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
- Internship programs
- Vacation programs by intake period
- Information about timing and eligibility
When applications open
Programs open at different times of the year. Planning ahead can help you feel prepared.
- March – April:
- Department of Health Aboriginal Cadetship (applications open)
A paid pathway for Aboriginal students to gain experience and build long term public sector careers. - Main Roads WA Engineering Cadetship (applications open)
Get paid engineering experience while you study with Main Roads WA, with tuition support, vacation work and a guaranteed pathway into a graduate program. - Mila Kaaditj – Aboriginal Career Escalator Undergraduate Program
Supports Aboriginal students to gain experience while studying and build confidence before graduation.
- Department of Health Aboriginal Cadetship (applications open)
- June – July:
- Public Transport Authority Vacation Student Program
Short term paid work over the university break with exposure to real projects across WA.
- Public Transport Authority Vacation Student Program
- September – October:
- Department of Health Internship Program
Gain hands on experience and explore health related roles before you graduate.
- Department of Health Internship Program
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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