supporting a young person who is starting work

Setting up for success

First job essentials

Starting a new job often comes with a lot of forms to complete and documents to gather, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. Offering to go through the paperwork together, go along to the bank, or share how you stay organised may help a young person feel more in control. It also reminds them they don’t have to figure everything out on their own. 

Here are some common essentials to consider: 

• Tax File Number (TFN) – This is a unique number issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and is needed for a person to work legally in Australia. Without a TFN, more tax may be taken from their pay than required. If the young person doesn’t have one, they can apply online through the ATO website.
• Bank account for wages – Employers require a valid bank account to deposit wages. Encourage the young person to open an account in their name with online banking access, so they can independently monitor their pay and savings. You could offer support as needed to help them set this up. 
• Superannuation account – If they are over 18 (or under 18 working more than 30 hours a week), employers must contribute to a super fund. The young person can choose a preferred super fund or have one assigned by the employer. It’s best to stay with the same fund when moving between jobs to avoid unnecessary fees.
• Police Check, Working with Children Check (WWCC) or Working with Vulnerable People Registration (WWVP) – Some jobs require a background check, particularly those involving children, older adults or people with a disability. Each state has its own application process, and the check usually involves gathering identity documents and paying a fee. Applications can typically be made online through your state’s authority. 

Tip: It's a good idea to keep all of this information together in a secure place. This can make things easier down the track as they may need to access these details again.

Work supplies 

Planning ahead can help ease some of the first-day nerves. There may be some initial costs involved in getting set up for work - for example, clothing or uniforms, footwear, tools, or even a lunchbox. Supporting the young person to explore affordable options or helping them plan for these expenses can make this more manageable. If they're connected with an Employment Service Provider, there may also be funding available to support their transition into work. 

Transport 

Support with planning transport can help build confidence, especially leading up to those first few days of work. You might offer to explore maps or public transport routes together, check timetables, practice driving the route ahead of time, or talk through what to do if something unexpected comes up.  

Understanding their rights and responsibilities

All workers in Australia have certain rights at work. These include the right to:

• be paid at or above minimum wage 
• have regular breaks
• work in a safe place
• be treated fairly without discrimination, bullying or harassment.

When young people understand their rights in the workplace, they're more likely to be able to make informed decisions about what action to take if their rights are not being respected.  

While you can offer encouragement and guidance, it’s also important to respect the young person’s independence and trust them to take the lead where they feel comfortable. Let them know you’re available if they’d like to talk something through and remind them that there are other trusted supports and resources they can access. 

There are some great youth-friendly resources online if they are wanting to learn more: 

• Fair Work Ombudsman - Young Workers and Students.
  Information about minimum wages, breaks, workplace rights, and what to do if things don’t seem right. They even run a quick online course covering these topics.  
• Your Rights at Work - Youth Law Australia. 
  Covers key work-related legal issues for young people, including contracts, bullying, discrimination, and unfair dismissal.
• Safe Work Australia - Most states and territories offer online resources to help young people understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to staying safe at work. You can find these by searching for your relevant authority (e.g. SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe Victoria).

A gentle conversation about what’s expected at work, like arriving on time or appropriate phone etiquette, can make the transition into work smoother. You might encourage them to explore workplace policies early on, so they feel confident about what to do if they’re unwell, need time off, or want to adjust their roster. It’s also worth pointing out who they can talk to if they ever feel unsure or need help. 

The headspace Content Reference Group oversee and approve resources made available on this website.  

Last reviewed June 2025.