Fair Work Act

Gaining workplace experience is important for students, allowing them to make Industry connections and develop their work-related technical and transferable skills. QUT recognises the value of work and volunteer experiences for students, and has developed policies and guidelines which will allow the majority of activities to continue in compliance with the Fair Work Act.

Students and employers alike need to be aware of the provisions introduced by the Fair Work Act. Under this Act, stipulations have been made as to the type of workplace experiences that are allowed. These legislative provisions aim to combat exploitation of workers and there may be repercussions for employers not abiding by the new laws.

What does this mean for you?

• You can offer unpaid work experience to a student if it is part of a formalised work integrated learning arrangement, where the student will receive course credit, or if it is part of a formalised learning experience, not for credit, where the student is covered by QUT work experience insurance.
• The consequences of an unpaid placement failing to comply with the stipulations in the Fair Work Act, is that the student is deemed to be an employee and is therefore legally entitled to at least the minimum wage.