.

Volunteer websites can be helpful in your placement search. You can sort by industry and commitment length, and if you’re lucky, it could turn into a placement opportunity. Be brave – you won’t know until you ask! When you get in touch with the organisation, just let them know that you wish to complete a work placement with their business and ask if they’re willing to take you on.

(Note: Work placement is much more structured than simply volunteering. The host organisation must provide you with access to the tasks, equipment, and resources necessary to undertake your workplace assessments under the supervision of an accredited Workplace Supervisor.)

Your education provider will then determine if the workplace is suitable to complete your placement.

Check out some great volunteer sites here:

• https://www.volunteer.com.au/
• https://govolunteer.com.au/
• https://workforceaustralia.gov.au  
• https://workplacements.education.vic.gov.au/
  

You can also check with your local council for more placement opportunities.

We recommend writing a Letter of Introduction highlighting your aim, abilities, availability and when you are looking for placement. Give some background information about yourself, why you want to work for that company and make sure to be friendly and professional.

Also, a professional looking resume goes a long way! Check out this free resume template to create an appealing resume that’s sure to stand out.

Every organisation is different. Some companies might prefer you contact them through a career portal, while others may prefer a face-to-face meeting. Larger companies typically have a form to fill in to apply for work experience.

If you can’t find the best way to apply, you can try calling the company, or reaching out via their social media channels and asking which method they prefer. When you have your answer, gather your resume and Letter of Introduction, send it off, pat yourself on the back, and wait! 

Once you have sent through an application, give it some time before following through. Meanwhile, continue applying elsewhere, and consider expanding your area search for other placement opportunities.

If you haven’t heard anything, don’t be discouraged! After waiting a reasonable amount of time, follow up with an email to the person responsible for hiring and let them know you have sent your application and reiterate your interest in working for their company.

You’ve received a call-back! Now, what?  If possible, set up a mock interview with a friend or family member and ask them to prepare some industry-related questions to get you ready for the interview.

On the day, make sure to present well, be on time, and bring your resume with you.  Be polite, interested, and thank the interviewer for their time.

Hopefully, the interview will turn into a placement opportunity, and you’ll be on your way to an exciting new career.

So, get ready to peek behind the curtain of your chosen career, and step into the role you’ve been practising for!

This guest article was written by Open Colleges.