Information for VET coordinators

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

We recommend students read what each agency does and what the traineeship involves to see if it aligns with their interests and future plans, as well as where the office is located.

The student sends their application directly to agencies that interest them. This 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.

If the student’s Year 10 semester one report is not available, the school principal must endorse their application in writing and confirm they are on track to meet the academic requirements.

Agencies assess applications and contact students and their parent or guardian directly if they choose to invite them to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Students may be asked to come to a face to face interview.

Successful applicants commence their traineeship in February 2027.

Before this the employing agency:

• makes a formal offer of employment through an 18 month fixed term contract 
• contacts the student to confirm induction details, work location and start day and time
• selects an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider who will arrange a meeting with the agency, trainee and their parent or guardian to sign the training contract.

Supervision

• Each trainee is assigned a workplace supervisor at the employing agency who supports and guides them.
• The supervisor provides the trainee with regular and meaningful tasks and supports them in completing their Certificate II in Government units.
• The training organisation also visits the workplace and assesses trainees through observation, discussions and evidence based work, as well as feedback from their workplace supervisor.

Roster and leave

• The school must agree to release the student to the workplace for up to 2 days per week (Thursday and Friday are preferred).
• The student attends school for the remaining weekdays while completing Years 11 and 12.
• The student works in the school holidays unless they have organised leave.

Duty of Care and school holidays

Schools support students to undertake this school based traineeship as set out within the Department of Education's Duty of Care for Public School Students Policy. This includes nominating a school contact person during school holiday periods.

Wages

• School based trainees are paid an hourly rate as a trainee based on their age and the employing agency's industrial agreement or award.
• The relevant agreement or award will be noted on the employment contract provided by the employing agency.

Trainee responsibilities include:

• ensuring all Certificate II assessment tasks are completed and submitted on time
• ensuring all work tasks are completed to the best of their ability
• asking their workplace supervisor and training organisation officer questions if they are unsure or need clarification on tasks
• keeping a detailed timesheet logging their hours of attendance, as per the school and employing agency’s requirements
• attending all induction and training events as required by their employing agency and training organisation
• following their agency's code of conduct and other relevant policies and procedures.

When students have completed their traineeship and Certificate II in Government, they may like to:

• complete a full time, higher level traineeship (for example, a Certificate III in Government)
• apply to join the Solid Futures traineeship program if they are an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person
• consider a fixed term or permanent employment with their employing agency, if offered
• apply for employment opportunities on the WA government jobs board
• continue to look for other employment or education opportunities.