A place of opportunity

Kickstart your career with a WA Government graduate or cadetship program

Welcome to the WA public sector – we are different to what you might think.

Our range of university graduate and cadetship programs provide the foundational skills needed for successful and rewarding careers, while you work on important programs that support the Western Australia community. 

Use this page to find the graduate programs best suited to you, and subscribe to hear more about our job opportunities.

A full transcript of this animated video is available.

Graduate program quick facts

Answers to the questions we are most commonly asked.

What salary will I earn?

Most WA public sector graduate programs start on a Level 3 salary of $76,026 year. There is a 3% public sector salary increase in June 2023 which is exciting news for new grads coming onboard.

How are graduate programs structured?

Programs range from 12 months to 3 years with most including rotations across different divisions, and some across different agencies!

This provides plenty of variety and learning opportunities no matter what program you choose.

Will I be employed when I finish the graduate program?

Many graduate programs offer the opportunity of for permanent employment at the end. Where this is not possible, your agency will help you find your next opportunity.

There are more than 166,000 people employed across the WA public sector. With the experience you have gained, you’ll be hot property!

What training do I receive?

All programs provide comprehensive support and training that often includes guidance from an experienced mentor, networking opportunities, agency induction and role specific training.

Many agencies also enrol their graduate staff in the Public Sector Commission’s Launch program. This innovative 10 month development program includes practical skills plus experiences to help you develop a growth mindset, an essential element for a successful career.

Can international students apply for graduate programs?

The graduate programs offered by the Public Sector Commission and Office of the Auditor General accept applications from international students who have valid working visas.

Most other programs require applicants to be Australian citizens or permanent residents. However, if you are an international student and interested in a program please contact the agency and talk about their program and other employment opportunities they may have.

If you can’t seem to find the information you are looking for, email us at opportunity@psc.wa.gov.au

Where is my qualification needed?

Find out where your tertiary qualifications are needed.

Most agencies are interested in graduates with a wide range of qualifications, skills and experience, but here you can discover where your qualification may be a high priority for an agency, or closely aligned with their functions.

These agencies may be a good place to start as you look at the graduate and cadetship programs on offer.

Remember though – public sector agencies are interested in much more about you than just your qualification, so do not ‘cross off’ an agency if their name is not listed next to your qualification. 

Your qualification ‘High priority’ agencies
Agriculture, environment, biological sciences and sustainability
Architecture, design, urban and regional planning
Business and commerce
Engineering and construction
Finance and accounting
Humanities and social sciences
Hospitality, tourism and recreation
Mining, geology, geoscience and earth science
Health, medicine and biomedical sciences
Law
Marketing, media and strategic communications
Psychology, social work, mental health

Hear from our graduates

Watch videos of current graduate staff from across the sector talking about their experiences and why you should apply in 2023

Blake - Department of the Premier and Cabinet

Chelsea - Department of Water and Environmental Regulation

Courtney - Department of Finance

Lee - Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage

Luke - Department of Training and Workforce Development

Nicola - Department of Justice

Reagan – Landgate

Samantha - Government Sector Labour Relations

Shimona - Mental Health Commission

Tahlia - Department of Treasury Aboriginal Graduate Program

Tamsin - Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation

Penny - Public Sector Commission

Thomas - Department of Treasury

Come and say hi! - Our 2023 events

A place of opportunity will be out and about in 2023. Check out our calendar of university events and careers expos and come and say hi. We might even have a giveaway for you, or a competition to enter.

Upcoming events

Event Date Time Location
Murdoch Careers Fair Thursday 23 March 11.00 am - 1.30 pm Murdoch campus
The Big Meet Wednesday 29 March 11.00 am - 2.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Careers Expo Thursday 18 May 09.00 am - 3.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  Friday 19 May 09.00 am - 3.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  Saturday 20 May 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  Sunday 21 May 10.00 am - 4.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
SkillsWest Expo Thursday 27 July 9.00 am - 3.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  Friday 28 July 9.00 am - 3.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
  Saturday 29 July 9.00 am - 4.00 pm Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

Past events

Event Date Time Location
Curtin O-day Wednesday 22 February 11 am to 2:30 pm Curtin Bentley
UWA O-day Friday 24 February 11.00 am - 3.00 pm UWA Nedlands
ECU Business/Law Fair Wednesday 8 March 11.00 am - 1.00 pm ECU Joondalup
Curtin Careers Fair Friday 17 March 11.00 am - 2.00 pm Curtin Bentley
ECU Science Fair Monday 20 March 10.00 am - 1.30 pm ECU Joondalup

Announcements

News story

An extravaganza of expos ahead

We’re taking A place of opportunity to all of Perth’s big career expos this year to talk to people about our range of graduate programs on offer in 2023.
News story

We’re out and about in 2023

A place of opportunity is well underway for 2023, and we’re out and about talking to university students about the amazing range of public sector graduate programs on offer.
Last updated: 21 March 2023