Is your teen ready for their first job? How OTs can help them thrive at work
The transition from school into the workforce is a big step for any young person. For adolescents who need additional support, the process can feel even more overwhelming – from figuring out where to start, to managing the demands of a workplace once they’re in.
And it can be an equally daunting experience for parents.
What happens in a workplace is so far out of your hands, it can be a real adjustment. If you’re not sure how best to support your teen looking for their first job, you’re not alone. And your OT is here to support both you and your teen.
Occupational Therapists play a vital role in bridging learned skills and strategies into a workplace environment. At OTHC, we support adolescents by building confidence, developing practical skills, and helping them discover pathways where they can truly thrive.
How OTs Support Adolescents Entering the Workforce
Building the Foundations
An OTs primary role is to build skills for the future. When it comes time to join the workforce, we begin with basics:
- Identifying strengths and interests – Helping young people recognise what they’re good at, what they enjoy, and how these can translate into meaningful work.
- Developing work-related skills – From time management and organisation to computer literacy and fine motor skills, OTs provide practical tools to prepare adolescents for the realities of work.
- Supporting routines and energy management – Establishing consistent daily routines, teaching pacing strategies, and managing fatigue or stress.
Preparing for the Application Process
Once these foundational skills are established, OTs can shift their focus to the more specific elements of finding and preparing for employment. This may include:
- Writing resumes and CVs – Supporting adolescents to present their skills and experiences in a clear, professional way.
- Navigating job-seeker platforms – Guiding them in searching and applying for opportunities online. OTs can also help find suitable employment programs, depending on your teen’s needs and abilities.
- Interview skills and confidence – Practising common interview questions, role-playing scenarios, and building self-belief for face-to-face or online interviews.
Thriving in the Workplace
Of course, the process doesn’t end there. Being employed and working with others in a professional environment is unlike anything children and teenagers experience up until this point. There are certain skills and expectations that may require additional support, especially from an OT, such as:
- Communication and social skills – Teaching strategies for teamwork, customer interactions, and navigating workplace relationships.
- Flexible thinking and problem solving – Building adaptability when plans change or challenges arise.
- Understanding work expectations – Supporting adolescents to grasp workplace culture, professional boundaries, and employer requirements.
- Sensory regulation strategies – Helping young people manage noise, lighting, uniforms, or other sensory demands within the workplace.
- Compensatory strategies – Introducing tools and approaches to support work performance, such as using visual planners, checklists, or modified equipment.
Advocacy and Ongoing Support
Your OT will always be your advocate and are in it for the long haul. For some teens, that may mean connecting with the new workplace to foster a suitable environment.
- Liaising with employers – Working alongside workplaces to ensure environments are inclusive and supportive. This may involve role grading, environmental modifications, or advocating for reasonable adjustments.
- Building resilience and confidence – Helping adolescents manage feedback, handle stress, and celebrate small wins as part of their growth.
Why This Matters
Employment is about more than a pay check. For adolescents, their first job is a key milestone. It builds upon their sense of independence and self-worth, while giving them a chance to develop critical life skills. It is a fantastic opportunity to improve social connections, experience responsibility and problem-solving in real-life, and create lasting careers.
With the right supports, young people can move into the workforce feeling prepared, capable, and confident.
OTHC believe every adolescent deserves the opportunity to thrive in work and life. Their Occupational Therapists partner with young people, families, and employers to make the transition smoother, more empowering, and more sustainable.
Contact them on 9913 3823 or [email protected] to learn how they can support your adolescent in preparing for and succeeding in the workplace.
