Applied Vocational Training (AVT) is committed to providing a safe, supportive and respectful learning environment for high school students under 18 years of age who participate in AVT programs.

This summary outlines AVT’s duty of care arrangements for school-aged students and explains how responsibility is shared between AVT, the School, parents/guardians or responsible adults, and workplace hosts where applicable.

Who this applies to

This summary applies to high school students under 18 years of age who are enrolled in AVT programs, including participation in:

• On-campus or on-site training
• Online or blended learning
• Approved work placement
• Excursions or external activities

Shared duty of care

Duty of care for high school students is a shared responsibility.

AVT is responsible for students while they are participating in supervised AVT training and assessment activities.

The School, parents/guardians or responsible adults, and workplace hosts where applicable also play an important role in supporting student safety, wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and participation.

On-campus and on-site training

During scheduled AVT training and assessment activities, AVT will:

• Provide a supervised learning environment
• Provide age-appropriate instruction and guidance
• Provide appropriate facilities, equipment, PPE and first aid access where required
• Maintain emergency response procedures and trained personnel
• Record attendance during scheduled sessions
• Make reasonable efforts to notify the School and/or parent/guardian/responsible adult of unexplained absences, serious incidents, or where a student is seriously injured or unwell

AVT does not provide continuous supervision outside scheduled training sessions, including before or after class, during breaks, or while students are travelling to or from training.

AVT will not permit a student to leave during scheduled training times without appropriate authorisation, unless otherwise agreed with the School.

Online learning

Where a high school student is studying online or through a blended delivery model, AVT will:

• Provide structured online learning and trainer support
• Monitor engagement and progress
• Maintain communication with the student and the School
• Respond appropriately to welfare concerns raised during student engagement
• Provide access to support related to course participation where required

AVT does not have direct physical supervision of students in an online environment.

The School and/or parent/guardian/responsible adult remain responsible for the student’s physical safety, study environment and general supervision outside AVT’s direct training and support interactions.

Work placement

Where work placement forms part of the student’s program:

• Placement must be approved by AVT prior to commencement
• AVT provides guidance on suitable placement environments and expectations
• Workplace hosts are responsible for day-to-day supervision and workplace safety during placement
• The School and/or parent/guardian/responsible adult support placement arrangements and student readiness where required

Any incidents or concerns arising during placement must be communicated to AVT and the School as soon as practicable.

Students undertaking approved work placement are covered under AVT’s voluntary workers insurance.

Attendance and communication

AVT monitors attendance during scheduled training sessions and works collaboratively with schools to support student engagement and progress.

Where relevant, AVT may communicate with the School regarding:

• Unexplained absences
• Significant disengagement
• Progression concerns
• Behavioural issues
• Welfare concerns
• Incidents involving student safety or wellbeing

AVT also provides student progress updates and reports completed units of competency and/or full qualifications in line with school reporting requirements where applicable.

Schools will be provided with a dedicated AVT contact person for liaison and support.

Student safety and wellbeing

AVT is committed to:

• Promoting a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment
• Preventing bullying, harassment, discrimination and other inappropriate behaviour
• Providing access to support services where required
• Responding appropriately to incidents, injuries or wellbeing concerns

Where a high school student is seriously injured, unwell, or involved in a serious incident, AVT will make reasonable efforts to notify the School and parent/guardian/responsible adult as soon as practicable.

Excursions and external activities

Where excursions or external activities are conducted:

• Risk assessments will be undertaken
• Parent/guardian/responsible adult consent will be obtained
• Schools will be informed where relevant
• Students may be required to arrange their own transport unless otherwise advised

If consent is not provided, alternative arrangements may not be available.

Transport

Parents/guardians or responsible adults are responsible for arranging student travel:

• To and from training locations
• To and from workplace placements
• To and from excursions, unless otherwise advised

For school-based students, transport arrangements may also involve the School where applicable.

Insurance

AVT maintains appropriate insurance coverage for students participating in approved training activities. This includes public liability insurance for approved training activities and voluntary workers insurance for approved work placement activities where applicable. Certificates of currency can be provided upon request.

Further information

This summary is intended to provide schools with an overview of AVT’s duty of care arrangements for high school students. Please read our full Child Safety Policy here.