Solid Futures Aboriginal traineeship program

First, the really important stuff

To be eligible candidates must:

• be of Aboriginal Australian and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• be aged 24 years or under
• have completed a minimum of Year 10 schooling or equivalent
• be able to obtain a satisfactory National Police Clearance
• be committed to working in an office environment.

Those accepted into the program:

• are employed by the Public Sector Commission
• earn a trainee salary
• are placed with an agency to develop public administration skills
• receive agency support and mentoring throughout the traineeship.

Those who complete the program:

• graduate with a nationally recognised Certificate III in Government
• are supported to identify ongoing employment opportunities in agencies.

How to apply

Applications for the 2023 intake are open and will close on 23 April 2023.

To be considered, interested young people must:

• submit a current resume and application through Jobs WA
• attend an interview (if shortlisted).

Recruitment and selection

Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview.

Interviews involve both individual and group activities where candidates can demonstrate their skills and knowledge.

Regional candidates are interviewed via online video.

Following the recruitment process, successful applicants are invited to a short information session which includes help to complete employment forms.

Induction

Trainees participate in an induction where they:

• receive and sign a training contract and plan

• learn about the Western Australian government sector, their roles and responsibilities as trainees, and the skills they develop during the traineeship

• receive an outline of the Certificate III in Government units

• learn about the agency and meet their supervisor and Public Sector Commission mentor.

Agency placement

Trainees complete their entire traineeship at their host agency.

To complete the requirements for the Certificate III in Government trainees must:

• complete the core and elective units in a set timeframe
• complete all workplace tasks allocated by the agency supervisor
• build a portfolio of evidence based on daily work aligned with the assessment requirements
• complete a workplace assessment undertaken by a registered training assessor.

Responsibilities during the program

• Commit to attending the workplace throughout the traineeship.
• Undertake all training and learning opportunities.
• Complete core and elective units for the Certificate III in Government.
• Attend all meetings, training sessions, information sessions and assessment visits.
• Submit timesheets and leave forms on time.
• Raise any matters about their traineeship with their mentor or supervisor.

Completion

The traineeship usually ends when one of the following happens:

• The employment contract ends.
• The trainee secures ongoing employment.
• The trainee resigns.

Trainees who complete the traineeship are presented with a Certificate III in Government. The Commission works with agencies and others to identify ongoing employment opportunities for trainees.

Trainees and agencies are invited by the Commission to celebrate their graduation.

How much is the trainee salary

Trainees will be paid a fortnightly salary based on age, according to the table below.

This table is based on the Public Sector CSA Agreement 2021 and is subject to change. The information is current as at 11 August 2022.

First, the really important stuff:

• WA government sector agencies are eligible to host Solid Future trainees.
• Trainees can be placed in metropolitan or regional locations.
• After the trainee recruitment process is completed, the Public Sector Commission matches trainees with host agencies. A number of factors are considered in this process including the location of trainees and agency opportunities, the nature of the work available, trainees’ skills and supporting regional opportunities where this is possible.
• These efforts help ensure trainees are matched with opportunities where they are most likely to succeed.
• Generally, public sector agencies will be prioritised for trainees however every effort is made to match trainees with as many applicant agencies as possible. All agencies are notified of the outcome of their application for a trainee.
• The Commission pays the salary of trainees and program training costs.

Responsibilities of the host agency

• Provide trainees with agency specific induction.
• Nominate a supervisor who will attend training, and manage and support trainees for the duration of the traineeship.
• Identify potential employment opportunities in the agency for trainees once they complete the traineeship.

Responsibilities of the host agency’s trainee supervisor

• Ensure trainees undertake meaningful and relevant tasks that develop their skills, experience and knowledge.
• Help trainees complete the units for the Certificate III in Government.
• Update the Commission on trainees’ performance and progress.
• Ensure trainees’ timesheets and leave forms are completed accurately and submitted to the Commission in a timely manner.

How to apply

Applications to host a trainee have now closed for 2023.

Agencies need to nominate locations and supervisors using the agency application form.

If you have any queries please email the Aboriginal Employment team.

The program spans 3 calendar years, with trainees employed on 12-month contracts.