Some advice for a school leaver looking for work

Discussion in 'Living Room' started by robbie_p, 22nd Aug, 2019.

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  1. robbie_p

    robbie_p Well-Known Member

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    Hi All,

    My 18 year old son recently finished his schooling and in now looking to find a job (any thing will do).

    He is not fussy at all in terms of the work he is willing to do, however, has zero working experience.

    Was just looking for some advice on job sites or how he could go about finding work.

    Thanks in advance.

    Cheers,
    Robbie
     
  2. Simon Hampel

    Simon Hampel Founder Staff Member

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    If he has no qualifications beyond high school, then what he needs is experience.

    Perhaps start by going to the local shops in your area as asking them if they are looking for staff. Is there any light industrial or manufacturing in his area? Ask them if there is any work a school leaver could do.

    It doesn't really matter what he does - simply having experience is going to be worth a lot for getting better jobs in the future.

    Also - make sure he spends some time educating himself about his rights as an employee (covering all work scenarios: casual / contract / part time / etc) to make sure that he recognises when some employer is trying to rip him off.
     
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  3. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    If he's prepared to get up @ 5.30am, then he could get a construction industry induction card and a traffic controllers ticket and he could step into a traffic controllers gig on any building site. He should approach some of the traffic control companies/temp labour hire places.
     
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  4. boeman

    boeman Well-Known Member

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  5. Patrico1966

    Patrico1966 Well-Known Member

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    Good idea Boeman, if you really want work you have to be prepared to travel, yes it can be a bit tough but the rewards can be enormous especially if you can get into the mining game.
    Construction is a also a good opportunity. I feel the best way is to get some type of manual work which pays well and then do some study in your spare time to ensure that by the time you are 25 + you can step into your perfect job.
     
  6. boeman

    boeman Well-Known Member

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    Pretty sure the initial 16 week Theiss apprentice program is in Brisbane, then do FIFO from Perth. However, FIFO apprentices get north of $65k ish last I saw which should cover him to rent and live in Perth in shared accom.
     
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  7. bmc

    bmc Well-Known Member

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    or a "Protection Officer" (PO) as called in NSW on the railways.
    a bit more specialised than traffic controllers.

    or a Surveyors Assistant.
    outdoor work, rain hail or shine.
    can he hold a tape level or a pole straight ? that will get him a start.
     
    Last edited: 22nd Aug, 2019
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  8. Patrico1966

    Patrico1966 Well-Known Member

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    I have heard that the AFL employment department might be still looking for "behaviour awareness officers". Not great pay and likely to get a cold "four n twenty" in the back of the cruet at any stage of your 4 hr shift but that's an occupational hazard of the job...:)
     
  9. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    After a few false starts with various builders, a mate's son started working for a surveyor and found his calling.
     
  10. Westminster

    Westminster Tigress at Tiger Developments Business Member

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    He could look at doing some extended work experience or intern for 3mths or so. It's unlikely to be paid but it will give him valuable experience that will assist to get him into a job.
    If he has to earn money from day 1 then a basic job might suit to give him some experience to jump into something better next year. Our 20yo works at Coles in the ClicknCollect department 6-9am 4 days a week and then 6 hrs every second weekend so it equals 15hrs a week and is permanent part time - he's also at Uni so can only work part time. Not everyone has to work that early - he loads the trucks up that leave to go on the early home deliveries then picks orders in store. Having the early shift means he can then go to Uni afterwards. There are full time positions as well in these roles Job Search The best thing is the staff discount card :p
     
    Last edited: 22nd Aug, 2019
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  11. Tonibell

    Tonibell Well-Known Member

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    Our 19 year old has been working part-time in a Ten-pin bowling centre since he left school - while studying.

    It has been really good in term of getting some experience - started behind the bar (get the RSA) then did technical bits in terms of repairs and setting up an alley. Now wants to work in the kitchen there.

    Good environment and similar workmates - always seems to be asked for extra hours.
    Fits in well with uni as peak times are nights, weekends and school holidays.
     
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  12. Propin

    Propin Well-Known Member

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    He could volunteer at Salvos etc to gain some experience and confidence
     
  13. Lizzie

    Lizzie Well-Known Member

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    Sitting in the carpark atm, while 16 year old is in an interview for a kitchen hand ... one day each weekend and only 10 mins from home

    Would be a perfect job - and important for them to get" some" experience at something while still at school, to show future employers they have ability to, at least, turn up and work ... and pay car expenses in 6 months time
     
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  14. datto

    datto Well-Known Member

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    What ever job you get, don't be a trouble maker.

    Be punctual. Don't extend your breaks.

    Follow orders. If you have any issues, discuss them diplomatically with the boss. Don't resort to out of control arguments where the police have to get involved.

    Don't steal from your employer and brag to your mates about it.

    Don't be a bludger who ridicules colleagues for working diligently.

    Don't feign illness, especially on a busy day, just to get out of work.

    Join the union. But only use them on legitimate work related matters. Don't threaten the union if they reckon you a ****wit who complains all the time.

    Don't smoke your car tyres in the employee car park. You could accidentally lose control and hit your boss's car.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: 22nd Aug, 2019
  15. The Y-man

    The Y-man Moderator Staff Member

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    Don't post anything on social media about the workplace or boss or anything else about the biz.

    The Y-man
     
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  16. Scott No Mates

    Scott No Mates Well-Known Member

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    Or anything about your religion which you have declared but are so involved.
     
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  17. TMNT

    TMNT Well-Known Member

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    is he looking for a job just to get by and for the $$$ or is he looking for something that has to lead into his dream job?
     
  18. Angel

    Angel Well-Known Member

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    What are his interests?
    There isn't much point suggesting a particular trade-like industry if he hasn't got any experience at school nor hold any WHS cards.

    If he goes onto My Future website (fed Govt) he can do what the year 10 school kids do and start looking at what he might be suited to.
     
  19. Lizzie

    Lizzie Well-Known Member

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    Must've made an impression (does have a good work ethic and takes initiative) - apparently had heaps of applicants - but she walked out of the interview and starts on a trial period next week
     
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  20. geoffw

    geoffw Moderator Staff Member

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    This.

    Plus - DON'T USE THE PHONE AT WORK. So many young (and not so young) people find it really difficult to keep their hands off the phone. Some are continually on the phone while they are supposed to work.

    Very important!

    There are TAFE courses (or even online courses) for many different work paths, which can start at just 6 months full time. While he might be chafing to earn money and get away from school, if he doesn't have a job in 3 months he might be more willing to try something. Courses like horticulture, lab assistant, surveying, aged or disabled care, chef, photography - or a whole range of things.
     
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