General rules for summer practice
„Compulsory work placement“ - what it means for your education
ALL students at a vocational school must, as a prerequisite for sitting the final examinations, provide evidence that they have completed a work placement.
You must submit the confirmations (e.g. a record of hours worked or an employer's reference) to the school before sitting the examination.
Before the placement
Finding a position and applying:
Organising your summer practice (looking for possible positions and going through the application process) is an important experience. That is why we expect our students to handle this task largely on their own.
HLW 19 does, however, support you in the following areas:
You receive guidance on writing a strong application in class (business administration, practical subjects, German)
Job offers sent to the school are forwarded or put up on the noticeboard
There is a list of tried-and-tested placement providers, along with first-hand information such as reports from previous students.
Your teachers are happy to go through your application documents with you and to coach you before interviews, if you ask them to.
„Placement fairs“ and „practice days“ are held with speakers (including external speakers) and first-hand reports. These take place OUTSIDE lesson time.
Employment contract: make sure you receive a placement contract. It contains all the essential rules on your tasks and obligations, but also the rights and obligations of the employer.
The placement contract is concluded between the trainee (sometimes represented by their parents) and the placement provider. This contract stays with the trainee.
You will find the model contract that applies to you on the practice page for your school type.
During the placement
Your attitude towards the compulsory placement:
It matters to us at HLW19 that you get to know the reality of working life at your placement - which can at times be rough - AND that you are nevertheless treated properly.
If you feel that your employer is not treating you fairly, you can consider changing placement. In such a case it is often a good idea to get in touch with the school as well, so that you can get support.
Always keep in mind: even though for you the compulsory placement is first and foremost a chance to gain experience and learn, to your employer you are a (new) member of staff, who initially means extra work for managers and colleagues. That can make it hard to settle in, but sticking with it often pays off.
Registration with social insurance:
If you receive payment for your placement work that amounts to more than „pocket money“ (employment contract), you must be registered with social insurance. Confirmation of this must be available on your second working day at the company.
Placement report/documentation:
Document your placement work as you go (a placement diary, a blog, a photo log...). If you have to write a placement report for school, this makes your work much easier.
Recovery:
Try to REALLY rest during whatever holiday time is left. A new school year is waiting for you, and you will need your energy for it.
After the placement
Write a placement report following your teachers' instructions.
Hand in the confirmation you received from your employer at school.
Describe your placement - it can be a valuable pointer for other students.
Together with your final examination certificate you will receive a confirmation from HLW 19 stating which companies you completed your placement at.
This confirmation does NOT replace an employer's reference.
ALW
Add-on Course for Business Professions
how long?
8 weeks full time
when?
during the holidays before the 3rd semester starts, and/or during the holidays before the 5th semester starts; it may be split
at which companies?
any company - sales work is not recognised
proof?
hand the employer's reference or record of hours worked to your class teacher
questions?
v.malzer@hlw19.at
Vocational School for Business Professions
Information evening presentation
how long?
8 weeks full time
when?
during the holidays before year 3 starts (June, July and August are the holidays in which the placement must be completed)
at which organisations?
at hospitality businesses
proof?
hand the employer's reference or record of hours worked to your class teachers
questions?
a.krieger@hlw19.at
Contracts
HLW
Higher College for Business Professions
Information evening presentation
how long?
3 months full time
when?
during the holidays after year 3 (June, July, August and September are the holidays in which the placement must be completed)
at which organisations?
at hospitality businesses
proof?
hand the employer's reference or record of hours worked to your class teachers
questions?
a.krieger@hlw19.at
Contracts
HLS
Higher College for Business Professions - Social Management
How long?
16 weeks full time
When?
8 weeks full time during the holidays after year III, 8 weeks full time during the holidays after year IV
At which organisations?
After year III, 8 weeks in the social sector; after year IV, 8 weeks in the social sector or 4 weeks each in the social sector and in business
Proof
Hand the placement confirmations for the summer placements to your class teacher.
Questions?
f.hanappi@hlw19.at