About us
Western Australia’s public health system, known as WA Health, is one of the largest employers in the state – and WA is the largest area in the world covered by a single health authority!
Our department plays an important role in supporting the WA public health system.
We have 1,600 staff and provide direction and support to our health services, hospitals and other areas of public health, working together for a healthier WA.
We are proud to offer a traineeship pathway that can set you up for a career with the department or help broaden your career options for the future.
Benefits of doing a traineeship with us
If you work with us, you:
- join a group of trainees on the same journey and build your network – you won’t be the only one completing a traineeship at the department
- get the chance to work with teams across a variety of fascinating areas
- are paid to learn useful new job skills in a supportive environment with a dedicated supervisor and program coordinator.
At the end of your school based traineeship there may be an opportunity to continue with a post school traineeship. This offers you further qualifications and a proven pathway to securing ongoing employment.
Perfect for …
We are looking for enthusiastic young people who are:
- keen to learn new skills and be a valued member of the team
- open to learning and receiving feedback
- ready to experience working in a busy office environment – don’t let the name fool you, this is not hospital based work.
- interested in a future career with the department.
Traineeship locations
Our head office is in East Perth, with nearby public transport.
We also have other smaller offices in within the Perth metro area where you may have the opportunity to work.
Have a chat to us
Want to know more?
There are no silly questions, so reach out if you want to learn more about our traineeship program.
Jimmy Douglas (Program Coordinator)
Phone: 9422 2491
Email: DOH.OrganisationalDevelopment@health.wa.gov.au
How to apply
Applications open on 22 June 2026 and close on 5 August 2026.
Read How to apply to check what you need to provide in your application.
Please email your completed application form and all required documentation to: DOH.OrganisationalDevelopment@health.wa.gov.au
If your application is suitable you will be asked to attend an individual interview at our East Perth offices and complete a small activity in preparation.
Success stories
Meet Sahar
Show moreCommunicable Disease Control Directorate
Started SBT program: February 2021 at 16 years old
What appealed to you about the School Based Traineeship Program?
I signed up for the program because it seemed like the perfect way to kickstart my career. I was excited to have the opportunity to work with experienced professionals and gained practical knowledge in a real work environment.
Tell us about your journey with the department so far?
I started my journey as a school based trainee within the Public and Aboriginal Health Division, providing administrative support to many teams and being involved in some amazing work being undertaken at the department. After completing my traineeship, I took the opportunity to continue my studies and further develop my skills with the Corporate Traineeship, which helped me discover my desire to work in Public Health.
How did the School Based Traineeship Program set you up for success in your career?
As a school based trainee I was able to finish my school studies while working in the real world. I was able to learn from many different people who shared their career experiences with me, motivating me to find my true passion. The traineeship programs provided a pathway for me to secure a permanent job with the department in late 2023.
Meet Bianca
Show moreWork Health and Safety, Corporate Services
Started SBT program: February 2021 at 15 years old
What appealed to you about the School Based Traineeship Program?
The program appealed to me as I was able to complete school while developing my skillset with on-the-job experience, giving me the chance to discover what interested me and what I wanted to do after high school.
Tell us about your journey with the department so far?
My journey as a school based trainee began within Corporate Services and I had the opportunity to work within each business area of the directorate, developing a wide range of skills and working with many different people in a supportive environment. This allowed me to discover the type of work I enjoyed and at completion of the program, I was excited to move onto the Corporate Traineeship, working full time with Organisational Development and Work Health and Safety.
How did the School Based Traineeship Program set you up for success in your career?
The School Based Traineeship Program allowed me to complete Year 12 while achieving additional qualifications. I gained real-world working experience and discovered what to pursue in my career.
Completing the traineeship programs helped me secure a permanent job within the Work Health and Safety team and I have recently commenced further studies with the support of the department.
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