Work Experience

Your Rights / Work Experience

PREPARING YOu for the WORLD OF WORK

Work experience is your chance to explore different careers and see what the working world is really like.

Whether you’re curious about a specific job or just want to try something new, knowing your rights will help you get the most out of your work experience.

What is Work Experience?

It’s about learning, not working. It is a short placement (usually 1-2 weeks) where you observe and learn from professionals in a real workplace. You’re there to watch, ask questions and try simple tasks – not to do the same work as paid employees.

You choose where you go. Most students do work experience in Year 9 or 10, and you get to pick a workplace that interests you. It could be anything from a vet clinic to a recording studio, a law firm to a bakery.

It’s different from a job. You won’t be paid like a regular employee (although in Victoria, an allowance of $5 per day may be available. This isn’t a wage – it’s to cover small costs like lunch.)

Your Rights during Work Experience

You have real protections. Even though work experience isn’t a regular job, you still have important rights:

• A safe workplace – Your employer must keep you safe from hazards, injury and harmful equipment
• No harassment or bullying – You have the right to be treated with respect
• Proper supervision – An adult must supervise you, especially if you’re under 15
• Age-appropriate tasks – You can’t be asked to operate dangerous machinery or do work that requires extensive training

There are limits on what you can do. You cannot use power tools, forklifts, chainsaws or other heavy machinery. You can’t work in high-risk areas like mines, quarries or places that sell weapons. If you’re under 15, some workplaces need a special Child Employment Permit to host you.

If something goes wrong. If you get injured during work experience, you should be covered by workers compensation insurance. The precise insurance arrangements may depend on what state you are in. Check and confirm your insurance coverage before commencing work experience. If you’re being treated unfairly, bullied, or asked to do unsafe work, tell your teacher or work experience coordinator immediately.

Staying Safe

Safety comes first. Your employer should give you basic training about workplace safety on your first day. This includes showing you emergency exits, explaining any hazards and telling you who to ask if you’re unsure about something.

Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. If you’re uncomfortable, confused, or think something is unsafe, it’s okay to ask questions or say no. You’re learning – it’s expected that you won’t know everything.

Keep important numbers handy. Have contact details for your parents, school, and workplace supervisor with you at all times. If you need to be absent or you’re running late, let both your school and workplace know as soon as possible.

Making the Most of it

Ask questions. Work experience is your chance to learn what a career is really like. Ask about people’s career paths, what they enjoy about their job and what surprised them about the industry.

Show up with the right attitude. Arrive on time, dress appropriately, be polite and show genuine interest. These basics make a great impression and help you build confidence for future jobs.

Reflect on what you learn. Think about what you liked and didn’t like. Work experience helps you figure out what you want to do, or what you definitely don’t want to do – and that’s equally valuable.

Quick Tips

📋 KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Make sure your school has organised all the paperwork, including the Work Experience Agreement form signed by your parents and your employer.

⚠️YOU’RE THERE TO LEARN
If your employer is giving you lots of complicated work or treating you like a regular employee, something’s not right. Talk to your teacher.

🤝 JOIN YOUR UNION EARLY
When you start your first real job, joining a union means you’ll have someone in your corner to help with pay issues, unfair treatment, or questions about your rights.