Check an unpaid trial shift before you start
A genuine unpaid trial is a brief, supervised demonstration of the skills needed for a vacant job. If you are filling a normal shift or doing productive work beyond that test, you may need to be paid.
Get the trial details in writing before you travel or start work.
Ask why the trial is needed
The purpose should be to demonstrate skills directly relevant to a real vacancy. Ask for the job title, the skills being tested and what tasks you will complete. A vague request to “help out and see how it goes” deserves more questions.
Confirm the time limit
Fair Work says an unpaid trial should last only as long as reasonably needed to demonstrate the required skills. The reasonable length depends on the job and may range from an hour to one shift. Extra time beyond the genuine skills test must be paid at the appropriate minimum rate.
Check that you will be supervised
A genuine unpaid trial should be directly supervised for the whole trial. If you are left alone, placed on a roster, asked to cover an absent worker or expected to complete ordinary production targets, pause and clarify whether this is paid employment.
Do not confuse a trial with free labour
Cleaning unrelated areas, completing several full shifts, working a week for free or doing all the duties of a paid worker can go beyond a skills demonstration. Being told that everyone starts unpaid does not decide whether the arrangement is lawful.
Keep your own record
Save the job ad and messages. Record the date, start and finish times, worksite, tasks, supervisor and anyone who worked with you. Keep photos only where workplace rules allow them. These records can help if the promised trial changes after you arrive.
Protect your WHV plan
Do not assume unpaid trial time will count toward an 88 or 179 day goal. First confirm that you have genuine paid work, then check both the work type and location rules for your visa pathway. Keep employment evidence from your first paid shift.
Hi, before the trial could you please confirm the vacant job, the skills I will demonstrate, the start and finish time, who will supervise me, and whether any time beyond the skills demonstration will be paid?
If the arrangement feels wrong
Ask the employer to clarify the paid hours in writing. You can also compare the arrangement with the Fair Work Ombudsman’s unpaid trial guidance. Visa holders and migrant workers have the same workplace rights and protections as other employees in Australia.
Related reading
Use this with the job ad checklist, the scam warning guide, the proof guide and the first payday checklist.