Main Roads WA Engineering Cadetship

Who we are

Main Roads Western Australia is a leading WA Government agency committed to Keeping WA Moving.

As communities and populations continue to expand, so does the need for a safe, reliable and sustainable road based transport system. Our values guide the decisions we make as we work to deliver and maintain major infrastructure projects across Western Australia.

We continually strive towards excellence in everything that we do, developing and implementing cutting edge technology and sustainable major projects on WA’s road network.

Main Roads provides stability, security, and ongoing challenging and rewarding work, with opportunities to build meaningful careers that support communities across the state.

Join us and be part of an organisation that values your contribution and wants to invest in your future.

About the program

Main Roads offers engineering cadetship opportunities designed to support students while they study and provide a clear pathway into long term engineering careers.

Cadets receive financial support to study, including tuition fee assistance and a paid sustenance allowance during semester, allowing you to focus on your studies while gaining practical experience through paid vacation employment.

Upon successful completion of your qualification, cadets transition into a structured 3 year rotational Engineering Graduate Program or Engineering Associate Program, depending on the pathway, including regional placements across Western Australia.

This program is more than just a job - it’s an opportunity to gain hands on experience, build professional networks, and develop the skills needed to work on major infrastructure projects that help keep WA moving.

Program highlights

• Get paid to study, including tuition fee support
• Fortnightly sustenance allowance during semester
• Paid vacation work with hands on practical experience
• Structured rotations across different teams and locations
• Guaranteed permanent employment on successful completion of the program
• Opportunities to work across Western Australia, including regional locations
• Build strong networks with industry professionals
• Be supported by dedicated development and graduate coordinators

Menno Henneveld Scholarship – Regional based applicants
To honour the legacy of former Main Roads Commissioner Menno Henneveld, Main Roads offers additional financial support to eligible regionally based students.
The scholarship provides:

• A higher fortnightly sustenance allowance for students living away from home
• A supplementary accommodation allowance to assist with the cost of living in Perth

This scholarship is available across all Main Roads engineering cadetship pathways.

What we’re looking for in candidates

If you are passionate about making an impact and have a strong desire to learn, we want to hear from you.

Successful candidates are:

• Enthusiastic and motivated
• Keen to develop their skills and knowledge
• Interested in working collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong communicators
• Able to solve problems and adapt in different work environments

Specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the cadetship stream. Please review the individual job advert carefully to confirm your suitability.

Application information

Applications are open now and close on Tuesday 7 April at 1:00 PM.

Main Roads is recruiting Engineering Cadets and Engineering Associate Cadets for the 2026 intake.

These cadetships include different pathways based on your current studies:

• Engineering Associate Cadet (TAFE – Civil / Structural)
  For students studying an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering at a Western Australian TAFE.
  View and apply: Engineering Associate Cadet
• Engineering Cadet (Civil Engineering – University)
  For students studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at a Western Australian university.
  View and apply: Engineering Cadet (Civil)
• Engineering Cadet (Electrical / Electronic – University)
  For students studying a Bachelor of Electrical or Electronic Engineering at a Western Australian university.
  View and apply: Engineering Cadet (Electrical)

Please note that:

• each cadetship has separate eligibility and documentation requirements
• candidates must meet Australian citizenship or permanent residency requirements
• pre‑employment medical assessments and licence requirements apply.

Contact us