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Young people & work
Looking for work
Depending on the kind of work you want, local shopping centres, newsagents and restaurants can be good places to start looking. Check the job ads in your local and other newspapers. The youthcentral website (link below) has information and advice about how to find a job.
Sometimes jobs are not advertised, so it is worth telling people you know that you are looking for work. They may be able to help you.
Anyone who is looking for a job can use the Job Network access area in Centrelink offices. These areas have touch-screen units that list jobs. You can also use the phone, fax, photocopier, computers and printers to help you prepare your résumé and job applications.
If you are interested in starting an apprenticeship or traineeship, Centrelink can refer you to Job Network members who handle new apprenticeships.
Job Network (link below) is made up of different organisations that can help you find work. You don’t have to get a Centrelink payment to use Job Network services.
Working
There are laws about employing young people under the age of 15.
Employers can be fined if they don’t comply with these conditions. One condition is that employers or supervisors of young people under 15 must have police checks. Some other conditions are discussed under ‘Permits’ below.
Permits
If you are under 15 you can only work if your parent or guardian gets a Child Employment Permit from the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. It is illegal to work without a permit and employers can be fined.
Permits are free. Your parent or guardian must apply for the permit. Your employer and school must sign the application form. The employer must include details about what you will be doing and your hours of work.
If you are under 15 you can only work without a permit if the work is occasional (not done on a regular basis) and involves:
- helping out in a family business
- posing for still photographs, like modelling
- participating at a sports event, like the Australian Open
- taking part in a not-for-profit educational, charitable or religious activity.
If you are under 15, you can only get a job during school hours if you have permission not to go to school.
Employment contracts
Once you get a job you may be asked to sign an employment contract.
This is a legally binding document that sets out your conditions of work. Your rate of pay depends on your age.
Never sign a contract until you have read it, understood it and agree with it. It is a good idea to get advice before you sign a contract, even if you think you know what you are signing. Make sure you keep a copy of the contract for yourself.
If you have questions about employment contracts, pay and conditions, job interviews, being sacked unfairly or other work problems, get advice quickly.
See ‘Young people & work – frequently asked questions’ (link below) for more information about the minimum age for working, the types of work you can do, the hours you can work, paying tax, getting a tax file number and doing work experience.
Paying tax
If you earn over a certain amount from working or from investments, you need to put in a tax return after the end of the financial year (30 June). You may need a tax file number even if you don’t have to put in a tax return. See ‘Young people & work – frequently asked questions’ (link below).
More information
Young people & work – frequently asked questions
Centrelink, allowances & payments
Work & superannuation complaints (general information)
Related publications
Related websites
youthcentral – how to find a job (new window)
How we can help
Victoria Legal Aid doesn’t give legal advice about work matters, but our free Legal Information Service may be able to give you some information over the phone. We may also be able to refer you to another organisation that can help you. You can speak to a legal information officer in English or ask for an interpreter.
Phone (03) 9269 0120 or 1800 677 402 (country callers), Monday to Friday from 8.45 am to 5.15 pm.
To find out more about any of our legal services see What we do.
Who else can help?
JobWatch provides legal assistance to Victorian workers. JobWatch can give you free, confidential telephone information and referrals about work rights.
See the JobWatch website (new window) for more information or call them on (03) 9662 1933 or 1800 331 617 (country callers).
See ‘Work’ and ‘Work & superannuation complaints’ (links above) for other organisations that help with work-related matters.