Information for employers

From 1 January 2008 young people must be in school, training or have a job (or combination of these) until the end of the year in which they turn 17 years of age.

As an employer you can employ young people full-time (or part-time if they are involved in a combination program which includes school/training and/or part-time work) during the year in which they turn 16 or 17 with approval.  Parents are responsible for completing the process but you will be contacted by a Participation Coordinator to discuss the job.

If you are unclear on any details please contact the Manager Participation at your local district education office.

No approval is needed if you employ young people on a part-time or casual basis if this is in addition to a full-time education or training program.

More information about the roles and reporting responsibilities of employers can be found in the brochure Changes to the leaving age (pdf brochure - 24 pages). Or you can just download the pages relevant to employers.