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Student Placements at BSL

The Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) provides opportunities for students who would like to complete a student or vocational placement with us through their education provider. We have a range of placement options available, however placements can be limited depending on program capacity.

We strive to support students along their journey to ensure they have a meaningful experience with us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are student/vocational placements at BSL?

Student/vocational placements at the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) are opportunities for students from various education providers to gain practical experience in a professional workplace setting. These placements are designed to complement the students' academic studies, gain experience and help them transition successfully into the workforce.

2. Who can participate in student placements at BSL?

We support various types of placements for university and TAFE students. We also support secondary school students (Year 9-12) who participate in structured workplace learning, work experience, or community work programs.

The minimum student age is 15 years unless exceptional circumstances apply.

3. Are student placements paid?

BSL is a not-for-profit organisation and is not required to pay students on placement under the Fair Work Act 2009. This also applies to secondary school students undertaking work experience.

4. How do I apply for a student placement at BSL?

Some volunteer roles can support students on placement. To see our current opportunities and to apply, visit Volunteer | Brotherhood of St. Laurence (bsl.org.au) . 

Alternatively, you can email an expression of interest to student.placements@bsl.org.au . Please include as much information about your interest and placement requirements as possible. Your application will then be shared with the relevant program(s) for consideration.

5. What happens after I apply for a student placement?

All student applications undergo careful review by our Student Placement Coordinator. Your application will be considered based on your learning objectives and the availability of placement opportunities at the time of review.

If a suitable placement opportunity is available, we will contact you via email to seek a formal application and/or to discuss your placement options.

Once a suitable placement opportunity is identified, most students are required to undergo an interview and 2 reference checks.

If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete a number of background checks relevant to your role.

Please note that places are limited and that the application and registration process can take 6-8 weeks to complete. We highly recommend you apply well in advance of your proposed start date(s) to maximise your chances of securing a placement.

6. What documentation do I need for my student placement registration?

Documentation typically includes:

  1. Online registration
  2. Current insurance certificate (certificate of currency) from education provider
  3. Signed Agreement by BSL and education provider
  4. Signed role description, which includes agreement to the BSL’s Code of Conduct and Child and Adult Safeguarding Policies
  5. Under 18 consent form, if applicable
  6. Background checks relevant to your role. These may include but are not limited to:
  • Police Check
  • Working with Children Check
  • NDIS worker screening check
  • VEVO and/or International Police check (if you are not a permanent resident or citizen)

7. What happens after I complete my registration?

Once you have completed all parts of your registration, you'll receive a welcome email containing important information, including your manager's contact details, the Volunteer/Student Handbook, links to BSL volunteer groups, and access to BSL Policies and Procedures via MyImpact.

8. What should I expect on my first day?

On your first day, your Placement Supervisor will conduct an induction, which includes familiarising you with relevant policies and procedures, providing necessary training, and ensuring you understand professional conduct and how to report any issues of concern.

9. How will my progress be monitored during the placement?

Throughout your placement, your Placement Supervisor will check in regularly, provide supervision, training, and feedback, and ensure you're meeting the learning objectives of the placement to a satisfactory standard.

10. Who can I contact about student placements at BSL?

If you would like more information about student placements at BSL, or you need additional support during your placement, contact the Student Placement Coordinator: Student.placements@bsl.org.au .