Start a career that’s really going places

At Main Roads, our vision for reconciliation is to continue to drive positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians and build a mutual respect and understanding with Aboriginal communities and stakeholders.

Main Roads has collaborated with North Metropolitan TAFE to create a deadly supported Employment Pathway Program for Aboriginal students who are keen to start their journey to studying civil engineering and begin their career at Main Roads.

We are looking for motivated and committed Aboriginal students who want to develop their skills, gain practical experience, and work towards a rewarding engineering career.

The Technical Cadetship and the Technical Traineeship – Engineering are full-time Fixed Term positions, with permanency offered after successful completion of the Diploma.  

About the Program

The Aboriginal Pathways Program provides a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to move from school into a permanent engineering career with Main Roads.

Stage 1:  Technical Cadetship (12 Months)

Starting in January 2027

Study a Certificate III in Engineering - Technical

Semester 1:

• study full-time at North Metropolitan TAFE

• have your TAFE fees and textbooks paid for by Main Roads

• receive a fortnightly allowance of $710.56 for 6 months to support you while studying

Semester 2:

• study part-time at North Metropolitan TAFE
• work part-time with Main Roads at one of our Perth offices
• receive a pro-rata Level 1 salary up to $2,607.37 per fortnight, depending on the hours you work
• have your TAFE fees and textbooks paid for by Main Roads

Stage 2:  Technical Traineeship - Engineering (2 years)

Starting in January 2028

After successfully completing the Certificate III qualification, you will progress into a two-year Technical Traineeship. 

During the traineeship you will:

• work full-time with Main Roads

• earn a Level 1 salary

• study a Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering through North Metropolitan TAFE
• have your course fees paid for by Main Roads
• build practical engineering skills and workplace experience.

Stage 3:  Permanent Engineering Career

After successfully completing your Diploma, you will move into a permanent position as a Technical Officer Engineering with Main Roads.

Support provided throughout the Program

We are committed to helping you succeed.

You will have access to:

• A dedicated Trainee and Apprenticeship Coordinator
• Tutoring support, if needed
• Cultural support from the Aboriginal Employment and Diversity Advisor
• Support from the Koolark Centre for Aboriginal Students at North Metropolitan TAFE
• Access to a mentor

Who can apply?

This opportunity is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

To be eligible, you must:

• Be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent
• Be on track to successfully complete Year 12 before starting the program
• Have successfully completed Year 12 ATAR Mathematics, or be currently studying Year 12 and have successfully passed Semester 1 ATAR Mathematics

How to Apply

Applying involves a couple of steps – hit the apply for jobs button on this page, complete the attached application form, and attach the following documents:

• Your current resume – include any casual work, volunteering, or work experience
• Evidence of Year 12 completion, including ATAR Mathematics (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C, or your Semester 1 Year 12 results showing ATAR Mathematics (or equivalent) with a minimum grade of C

Relocation support will not be available for this Perth based position.

Successful applicants will need to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire prior to appointment.

We're building a diverse workforce

At Main Roads, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities in which we work and live, fostering an inclusive environment that accepts every person, embraces their strengths and differences, and provides opportunities for all to achieve their full potential. We actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural background, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application and aim to ensure that the recruitment and employee experience is as accessible and inclusive as possible. 

We are a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women, a registered Disability Confident Recruiter, a member of Pride in Diversity as LGBTQIA+ allies, an active member of CEOs for Gender Equity, and guided by our Reconciliation Action Plan, we are committed to providing meaningful training and employment opportunities to deliver positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Apply now to join us!

There are plenty of opportunities at Main Roads, that can take you in many directions!

General Enquires and Support:

We’re committed to making our recruitment process accessible to everyone, including people with disability.  If you require any adjustments in the selection process due to circumstances including disability, health conditions, neurodiversity, caring responsibilities, cultural requirements, please let us know - we’re here to support you. Any information you share will be treated respectfully and confidentially and requesting assistance won’t affect your application or employment opportunities.

If you need help submitting your application or require reasonable adjustments to help you fully participate in this selection process, please email careerpathways@mainroads.wa.gov.au or contact Danneil Ludlow, Human Resource Business Partner (08) 9323 4514.

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, including if you are experiencing issues with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), please contact RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 or send an e-mail to ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com.

Once you are ready, click the ‘apply’ button. Allow plenty of time to complete and submit your online application as late and/or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Find Out More

For further information on our Aboriginal Pathways Program, or if you have any questions on this program, please contact Danneil Ludlow, Human Resource Business Partner on (08) 9323 4514 or 0418 735 134.

If you experience technical issues when submitting your application, including if you are experiencing issues with the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), please contact RAMS Helpdesk on 1300 733 056 or send an e-mail to ramshelpdesk@bigredsky.com.