Cadetships, internships and vacation programs give you the opportunity to gain paid, real world experience while completing your studies.
These programs help you:
- apply what you’re learning
- build confidence in a professional environment
- understand public sector careers before you graduate.
Many participants go on to graduate programs or other entry level roles after finishing their studies.
What you’ll find on this page
- Cadetship opportunities
- Undergraduate employment programs
- Internship and vacation programs
- Information about when programs typically open and who they are for
When applications open
Programs open at different times of the year. Planning ahead can help you feel prepared.
Application dates may change slightly each year. Check individual program pages for the most up‑to‑date information.
March – April
Programs that typically open during this period:
- Department of Health Aboriginal Cadetship (applications open)
A paid pathway for Aboriginal students to gain experience while studying and build long‑term careers in the WA public health system. - Main Roads WA Engineering Cadetship (applications open)
Get paid engineering experience while you study, with tuition support, vacation work and a clear pathway into a graduate or associate program. - Mila Kaaditj – Aboriginal Career Escalator Undergraduate Program (applications open)
Supports Aboriginal students to work part time while studying, build confidence and develop job‑ready skills before graduation.
June – July
Programs that typically open during this period:
- Public Transport Authority Vacation Student Program
Short term paid work over the university break, offering exposure to real transport and infrastructure projects across Western Australia.
September – October
Programs that typically open during this period:
- Department of Health Internship Program
Gain hands‑on experience and explore health related roles before you graduate.
Not recruiting in 2026
- Office of the Auditor General Cadet Program
(Not running in 2026 - listed here for future awareness)
Gain experience while you study
Show moreWorking in the WA public sector while you study can help you:
- understand what different roles and agencies actually do
- build confidence in a professional workplace
- make informed decisions about your future career.
You don’t need to have everything worked out - these programs are about learning by doing.
Why apply for a public sector cadetship, internship or vacation program?
Show more- Real work experience
Contribute to projects that support communities and make a difference across Western Australia. - Skill development
Build practical skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving - alongside your studies. - Paid opportunities
Earn money while you study, helping support yourself financially. - Insight into future careers
See how your degree and interests connect to real public sector roles and pathways. - Networks that matter
Meet people working across government and learn how careers can grow over time.
Where these programs can lead
Show moreFor many people, cadetships, internships and vacation programs are the first step, not the final destination.
Past participants often:
- move into graduate programs
- gain entry level roles after finishing study
- build careers across different agencies and locations.
There’s no single path and that flexibility is part of the opportunity.
What if I’m not ready yet?
Show moreThat’s okay.
Many students:
- apply more than once
- start with one program, then move into another
- use these opportunities to figure out what they don’t want - just as much as what they do want.
If nothing feels right this year, you can still:
- explore other early career pathways
- learn about different agencies
- get ready to apply when the time is right.
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