Commonly asked questions

Clear answers to the questions students ask most.

From salary and training to eligibility and what happens after a program ends, this page brings together straightforward answers to common questions.

Topics include:

  • salary and benefits
  • graduate program structure
  • employment outcomes
  • international student eligibility
  • alternative pathways if you’re not eligible.

What salary will I earn?

Learn how pay works across graduate, cadetship, internship and vacation programs, and what you can generally expect while you’re starting out.

Starting a new career often comes with questions about pay - that’s completely understandable.

Most WA public sector graduate programs start on a salary package of around $93,000 per year, including superannuation. Exact salaries can vary slightly by agency and program.

For cadetships, internships and vacation programs, pay rates are generally set at student or entry level classifications and are paid for the hours you work.

These roles are designed to help you gain experience and earn income while you study.

Salary progression usually occurs as you:

  • complete your program
  • move into different roles
  • build skills and experience over time.

How are graduate programs structured?

Find out how graduate programs usually work, including rotations, learning opportunities and support during your first year.

Graduate programs are designed to help you learn, explore and build confidence in your first years of work. Programs typically run for 12 months to 3 years, depending on the agency. 

Most programs include:

  • rotations across different teams or areas
  • structured learning and development
  • support from supervisors and colleagues.

Some programs even offer rotations across different agencies, giving you insight into a range of roles and career paths.

This structure allows you to:

  • try different work areas
  • develop a broad skill set
  • better understand where your interests lie.

Will I be employed when I finish the graduate program?

Understand what typically happens at the end of a graduate program, and how many people move into ongoing or fixed term roles.

Many graduate programs aim to transition graduates into ongoing or fixed term roles at the end of the program, and this is often the preferred outcome for agencies.

If an ongoing role isn’t available straight away, agencies will generally support you to:

  • explore other opportunities within the agency
  • apply for roles across the wider public sector.

With almost 180,000 people employed across the WA public sector, the experience you gain through a graduate program is highly valued and can open doors to a range of future roles.

What training do I receive?

Learn about the on‑the‑job learning, formal training and mentoring that often come with early career programs.

All early career programs include structured support and learning, so you’re not expected to figure things out on your own.

Support often includes:

  • a workplace mentor or supervisor
  • agency induction and role specific training
  • networking opportunities with other early career employees.

Many agencies also enrol graduates in the Public Sector Commission’s Launch Program - a 10 month development program focused on:

  • practical workplace skills
  • building confidence and resilience
  • developing a growth mindset for long term career success.

Can international students apply for graduate programs?

Find information about eligibility, visa requirements and options for international students considering public sector pathways.

Most programs require Australian citizenship or permanent residency. However, if you’re an international student and interested in a particular agency, it’s still worth contacting them to ask about:

  • program requirements
  • other employment opportunities they may offer.
Some public sector graduate programs do accept applications from international students who hold a valid working visa.

What if I am not eligible for a graduate program?

You’re not out of options. Discover alternative entry pathways such as cadetships, internships, entry level roles and future opportunities.

You’re definitely not out of options.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility:

  1. Review the programs anyway - focus on roles that match your interests, skills and area of study.
  2. Contact the agency using the details listed with the program and ask about:
    • eligibility requirements
    • alternative roles or pathways.

You can also explore current vacancies on the WA Jobs Board, where you can:

  • search by occupation
  • filter by work type (fixed term, casual, part time)

If you’re studying a postgraduate qualification or have previous work experience, you may already be well suited to a range of public sector roles.

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