Info Centre for first Job Seekers &amp; Parents

Your first job is a big deal and we know it matters to your parents too. Looking after our people is what we do.
We make sure our team members feel safe, supported and welcomed at work, with proper training, clear guidance and managers who take the time to help them succeed. Shifts are planned with school commitments in mind, and we place a strong focus on wellbeing and work–life balance.
Nando’s is a positive first workplace for team members aged 16 and over, giving them the opportunity to build confidence, learn practical life skills and enjoy being part of a supportive team.
🔥 Safe &amp; supervised workplaces
🔥 Proper training before any responsibility
🔥 Flexible hours around school
🔥 Clear safeguarding policies

work at Nando's

Many of our team members are starting their first job — and that’s great.
New starters are rostered on quieter shifts and paired with a buddy for hands-on support from day one. We provide structured training through e-learning and on-the-job coaching, with step-by-step guidance before any responsibility is given.
This approach ensures every Nandoca feels prepared, supported, and confident as they grow in their role — never expected to “just figure it out”.

Education always comes first at Nando’s.
🔥 Shifts are scheduled around school and study commitments
🔥 Extra flexibility is available during exams and busy school periods
Our Restaurant Managers are here to support young team members and help them balance work and study.

From their first shift, Nandocas build confidence, teamwork, and professionalism in a supportive, fast-paced environment. They gain hands-on food and safety training while developing resilience, customer service, and time-management skills.
Above all, a role at Nando’s helps young people build independence, confidence, and a strong work ethic - often in their very first job.

FAQs - Parent Info Centre

The Hiring Process

What’s the process to get hired?

The hiring process at Nando’s is designed to be clear, supportive and a positive first experience of recruitment.
Step 1: Apply online
Your child completes an application through the Nando’s Careers page. They’ll be asked to upload a resume and can optionally include a cover letter. As part of the application, they’ll also answer a few prequalifying questions, such as whether they are willing and comfortable learning how to cook and prepare meals (including tasks like preparing chicken products, handling bacon, chopping vegetables and following food safety procedures).
Step 2: Prequalifying review
Based on their answers, your child may be advised if they don’t meet the base requirements needed to perform the role. This helps ensure applicants are suited to the work before progressing further.
Step 3: Application review
If they meet the prequalifying requirements, their full application is reviewed by the Hiring Manager and assessed against Nando’s hiring criteria.
Sometimes, applicants may miss out simply because of timing - for example, if the recruitment process has already progressed with other candidates who applied earlier. If this happens, your child will be notified that the role has been filled.
Step 4: Group recruitment session
Successful applicants may be invited to a group recruitment session. This is a friendly, interactive experience where they:
<ul><li>Learn more about Nando’s and the role</li><li>Get a realistic feel for the work environment</li><li>Meet other people who are interested in working at Nando’s</li></ul>
During the session, applicants take part in a few fun group activities designed to help us understand whether they’re a good fit for Nando’s. This isn’t about having previous work experience - we look for qualities like a positive can-do attitude, coachability and problem-solving skills.
Applicants will also have a short one on one chat with a Hiring Manager, giving them the chance to ask questions and learn more about the role.
Step 5: Onboarding
If successful, your child will be invited to commence the onboarding process, where they’ll be guided through setup, training and their next steps before starting work.

Can my child reapply if they have been unsuccessful?

If your child isn’t successful this time, they’ll be notified by email.
Not being offered a role doesn’t necessarily reflect their suitability or potential. Sometimes it simply comes down to timing - for example, their availability may not match the shifts needed at that time, the role may have been filled at a nearby location, or we may have had a large number of strong applicants and been unable to offer the role to everyone.
We always encourage young people to apply again in the future. A “no” can simply mean not right now, rather than not right for Nando’s. As availability changes and new roles open, future opportunities often become available.
Many of our team members were successful after applying more than once.

My Child got the Job! What’s next?

What does my child need to do to get set up for work?

We guide new team members through the setup process step by step, so nothing feels overwhelming.
To get started, your child will need to:
<ul><li>Set up a Tax File Number (TFN)</li><li>Have a bank account set up so wages can be paid safely and securely</li><li>Provide superannuation or KiwiSaver account details (if they don’t already have one, they’ll be set up with a default fund)</li><li>Confirm that they can legally work in Australia or New Zealand</li><li>Complete Nando’s onboarding and training, with full support from their manager</li><li>Share their availability so shifts can be scheduled around school and study commitments</li></ul>

Do you provide uniforms?

Once your child is on the team, we’ve got them covered. Literally. As a restaurant worker, your child will receive a Nando’s shirt, bandana and apron. They will need to wear their own blue jeans and non-slip shoes. We can also help guide them on which shoes are suitable for their new role.

Rosters & Pay

How many hours does a team member work each week?

The minimum guaranteed hours for a team member role at Nando’s are 8 hours per week across at least two shifts.
When your child joins, they’ll let us know their availability (the days and times they’re able to work) and how many hours they would like to work each week. We try to accommodate this where possible when creating the roster.
Your child will also have fixed rostered shifts. A fixed rostered shift is a regular, agreed shift that forms part of their ongoing roster - providing consistency and helping them plan around school, study and other commitments.
Each time a roster is published, your child can:
<ul><li>Accept shifts that fall within their agreed availability and fixed rostered shifts, or</li><li>Decline shifts if they sit outside of the fixed shifts and they are no longer available to work at those times</li></ul>
This approach gives young people structure, flexibility and choice, while ensuring work fits around their education and wellbeing.

How much notice is given for rosters?

Rosters are published at least one week in advance.
At Nando’s, the roster for the following week (starting on Monday) is released, no later than the Monday of the week before. This gives your child time to review their shifts, plan around school, study and other commitments, and raise any questions if needed.
We aim to provide as much notice as possible so young people can feel organised and confident about their upcoming work schedule.

What if my child needs to take time off?

All our team members are employed on part-time basis - we don’t hire casual employees. This means your child is entitled to paid annual/holiday leave and sick leave, providing peace of mind if they need time off for illness, rest or important personal commitments.
We know that flexibility is important, especially while your child is balancing school, study and other commitments.
If your child is unwell and unable to attend a shift, they are asked to personally call the Manager on Duty as soon as possible - ideally at least 3 hours before their shift is due to start. This helps the team plan ahead and ensures your child gets the right support.
Your child should also keep the manager informed if their situation changes, including when they expect to return to work. Open communication helps managers understand how best to support them and ensures everything is handled fairly and smoothly.
We always encourage team members to stay home when unwell - especially in a restaurant environment - and their wellbeing comes first.

How will my child get paid?

We pay weekly, straight into the nominated bank account. No cash, no cheques.
All Nandocas are employed in line with the Fast Food Industry Award (FFIA), which sets fair standards for pay, hours and conditions.

Safety

How old do you have to be to work at Nando’s?

Age check! 🎉 Your child needs to be at least 16 years old to work at Nando’s. This is our minimum age to make sure that we provide a safe and fun environment for you once you are ready to enter your first job.

How do I know my child will be safe?

Your child’s safety and wellbeing matter most.
At Nando’s, young people work in a structured, supervised environment, with clear expectations and support from experienced managers and team leaders. All team members receive proper training, including safe work practices and procedures.
We are committed to providing a respectful, inclusive and welcoming workplace. Managers are trained to support young team members, and we take any concerns about safety, behaviour or wellbeing seriously.
If there are ever any concerns, both you and your child have direct access to the Nando’s Management team, as well as confidential support channels. All concerns are treated promptly, fairly and with care.
Shifts are planned with age, experience and school commitments in mind, and young team members are never expected to handle situations they are not trained or comfortable with.
Above all, we want Nando’s to be a place where young people feel safe, supported and confident while learning and growing at work.

Do you work over night?

No - at Nando’s, we don’t have overnight shifts. Shifts are suitable for young people, knowing their transport needs and other commitments.

Will my child be around alcohol?

Nando’s restaurants do serve alcohol. However, only team members aged 18 and over are allowed to serve or handle alcohol.
In most Australian states and territories, Team Members aged 18+ are required to hold a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) to work in roles that involve alcohol service. If your child turns 18 while working at Nando’s, they may need to obtain and provide evidence of an RSA, depending on the legislation in their state or territory. Any cost associated with obtaining an RSA is the responsibility of the individual.
Team members under 18 are not permitted to serve or handle alcohol. They may complete an RSA if they choose to, which can be a helpful way to better understand alcohol laws, responsible service and how to stay safe around alcohol - but it is not a requirement for under 18s.
We follow all state and territory alcohol laws closely and our managers ensure young team members only perform duties appropriate for their age and training.

Culture

What’s the workplace culture like?

Nando’s is a fun, inclusive and supportive place to work - especially for young people starting out in their first job.
Our teams are made up of people from many different backgrounds, cultures, ages and life experiences. We see this diversity as a real strength. It brings different perspectives, ideas and ways of thinking, helping our teams learn from one another and work better together.
Young team members are encouraged to come to work as their true, authentic selves. Everyone is welcomed, respected and valued for who they are, and individuality is something we genuinely celebrate.
Working alongside a diverse team gives young people the chance to:
<ul><li>Learn from others’ experiences and viewpoints</li><li>Build empathy, understanding and confidence</li><li>Develop strong communication and teamwork skills</li><li>Grow personally as well as professionally</li></ul>
The culture at Nando’s is hardworking but joyful. Restaurants are fast-paced and energetic, but team members support one another, share responsibility and have fun while doing great work together.
Managers play an important role in creating this environment. They’re there to coach, guide and support young team members, helping them feel safe to ask questions, make mistakes while learning, and grow at their own pace.
Above all, Nando’s is a workplace where young people can feel:
<ul><li>Included and respected</li><li>Supported by their managers and teammates</li><li>Proud of the work they do</li><li>Confident being themselves at work</li></ul>
It’s this combination of diversity, care, teamwork and positivity that makes Nando’s a great place for young people to learn, grow and begin their working journey.

What are the benefits at Nando’s?

From free meals on shift, to family and friend benefits, referral bonus, fun budget, wellbeing support, and recognition awards, there’s a whole lot to love.
Working at Nando’s comes with lots of very tasty extras. We provide personal support resources for mental health through our Employee Assistance Program Telus, as well as plenty of opportunities to get involved through our Master Griller competition, Changing Lives Squad, Belong Council and regional safety teams.

Is Nando’s an inclusive workplace?

At Nando’s, everyone is welcome at our table. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where people can be their authentic selves and feel valued, respected, and supported. We celebrate difference, champion equality, and believe that our diversity makes us stronger.

generator

chicken,grilled,flame,peri-peri,burgers,chips

keywords

Great Food. Great Company. Great Flavour. Nando's.

description

referrer

robots

https://assets.nandos.com.au/Nandos-Australia/images/_1200x630_crop_center-center_82_none/Page-header-home-food-spread-compressor.jpg?mtime=1599798373

facebook-domain-verification

twitter:card

twitter:site

twitter:creator

twitter:title

twitter:description

https://assets.nandos.com.au/Nandos-Australia/images/_800x418_crop_center-center_82_none/Page-header-home-food-spread-compressor.jpg?mtime=1599798373

First Job Hub

What it's really like to work at Nando's

Training & Support From Day One

Balancing Work With School & Study

Skills for life