Helping a young person secure their first job is one of the most practical ways to build confidence, responsibility and real world skills with a positive impact on their future career. For students aged 15 and over (in South Australia, as well as other states and territories), there are many genuine opportunities across fast food, supermarkets, retail, hospitality, events, admin and school based apprenticeships. The key is knowing where to look and how to apply.
This guide is designed for parents, grandparents, carers, mentors and teachers who want to actively support a young person to take that first step into paid work.
Understanding the basics first
In South Australia, many employers will hire from age 15 (around 14 years and 9 months) for casual and part time roles, particularly in customer service and hospitality. Hours are usually limited during school terms and can expand during school holidays. Always check Fair Work Australia for current rules around junior wages, hours and conditions.
Starting with the main job search websites
Before going employer by employer, it helps to scan what is currently being advertised locally.
Indeed Australia
https://au.indeed.com
Search for terms like “casual junior”, “after school” or “student” and filter by suburb or region.
Seek
https://www.seek.com.au
Use filters for part time and casual roles. Many employers advertise directly through Seek.
Student Job Board
https://www.studentjobboard.com.au
This site focuses on school students and entry level roles across retail, hospitality and events.
Study Adelaide Job Shop
https://studyadelaide.com/jobshop
A useful local resource listing casual, part time and seasonal jobs across Adelaide and surrounds.
Applying directly to major employers
Many of the most reliable junior jobs are found by applying directly through employer careers pages.
Supermarkets
Coles
https://www.colescareers.com.au
Apply online by creating a profile. Roles include checkout, night fill and customer service.
Woolworths
https://www.wowcareers.com.au
Online application with short questions and availability details.
ALDI Australia
https://www.aldicareers.com.au
Applications are online only. ALDI values reliability and teamwork.
Fast food and quick service
McDonald’s Australia
https://careers.mcdonalds.com.au
Apply online, complete a short questionnaire and availability form.
Hungry Jack’s
https://careers.hungryjacks.com.au
Online application. No experience required.
Red Rooster
https://www.redrooster.com.au/careers
Apply online or in store depending on location.
Boost Juice
https://careers.boostjuice.com.au
Apply online. Customer service skills and availability are key.
KFC Australia
https://www.kfc.com.au/careers
KFC is one of the most common first employers for 15 and 16 year olds. Applications are completed online and focus on availability, teamwork and willingness to learn rather than experience. Roles include front counter, drive through and food preparation.
Frozen yoghurt, dessert and casual food outlets
Yo-Chi
https://yochi.com.au/pages/work-with-us
Yogurberry
https://www.yogurberry.com.au/careers
San Churro
https://sanchurro.com/work-with-us
The Yoghurt Shop
https://theyoghurtshop.com.au/pages/careers
The Yoghurt Shop regularly employs high school students for after school, weekend and holiday shifts. Roles typically involve customer service, food preparation, cleaning and handling payments. Applications are usually made online through their careers page, but individual stores may also accept resumes in person. Availability, reliability and a friendly attitude are more important than prior experience.
Retail and pharmacy
Chemist Warehouse
https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/aboutus/careers
Online applications. Roles include retail assistant and cashier.
Priceline Pharmacy
https://www.priceline.com.au/careers
Priceline’s retail pharmacy assistant roles are listed on their careers page. Customer service skills and availability matter most.
Kmart
https://jobs.kmart.com.au
Kmart offers customer service and store team roles that suit after school and weekend work. Applications are submitted online, with an option to set up job alerts for local stores in Adelaide and regional SA.
Target
https://jobs.target.com.au
Target frequently recruits casual team members for retail floor, fitting room and checkout duties. Create an online profile and select local stores so you receive alerts when roles are open.
Big W
https://www.bigwcareers.com.au
Big W’s careers page lists part-time and casual roles. Look for “team member” positions and specify your availability when applying.
Best & Less
https://careers.bnestaffing.com.au
Best & Less hires entry-level retail assistants. The application is online and they sometimes include “student friendly” roles with flexible hours.
The Reject Shop
https://rejectshopjobs.com.au
The Reject Shop offers casual retail roles including shelf stocking, customer service and seasonal hiring. You can search by state (including South Australia) and apply directly.
Cheap As Chips
https://careers.cheapaschips.com.au
This discount retailer hires casual team members. Online applications allow you to select nearby store locations and indicate your availability.
Foodland, IGA and independent retailers
Local supermarkets and independent stores are often some of the best places for 15-year-olds and older teens to secure after-school, weekend and casual summer work. These employers are embedded in communities across Adelaide and regional South Australia, and many hire young team members for customer service, stocking shelves, bagging groceries and basic food preparation.
Foodland
https://foodlandsa.com.au/pages/careers
Foodland is South Australia’s long-standing supermarket network, with strong local presence in suburbs and regional centres. Careers pages list job openings across stores. Many Foodland stores operate independently under local owners, so even if the careers page doesn’t show current listings, it is still worth approaching the store in person with a resume and availability details. Roles include checkout operator, shelf stocker and deli assistant.
IGA (Independent Grocers of Australia)
https://www.iga.com.au/careers
IGA stores are franchised and run by local owners who often prefer to hire through in-store contact or local advertising. The IGA national careers page links you to broader grocery roles and general information. For specific store vacancies, check nearby IGA shops’ windows or community boards, ask in person with a resume, or refer to local job ads on Seek and Student Job Board.
Applying to retail employers
Most of these retailers use online application systems. Create a profile on their careers page, upload a simple one page resume and mention your availability (after school, weekends, school holidays). If no roles are listed, set up job alerts and check back regularly, especially in the lead up to school holidays and festive seasons when stores expand their casual workforce.
Using social media to spot opportunities
Some brands and store managers post about hiring on social platforms before roles reach the big job boards. Encourage young job seekers to follow:
- The official brand pages on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok (for example, @kmartaustralia @targetaus @bigw_au @chemistwarehouse)
- Local store pages or community groups where retail staff sometimes share team member stories and hiring calls
- Retail influencer accounts that talk about shopping, staff experiences, behind the scenes and sometimes share job leads or tips
Following these accounts helps young people understand work culture, see staff experiences and sometimes catch early hiring announcements. Encourage them to turn on notifications or check stories regularly during peak recruitment periods (end of school term, lead up to summer or Easter holidays).
Independent shops and mini-markets
Community supermarkets, fruit and veg shops, bakeries, independent butcheries and local convenience stores across South Australia also hire casually, particularly during peak periods like school holidays. These smaller businesses may not advertise online, so direct engagement is usually the best strategy:
- Prepare a simple one page resume that lists your availability
- Visit during “quiet windows” (mid-afternoon after the lunch rush)
- Ask to speak with the manager about casual or weekend work
- Follow up with a polite phone call or email a few days later
These independent employers often value reliability, friendliness and willingness to help over experience, making them excellent options for young job seekers.
Tips for engaging with community employers:
- Don’t wait for a job ad. Many independent shops hire directly from walk-in resumes or local referrals.
- Dress neatly and be polite when visiting. Even if they’re not hiring now, making a strong impression can put you at the top of their mind later.
- Check local noticeboards in shopping centres or community newsletters, where independent retailers sometimes post casual job ads.
- Network with neighbours, family friends and school families — someone may know a local business owner looking for help.
Hospitality and local businesses
Cafes, bakeries, pubs and restaurants across South Australia often hire juniors directly. Encourage young people to prepare a simple one page resume and visit during quiet times, mid morning or mid afternoon, to ask if they are hiring.
Events, festivals and seasonal work
South Australia hosts major events including Adelaide Fringe, WOMADelaide and regional festivals. These create short term jobs in food service, ticketing and event support.
Search via
https://www.studentjobboard.com.au
https://au.indeed.com
Also follow event companies and venues on social media, as casual calls for staff are often posted there.
Outside school hours care and admin roles
ANZUK Education
https://anzuk.education/au
ANZUK recruits casual OSHC staff. Some roles accept younger applicants working alongside qualified educators.
Small businesses may also offer junior admin or office support roles. These are often found through word of mouth, school newsletters, Facebook groups or local community networks.
Online and flexible work options
For young people who prefer flexible or home based work, online roles are growing. These may include basic admin tasks, digital support or content assistance.
Seek provides guidance and listings here
https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/article/easy-and-flexible-online-jobs-for-teens
School based apprenticeships and traineeships
Australian Apprenticeships
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au
South Australian students in Year 10 and above can access Australian School Based Apprenticeships. These allow students to work part time, earn money and complete nationally recognised training while finishing school.
Information specific to SA is available at: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/vocational-education-and-training/australian-school-based-apprenticeships
Local challenges and changing conditions
Environmental and economic factors such as algal blooms, floods, bushfires or downturns in tourism can affect hiring, particularly in hospitality and coastal regions. This means flexibility is important.
Encourage young people to apply across multiple industries, consider online or admin roles and apply early for seasonal work rather than waiting for peak periods.
Practical tips to support success:
- Help create a clear and simple resume with referees
- Practice likely interview questions at home
- Encourage follow up emails or polite in store check ins
- Make sure school, wellbeing and rest come first
- Celebrate effort, not just outcomes
A first job is not just about earning money – it is about confidence, communication and learning how work actually works.
A note for parents, grandparents and carers
Parents play an important role in helping young people navigate their first job safely and confidently. Take time to check junior pay rates, hours of work and workplace rights through the Fair Work Ombudsman
It is also worth reviewing workplace health and safety expectations, especially for hospitality, retail and event roles, via SafeWork SA
https://www.safework.sa.gov.au/workers/young-workers
For broader career and training pathways, including apprenticeships and traineeships, Australian Apprenticeships provides clear, plain English guidance
https://www.apprenticeships.gov.au
Young candidates should always be cautious online. Following brand pages is fine but avoid job ads shared by unofficial accounts unless you can verify them on the employer’s official career site. A good rule of thumb is to check the brand’s official website or careers page before applying or sharing personal information.
Finally, encourage open conversations at home about managing money, balancing school and work, speaking up if something does not feel right and knowing who to ask for help. These early lessons are just as valuable as the job itself.