If you're a school student thinking about a trade, work experience is one of the best things you can do. It's a short unpaid placement — usually a week or so — where you spend time with a real business, watching and helping out, to get a taste of what the job's actually like. It costs you nothing but time, and it can make a huge difference to your future: plenty of apprentices got their start because they did work experience with the boss who later hired them.
This guide explains how work experience works, how to set it up, and how to make the most of it so you come away with a clearer idea of what you want — and maybe a foot in the door.
What work experience actually is
Work experience is a structured, short-term placement organised through your school. You're not an employee and you're generally not paid — you're there to observe and learn what a job or trade involves. Your school handles the paperwork, including insurance and a formal arrangement with the host business.
It's different from a school-based apprenticeship, which is paid, ongoing employment while you study. Work experience is more of a "try before you decide" taster. If you like what you see, an SBAT or a full apprenticeship can come later — read school-based apprenticeships explained.
Why it's worth doing
Work experience punches well above its weight for something so short.
- You find out if a trade suits you: A week on a real job tells you more than any brochure or video. Read how to choose the right trade.
- You make a first impression on a real employer: Many apprenticeships start with "we had this kid do work experience and offered them a start." It's a low-pressure audition.
- You build your resume: Even one placement shows employers you're proactive and interested. Read what employers want to see in an apprentice resume.
- You learn how workplaces actually run: Early starts, safety rules, how tradies talk and behave — all useful before you commit.
How to set it up
Getting a placement takes a bit of effort, but it's straightforward.
- Start with your school: Your careers or work experience coordinator organises placements, handles the paperwork and often has contacts with local businesses. They're your first stop.
- Think about who you know: Family, friends, neighbours or your parents' contacts might run or work in a trade business willing to host you.
- Approach businesses yourself: With your school's support, you can contact local businesses directly. A polite phone call or a tidy resume dropped in person goes a long way. Read resume tips.
- Be flexible: Small trade businesses are busy. Being easy to accommodate makes it more likely someone will say yes.
Getting ready before you start
A bit of preparation makes you look switched on from day one.
- Ask what to wear and bring: Most trades need sturdy closed-in shoes or steel caps, and clothes you can get dirty. Ask ahead. See what every apprentice should bring to work.
- Sort out getting there: Know how you'll get to and from the workplace, and what time you need to arrive. Turning up on time on day one matters.
- Understand basic safety: You'll get a safety briefing, but knowing the basics helps. Read the PPE guide for new apprentices and young workers and workplace safety rights.
- Bring a notebook: Writing things down shows you're keen and helps you remember.
How to make a great impression
This is where work experience really pays off. Treat it like a job you want to be offered — because it might be.
- Turn up early and every day. Reliability is the number one thing employers notice — read reliability beats talent: why turning up matters.
- Be keen and get stuck in. Offer to help, don't stand around waiting to be told. But don't get in the way either — read how to show initiative without overstepping.
- Listen more than you talk. Watch, learn and ask sensible questions at the right time — read when to ask questions and when to listen.
- Put your phone away. Read phone use on site: the unwritten rules.
- Be polite and safe. Follow instructions, wear your PPE and don't touch anything you haven't been shown how to use.
Read what employers notice during your first week — the same things apply to work experience.
Staying safe on placement
As a student on a worksite, safety is the top priority. You're there to learn, not to do risky jobs.
- Never operate machinery or do a dangerous task unless you've been shown and told it's OK.
- Always wear the safety gear you're given.
- If something feels unsafe, say so or step back — you have every right to.
- If you get hurt, tell someone immediately.
Australia's work safety system, overseen by Safe Work Australia and your state WorkSafe or SafeWork regulator, protects young workers — but common sense and speaking up protect you too.
After the placement
Once it's done, follow up. Thank the business — a quick thank-you message or note is polite and memorable. Ask whether they take on apprentices, and let them know you're keen. Reflect on what you liked and didn't like — that's gold for deciding your next step.
If it went well, keep the door open. When you're ready to apply for apprenticeships, read how to get your first apprenticeship, then browse apprenticeship jobs and create a free profile.
Key takeaways
- Work experience is a short, unpaid school-organised placement to sample a trade — a low-pressure way to see if it suits you.
- It's often a foot in the door: many apprenticeships start with a work experience placement that impressed the boss.
- Set it up through your school's careers coordinator, your contacts, or by approaching businesses yourself.
- Turn up early, be keen, listen, stay safe and put your phone away — treat it like an audition.
- Follow up afterwards and keep the door open, then browse apprenticeship jobs when you're ready to apply.