It's a rite of passage. Whether it's to develop a sense of independence and responsibility, make friends, or earn their own money, your teenager's first ever job can set them up for success in their future careers.
But today's jobs market remains highly competitive for young Canberrans looking for a more rewarding way to spend their weekends and after-school hours.
Almost one in 10 ACT teens work or part- or full-time on top of their studies, the Australian Bureau of Statistics says. Teens 15 and over can work independently, while those under 15 can work with adult supervision.
How do I help my teen start looking for a job?
It used to be the tried and true way to land your first job was going for a walk to hand in a printed resume. But today's most popular job searching tactics are online.
The majority of young workers apply for work through web platforms like SEEK, Indeed, and Jora, a survey conducted by market research panel Youth Insight revealed.
Palace Cinemas recruiter Caitlin Culver said the easiest way to find out who was hiring and how to apply was through an employer's website.
"Some people are brave and walk in and hand [their resumes] in ... but the most common way is online" she said.
One of the most intimidating aspects about being a teenager was not having any work history.
"Specifically in terms of teenage employees, I'm not expecting a wealth of experience," Ms Culver said.
Team member at Australian burger chain Grill'd Lily Geach recalled when applying for her first job, she highlighted her other skills.
"I did a few volunteer things in school which could stand in the place of work experience," she said.
She added teens would have a better chance of success if they applied to as many jobs as possible.
How do I help my teen prepare for an interview?
Job interviews can be intimidating for even the most seasoned applicants.
Ms Culver looked for friendliness and engagement in conversation.
"Obviously everyone is nervous in interviews, but it's more about how they're interacting with me. If I was a customer, how would that be?" she said.
She said Canberra's transient student population made high school and college students ideal recruits.
"We've had staff who have started here when they were 15 and worked here throughout high school and through uni," Ms Culver said.
"It's not just about getting that investment on training, but also getting someone whose skills develop and who can work their way up."
Having started as a casual herself, her experience as a team member informed her own interest in management.
Over time, she worked her way up to become a supervisor and eventually to head office.
"Some people might really take to the hospitality side ... others love the admin work or just being out in the kitchen and not talking to anyone," she said.
What do teens like about having a job?
Palace Cinemas team member Polly Kennett would advise younger teenagers to be open to trying things that are a "bit scary or hard", such as making cocktails.
Unlike in Sydney or Melbourne where Responsible Service of Alcohol laws restrict teenagers under 18 from serving alcohol, in the ACT, there are no minimum age restrictions on bartending.
"Some of our best cocktail-makers have been really gung-ho 16-year-olds," Ms Culver said.
While never tasting their creations, getting involved and learning about the process gave them a "kick-start" to work in hospitality, she said.
Balancing work and school
While there are no restrictions on the hours 15- to 17-year-olds can work, employers cannot legally let work interfere with a teenager's education or roster them on during school hours.
Ms Culver said there was an understanding at Palace Cinemas students will need to take time off for exams or other commitments.
"There's a lot of flexibility," she says.
"It's really established that schooling is the most important thing; we would never want a student to be stressed."
What red flags should my teenager be looking out for?
Supported by UnionsACT, the Young Workers Advice Service provides a number of resources and support for young employees in the ACT.
They encourage teenage employees to watch out for the following warning signs:
- Look for signs of wage theft: make sure your teenager is on the books, receiving their pay slips, and getting paid in a timely manner.
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Understand their award: know what industry award or agreement your teen falls under. Minimum wage and junior rates vary across industries. The Fair Work Ombudsman has a helpful list of entitlements, find out what applies to your teen.
- Watch for unsafe conditions: if your teenager tells you that they feel their work environment is dangerous, remind them that every worker have a right to safety, and to say no.
And finally, just keep trying
The best advice Grill'd manager Willow George had for young Canberrans on the hunt for their first job was not to be discouraged when landing one proved harder than expected.
"It's not a no unless you tell yourself it's a no," she says.
"If you don't try, it's always going to be a no."
