This is a permanent full-time position commencing in October 2026

Statewide Services provides the services and supports required by schools to enable student achievement, with a focus on those students and schools that need it most. It encompasses both school and system-facing service delivery. While it primarily exists to support schools, it also has an important system-facing role supporting strategy and policy development.

The Secondary Schools, District High Schools and Post-School Pathways Directorate provide targeted, coordinated support to secondary schools and regions to improve student achievement and outcomes. It delivers expert advice and practical assistance to schools identified as requiring additional support, with a focus on strengthening teaching quality, leadership capability and student engagement across Years 7–12.

Working closely with regions and system partners, the Directorate contributes to both school-facing service delivery and system-facing priorities, including strategy and policy development. Its work supports effective post-school pathways, ensuring students are well prepared for further education, training and employment.

Our team supports initiatives, programs and policies, including: the Career Learning Toolkit, the Career Taster Program, public school procedures for workplace learning and training with external Registered Training Organisations.

The Role

The Principal Consultant VET works with the Directorate to provide advice and support to schools with programs, initiatives and projects, with a particular focus on senior secondary pathways and Vocational Education and Training (VET).

To improve outcomes for the Department, teachers and students, the Principal Consultant VET will lead the continuous review of programs and policies related to VET, career development and workplace learning. This involves consultation and ongoing engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including other government agencies, industry, regional offices and employers.

The Principal Consultant VET should have a strong understanding of the significant and purpose of VET in schools and provide practical advice that reflects the needs of industry and the aspirations of the Department for all students, in every region.

An ability to provide advice, prepare high-level briefings and reports, and develop high-quality documentation and support materials for schools, students and employers is an important part of this role.

Professional Benefits

We are conveniently located in Padbury and our employees enjoy a range of benefits which include: 

• 12% employer contributed superannuation.
• Flexible working arrangements are genuinely considered to create healthy work life balance including; working from home, and flexible working hours.
• Generous leave entitlements including annual, personal, long service and parental leave
• Professional development opportunities and study leave/assistance
• Access to salary packaging (in accordance with relevant industrial instruments) 

Want to know more?

Full details of the role, selection criteria and training requirements are listed in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

For more information about this opportunity, please contact Rachel Whitty, Manager - Secondary, DHS & Post-School Pathways on 0455 406 338 or Rachel.Whitty@education.wa.edu.au

We are committed to building the leadership capability of our people (Building Leadership Impact).

Equity and Diversity

We are committed to an inclusive and culturally responsive workforce reflecting the diversity in our workplaces and the Western Australian community. We welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, young people, people of diverse sexualities and genders, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Explore our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plan 2021-2025 for more details.

Eligibility

To work with us, you must: 

• be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or have a valid visa with relevant work rights for the term of the appointment.
• consent to a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check and obtain a current Screening Clearance Number issued by the Department of Education’s Screening Unit before you start.
• obtain or hold a current Working with Children Check.

More information about employment eligibility can be found on our website and in the attached Job Description Form (JDF).

Application Instructions

Apply online in two easy steps:

Step 1: Select Apply for Job

Complete the online application form, including details of two (2) work related referees, preferably one being your current line manager.

Step 2: Attach your documents

Your application should include: 

• A CV of up to three (3) pages outlining your employment history and professional learning summary relevant to this position
• A two (2) page statement addressing the following selection criteria as outlined in the attached JDF:

1. Demonstrated high-level knowledge and understanding of the policies, principles, trends and issues associated with VET, student pathways and career development.
2. Demonstrated high-level project and program management skills with a proven ability to deliver outcomes on schedule in a demanding environment and under tight timelines.
3. Demonstrated highly developed communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships and networks, including experience in undertaking high-level consultations, collaborations and negotiations.
5. Demonstrated ability to provide strategic leadership and work collaboratively in the planning, coordination and delivery of a range of complex projects, programs and initiatives.

Shortlisted applicants will have their skills and experiences in relation to the remaining selection criteria assessed in the further stages of the recruitment process

It is recommended you have your attachments ready before selecting Apply for Job.

Your application must be received before the closing date and time. Late applications will not be accepted.

For technical support submitting your application, you can call the Department of Education’s Recruitment team on (08) 9264 4127 for assistance.

Advertised Vacancy Number: DOE1060683 

Applicants assessed as suitable may be considered for similar vacancies that arise in our branch within the next 12 months. This includes circumstances where this position becomes subsequently vacant should the successful applicant decline or vacate the advertised position.

The Department applies a four (4) day breach period to this selection process.

Applications close: 4.30pm (AWST) on Monday, 10 August 2026