+ DO I NEED TO HAVE THE COVID VACCINATION TO STUDY WITH STIRLING?

From 6pm on Friday 29 October, Victorian students who wish to go onsite for the purpose of receiving higher education services must be fully vaccinated as per the Victorian governments roadmap. This applies to all students unless they have evidence of a valid medical exemption

+ DO I NEED TO HAVE THE COVID VACCINATION TO UNDERTAKE WORK PLACEMENTS?

From 6pm on Friday 29 October, Victorian students who wish to go onsite for the purpose of receiving higher education services must be fully vaccinated. This applies to all students unless they have evidence of a valid medical exemption.

Students attending placements must continue to adhere to the vaccination requirements linked to the work site at which they are doing an in-person apprenticeship, traineeship or placement (for example, healthcare, education and aged care settings).

+ HOW ARE FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES TO BE HELD DURING COVID?

If your class can continue in person, it will be run solely Face-to-Face with no virtual streaming available.

When you arrive at your class, you must “check-in” to your classroom/training location by scanning the QR code using the Victorian Government Services App.

Social distancing is important, please ensure you stay 1.5m apart from fellow students and your teacher.

Some training locations may have capacity limits we must adhere to. If this has an impact on your class, your class may need to continue with Virtual training until your venue’s capacity limits can accommodate your full class. Stirling will advise your class if this needs to occur.

Ensure you read The Student Code of Conduct (listed within your Student Handbook) to be aware of how to act and behave during classes.

+ WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I GET SICK?

If you are unwell, please stay home and look after yourself. Advise your Training and/or Student Support Officer that you are unable to attend your class.

If you display COVID symptoms, or are advised to get tested, please get tested and self-isolate until a negative result has been obtained. You must advise your Student Support Officer, and if necessary, your Work Placement Coordinator, as soon as possible so that the COVID Safe Plan can be enacted.

If you are required to self-isolate and this has an impact on your Training Program, please contact your Trainer as soon as possible to discuss the support you need.

+ I’M STRUGGLING – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

These are difficult and trying times. We want to ensure you get the best support throughout your training pathway. If you are struggling with anything within your training program, you can contact your Trainer and your Student Support Officer.

We also encourage you to utilise the Stirling Student Counselling Service (EAP) provided by Nexus Psychology, which provides 3 free confidential counselling sessions to our students.

+ HOW ARE WORK PLACEMENTS IMPACTED DURING COVID TIMES?

Stirling's Work Placement Coordinators work hard to find you a perfect match, however COVID has made this process a bit more restrictive than normal. Some Employers are no longer accepting Students on Work Placements, while others have a reduced workforce, which may make it difficult for you to have a Supervisor. You are more than welcome to seek out your own contacts, particularly if you already have a relationship with some organisations. If you find an organisation who can take you on, please advise your Work Placement Coordinator as soon as possible.

You must follow your Work Placement’s relevant COVID/WHS Policies and Procedures – this may relate to mandatory vaccinations or particular uniform. If you are unable to follow these, you must contact your Work Placement Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation.

If you require a Worker’s Permit to travel for Work Placement, first seek this from your Work Placement Employer. Alternatively, Stirling can also provide this for you if necessary.

REFER TO ABOVE SECTION “VACCINATION INFORMATION” for more information about vaccinations.

+ I’M ABOUT TO START MY WORK PLACEMENT – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are to COMMENCE your Work Placement shortly, please contact your Stirling Work Placement Coordinator to discuss any potential impacts.

+ I’M CURRENT UNDERTAKING MY WORK PLACEMENT – WHAT SHOULD I DO?

If you are CURRENTLY participating in Work Placements when a Lockdown occurs/during a Lockdown, seek guidance from your Employer and Work Placement Coordinator.

If your Employer advises that you can continue working, you may do so – please contact their Work Placement Coordinator to advise them of your working status.

If your Employer says you cannot continue working during the Lockdown, you must stop working. Contact your Work Placement Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss the impact this may have on your timeline.

If you feel that you are unable to work as requested by the Employer, please contact your Work Placement Coordinator as soon as possible to discuss your situation.