2027 Graduate Program

Commencing February 2027

Are you an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person looking to make a change and contribute to the Western Australian community?

Are you a recent 2024 or 2025 graduate or completing your studies in 2026?

If you answered yes to the above, then consider joining the
Department’s 2027 Graduate Program to kick start your career in the WA government sector! 

There is one, 12-month Aboriginal Graduate Project Officer position available.

Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome people from all backgrounds and lived experiences to join us, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse people, people with disability, youth, women and people of diverse sexualities and genders.

The Aboriginal Graduate Project Officer is being advertised as a measure to achieve equality under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. As such, only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who meet the requirements of the role will be considered.

About Us
At the Department of Training and Workforce Development we support Western Australia’s training system to develop the skills and capabilities needed to transform lives while creating strong and vibrant businesses, communities, and the economy.

Find out more about our work by visiting our website https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-training-and-workforce-development.

About the Program
Our Graduate Program provides the opportunity for our Aboriginal Graduate Project Officer to contribute to purposeful projects across a range of business areas.

Over the 12-month program, you will complete two, six-month placements and gain valuable hands-on experience across a variety of projects. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to:

• Expand your research, analysis and problem-solving skills;
• Support strategic planning and business case development within a government context;
• Collaborate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders across various industries and government; and
• Enhance your written communication skills through reports, briefings and presentations

Your six-month rotations will be within the Aboriginal Policy Planning and Reconciliation (APPR) branch and the Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence (CESNCE).

The APPR team work to strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices and perspectives, ensuring that policy development and service delivery creates pathways to vocational skills, employment and accessing economic development opportunities.

Clean Energy Skills National Centre of Excellence serves as a front door to Australia's clean energy skills ecosystem, creating the future of clean energy employment in Western Australia and beyond. The Centre works in collaboration with WA TAFE colleges, universities, industry, and national partners to co-design training solutions, support trainers, and ensure all Australians can thrive in the clean energy economy. 

Note: Graduates from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

What we offer
You will have access to a range of benefits including:

• flexible work arrangements including flexitime and working remotely;
• a comprehensive professional development and health and wellbeing program;
• a 10-month graduate development program with the Public Sector Commission, Launch;
• access to the Department’s IPAA WA corporate membership;
  • a professional mentor, who is a senior Aboriginal person;
  • ongoing support and coaching from your team, who are invested in your professional development and career growth.
  • opportunities to connect with the Department’s employee networks such as the Department’s Young Professional’s Program (YPP), Disability and Inclusion Network, Diverse Sexualities and Genders Network, and the Aboriginal Employee Yarning Circle; and
• access to cultural/ceremonial leave entitlements to meet family and cultural obligations.

To be eligible for the graduate program, you:

• would have completed (or will have completed) your bachelor’s degree or higher in 2024, 2025 or 2026.

Leadership for All  
Critical to our success in delivering value for the future of Western Australians is the leadership capability of our people. We believe that everyone is a leader, regardless of their role and we are committed to advancing our collective leadership impact by adopting the behaviours and mindsets in Leadership Expectations.

How to Apply?
Applicants are required to apply online and must submit:

• a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, including sufficient information to assess your skills and experience relevant to the role;
• a brief covering letter not exceeding two pages, relating your skills and experience to the selection criteria listed in the attached Job Description Form.
• a copy of your current or completed academic record;
• names and contact details of two referees, with one of your nominated referees being your current line manager if possible;

Additional Information
For full details of the role, eligibility requirements, and guidance in applying, please read the attached job description and Application Package.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Rina Turner, Manager Human Resources Development on (08) 6551 5063 or Chloe Laurie, A/HR Development Coordinator on (08) 6551 5068 (after 27 October 2026) or via DTWDGraduateProgram@dtwd.wa.gov.au, or the Aboriginal Policy Planning and Reconciliation team at APPR@dtwd.wa.gov.au.

If you have any support or access needs that may require adjustments to allow you to fully participate in this selection process, including alternate methods of communication, please contact Human Resources via dtwdhr@dtwd.wa.gov.au or via (08) 6551 5071.

Please note
The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application is received by the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

Applications close Monday 2 November 2026 at 4:00pm (WST).