TAFE students at work

Adverse impact of WorkChoices on youth education and employment

The NSW Teachers Federation has today released focus group research about TAFE students at work. This research is intended to supplement the 'You're gold...if you're 15 years old' report about secondary students released in July this year.

The research was conducted by an independent consultant, Randall Pearce, from "Think, Insight and Advice". TAFE students interviewed were 18 and 19 years old.

Maree O'Halloran, Federation President said:

"TAFE teachers have been worried for some time that their full time students were working long and irregular hours on a "part time" basis in order to make ends meet.

The focus group research released today shows that TAFE students say good employers make education a priority and try to create flexible workplaces that are fair for everyone. The best employers communicate regularly with their employees and set their rosters in advance so people can order their lives.

Young workers reluctant to say no

It is clear from this research that students of any age are still reluctant to say no to their employers. This is so even where a student's educational attainment is at stake. Students say they are even reluctant to ask what their hourly rate of pay is:

It's sort of like, you don't even talk about it, and it's a big secret (p 14 of the report)

I find it a bit hard to judge the question, like how to word it. Like say can you tell me how much do I get an hour? (p 15)

Clocking off

"Clocking off" was mentioned by students who worked in fast food businesses. Students ended up "working for free" for part of their shift.

For example:

There was a manager who clocked everyone off at ten o'clock but we worked until like one o'clock. (p 16)

That's why they like younger kids because they don't complain. (p 16)

Loss of penalty rates

Young people have been vulnerable in the workplace for some time. They are propping up the 24 hour, 7 day per week service economy. As vulnerable workers, they have been affected by WorkChoices. In particular, the loss of penalty rates was mentioned.

Good employment practices

TAFE students spoke about good employment practices including induction manuals with frequently asked questions for new employees and rosters issued in advance so students have some warning about work commitments."

The report can be viewed from the link below.

Download File

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Last Modified: 12 Oct 2007