How to host work experience

Year levels: 9 and 10
Duration: 1–2 weeks
Number of students: normally one, however this can vary depending on employer preference
Employer commitment: medium
Minimum payment: mandatory payment of $5 per day
Example activities: doing tasks with help and learning how things work at the job

Examples

A Year 9 student spends one week at a local business. They watch how staff work, help with simple tasks and learn basic work skills.
A student completes a two-week receptionist placement. They greet visitors, answer phones and help with office duties under supervision.
A student works in customer service. They help customers, handle payments and keep the workplace tidy. This helps them learn teamwork and workplace behaviour.

Employer guide: hosting work experience

Before the placement – plan and prepare

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or contact your local LLEN.
Agree on dates, work hours and tasks.
Choose a staff member to coordinate the placement.
Complete the required Work Experience Arrangement form.
Confirm how many students you can host.
Set up the mandatory $5 per day payment to cover student expenses.
Students will be matched based on their interests and skills.
You might also be contacted directly by a student, their parent or guardian, or their school. This is fine. Just make sure a work placement arrangement form is completed before the student starts their work experience. Contact us via the EOI form if you have any queries

Preparing your staff

Choose supervisors who can guide and support young students
Plan safe and engaging activities that give a real view of your industry
Make sure tasks follow safety rules and laws
Allow time for career conversations with the student
Explain the goals and purpose of the placement to your team
Discuss child safety responsibilities with staff
Share the student’s schedule and supervision plan with the team

During the placement – a good experience for all

Welcome the student and introduce them to your team
Explain what your business does and how it works
Go over daily tasks and who will supervise them
Set clear rules for behaviour, safety and attendance
Explain policies about bullying, privacy and safety
Share emergency contact details from the school
Encourage the student to ask questions if they need help
Permit scheduled visits from school staff

Supervising students

Give tasks that match the student’s ability
Keep students supervised and safe at all times
Provide simple and clear instructions
Show them how to use any equipment safely
Give feedback and encourage learning

After the placement – follow up

Give the student feedback on their performance
Let them know what they did well and what they can improve
Share any feedback with the school or Local Learning and Employment Network if needed

How to get involved

Work experience can be organised through the School to Work portal

If you want to host a work experience placement fill in this Expression of Interest form

Additional resources

Further information

How can I make students feel welcome and included?

Show that you value the ideas of people from different backgrounds. It helps students see that you are open to new ideas and that their ideas matter.
Create a friendly, respectful work environment. When people feel they belong, they take part more.
Show diversity in your team. Students feel safer and more understood when they see people like them.

Here are some good documents to support this:

How do I encourage all types of students to apply for work experience?

Use fair hiring practices that welcome young people from many backgrounds
Write job ads in plain language so they are easy for all students to understand
Encourage people from all cultures, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, and people with disability to apply
Select students using fair rules. Consider people’s different needs and give support when required

How do I make work experience students feel safe and supported?

Create a workplace where everyone feels safe and respected
Point out your rules about bullying and unfair treatment and who to ask for help
Provide training so staff can learn about different cultures and ways of life
Offer flexible work hours and other support to help young workers who have special needs.
Make time to show students how the workplace works and support them as they learn
Provide opportunities for young people young people to ask questions and raise concerns safely

How can I help students to get the most out of their work experience placement?

Give young workers chances to learn new skills
Encourage students to ask your staff for advice on job skills and careers
Provide a mentor or peer support
Connect students with staff networks

How can I make students feel safe and welcome

Treat everyone fairly so students feel safe
Show equal treatment so students see good behaviour
Use inclusive policies so all students feel welcome
Check the workplace culture often to keep it positive for students

How can I track and improve work experience placements?

Check in to understand how young workers are doing
Review who may need more support
Review diversity and inclusion programs often to make sure they still work
Share progress with staff and keep working to improve

Supporting Aboriginal Students and Workers

Create a safe and respectful workplace for Aboriginal people.
Connect Aboriginal students with Aboriginal staff networks.
Show respect for Aboriginal culture and history. Include a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country when appropriate.
Include Aboriginal voices and stories in learning and work.
Train staff so they understand Aboriginal culture and how to support Aboriginal workers.
Work with Aboriginal communities and organisations to create real opportunities.
Involve Aboriginal people in decisions that affect them.

Education & training

Updated 17 April 2026