Your Complete Guide to Work Experience

What is Work Experience?

Why Should I Consider Work Experience?

• Greater success in their post-school job hunt, with employers valuing the real-world experience they have gained at a young age
• Providing you with an idea of the career path that could be right for you, allowing you to explore different pathways without committing to anything just yet
• Getting a real sense of the industry you’re interested in

• Learning the dos and don’ts of the world of work, allowing you to thrive socially and professionally when you start working
• Highlighting your skills and any areas of improvement you might want to work on
• Networking, or possibly even landing a permanent role right after the completion of your work experience placement

How Can I Find Work Experience?

• A formal work experience placement, in which your school or education provider places you with an employer in the field of your interest. This is what people usually mean when they talk about a work experience program.
• Job shadowing, which gives you an idea of the daily tasks someone performs in their role
• Visiting an employer’s premises for a tour

• Undertaking a work placement or trial
• Interviewing someone already in the industry
• Volunteering in a field you’d eventually like to work in
• Doing an Australian apprenticeship or traineeship

How Should I Contact Someone to Ask About Work Experience?

• Do some research and prepare a pitch

  Check out their website and social media channels to gain a strong understanding of the company, and use this information to develop your pitch.

• Find the right person to talk to

  This will typically be a recruiter or HR professional, or in the case of a small business, the business owner themselves.

• Be friendly, respectful and polite

  This one’s a no-brainer!

• Come prepared

  Have a resume and cover letter on hand if the employer would like to know more about you.

What Are My Rights and Responsibilities During My Work Experience Placement?

• The minimum payment and entitlements

  While unpaid work experience isn’t unheard of, other sorts of work placements (like traineeships and apprenticeships) should be paying you. For further information, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Unpaid Work fact sheet.

• The health and safety standards

  Australia has strict workplace health and safety legislation which requires employers to maintain a safe working environment for employees and work experience students.

• The relevant State and Territory working age laws

  Some states and territories have restrictions on the age people can start working at, the type of work they can do, and when they can work. For information specific to you, see the Fair Work Ombudsman’s ‘What age can I start work?’ page.

• The appropriate insurance coverage

  You should know what insurance, if any, will cover you in case of any injuries incurred or liabilities that may arise. If you are undertaking a vocational placement as part of your study, your educational institution’s insurance may cover you. Otherwise, you may need to seek out your own insurance.