Are you a law student with a passion for social justice issues?
Put your legal skills into practice and gain first-hand experience of real world employee advocacy by joining us as a Young Workers Advocate. You’ll get to assist young workers access advice, support and representation to resolve workplace issues.
You’ll be supported by our experienced solicitors.
You’ll receive training and mentoring.
You’ll gain insight into the work of trade unions and the world of employment law through networking opportunities with Unions and employment law firms.
We’re committed to genuine work experience and career development, so placements will need to comply with your Law School’s placement program. Talk to your Law School’s placement coordinator or contact our team at [email protected]
What will you do as an advocate?
- Conduct client intake
- Draft correspondence and court documents
- Research and prepare briefs for casework and conciliation
- Prepare wage theft calculations
- Shadow solicitors in legal proceedings (where possible)
You will also attend two days of mandatory training (which contributes to your placement) so that you are equipped to undertake these tasks.
What do former advocates say about our program?
I found the experience at YWC to be extremely rewarding! Not only did I get to work with an amazing group of people and make a difference in people’s lives, I was able to learn so much that will help me in the future. After completing the advocate program I moved into my PLT and felt knowledgeable when having to draft documents and interview clients all thanks to YWC. Not only did I become more knowledgeable with legal processes, I was also able to make many new friends. I could not recommend YWC more! – Felix
Being a student advocate at the Young Workers Centre (YWC) is an incredibly rewarding experience! Not only do you get to peek behind the curtain into the world of employment law, you gain the opportunity to develop your hard skills. Working within a supportive environment was the greatest highlight of this experience. The team at the YWC are friendly, approachable and never hesitate to answer any questions you may have or explain how to go about your tasks. The exposure you gain throughout the experience to legal drafting, research and client interviewing is truly invaluable and the events and campaigns held by the YWC offer a way to stay in touch with the team and get involved with the important work they do. You leave each workday feeling deservedly accomplished for the important work done at the YWC and develop a lasting passion for workplace and youth advocacy which has all the more been harnessed by the passionate team you work with. Being a student advocate at the YWC was the most rewarding work experience of my tertiary studies and I am grateful to the amazing team for this opportunity. I cannot recommend the YWC enough! – Lavanya
My placement as a law student at the Young Workers Centre was a rewarding and educational experience. I enjoyed working closely with the lawyers and engaging with real clients, which allowed me to gain invaluable skills and deepen my understanding of employment law. The supportive environment at YWC made it easy to ask questions and take on new challenges. Helping young people who needed assistance with their workplace issues was especially fulfilling and this placement reinforced my passion for using the law to make a positive difference in people's lives. – Scarlett
Who are we looking for?
We love to host law students with an interest in social justice and/or workers’ rights. You do not need to have completed employment law as a subject, but it is helpful to your experience at placement.
Our diversity is our strength. Please get in touch with us ([email protected]) if you would like to discuss any adjustments or concerns, e.g. adjusted working hours, remote supervision, assistive technology.
We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We strive to be a safe and inclusive practice.
How do I apply?
We can only offer placements to students who will receive university credit for the placement. Placement length varies depending on your university’s requirements.
We accept applications through university placement programs. If you're interested in the Advocate Program, reach out to your university's placement team to let them know you'd like to do a placement at the Young Workers Centre and to find out next steps. You are also welcome to contact us at [email protected] if you have questions about our Advocate Program.
2025/26 placement dates
We operate five placement periods every year, each period with two days of mandatory training:
Late Summer: late January to late February, 2-4 days per week
Semester 1: early March to June, 1 day per week
Winter: late June to late July, 2-4 days per week
Semester 2: late July to November, 1 day per week
Early Summer: mid November to mid December, 2-4 days per week
For any questions about our placement program, please contact our team at [email protected]
For any questions about our placement program, please contact our team at [email protected]
