Information for students

We are the government agencies that support the community by delivering services like health, education, conservation and transport. 

A traineeship runs for 18 months. In this time you: 

• work up to 2 days a week in a public sector agency which counts towards your Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
• earn a part time wage while you finish school
• complete the nationally recognised PSP20122 Certificate II in Government
• get support from a workplace supervisor who helps you learn new skills to succeed at work
• gain experience doing real tasks that help the community, such as answering enquiries, helping people find information or supporting office projects
• learn how to work safely in an office environment
• build teamwork and communication skills by working with different people
• use common workplace software and technology
• learn how public sector workplaces operate and build skills that can help you find future jobs.

Applications for 2027-28 are open from 22 June to 5 August 2026.

You can read about what each agency taking part in 2027-28 does and what their traineeship involves. Make sure to check the location of the agency before applying as you need to arrange your own daily travel if you are appointed to a traineeship.

Your application must include:

• a completed school based trainee application form
• a current resume
• a Year 10 semester one school report with Year 9 NAPLAN, OLNA results or subject grades.

The agency you apply to assesses your application and contacts you directly if they would like to talk with you – this may include a face to face interview.

If you are successful, you and your parent/guardian sign an 18 month fixed term employment contract with the agency.

Your traineeship starts in February 2027. The agency contacts you before you start and gives you details about how to get to work and the day and time you start. 

Your school must agree to the following so you can complete all necessary school subjects for the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE):

• Working up to 2 days a week at the agency (usually Thursday and Friday).
• Attending school on the remaining weekdays to complete Years 11 and 12.

Hours: You are required to work 7.5 hours each day. Starting and finishing times can be different between agencies.

Wages: You are paid an hourly rate of pay as a trainee based on your age and your agency's industrial agreement or award. Your employment contract names the agreement or award that you are employed and paid under. For more information, talk with your agency human resources team or your supervisor.

Leave: You earn paid leave based on the hours you work. This includes annual and personal leave. You work your normal days during school holidays unless a different arrangement is agreed by your agency.

Your day to day work varies depending on the agency you are working in. But all trainees can expect the following.

Getting started: Your agency will welcome you, show you around and help you complete any first day training. Your workplace supervisor will explain what you need to know when you meet them.

Training contract: You, your parent/guardian and the agency sign a training contract with an Apprentice Connect Australia provider. Your agency will organise this. 

Training plan: Your formal training is delivered by a registered training organisation. The trainer visits you at work in the first 6 weeks and, after speaking with your workplace supervisor, prepares a training plan that helps you complete the units of the Certificate II in Government.

Speak to your supervisor to negotiate time each day to complete your formal study while at work.

You are assessed by the trainer through:

• observation
• theory based discussions
• work samples provided by you
• feedback from your supervisor.

Supervisor: The agency assigns you a workplace supervisor who provides regular and meaningful tasks and supports you to complete your Certificate II in Government units. The trainer also supports your workplace supervisor. 

As a trainee you must:

• check your training plan regularly
• complete work tasks to the best of your ability
• complete assessment tasks on time
• keep a daily timesheet of hours worked as required by your school and the agency
• attend compulsory induction and training
• wear appropriate work attire
• comply with standards of behaviour in the agency code of conduct
• learn and apply the skills to complete your qualification
• ask questions when needed.

Once you have completed your school based traineeship and Certificate II in Government you can:

• complete a full time higher level traineeship (like a Certificate III in Government)
• apply for the Solid Futures traineeship program if you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• accept a fixed term or permanent position if offered
• apply for jobs on WA Government Jobs
• look for other employment or education opportunities.

Your agency can give you more information about employment opportunities.

For more information chat with your school VET coordinator or career advisor.