WA Health
acknowledges the Aboriginal people of the many traditional lands
and language groups of Western Australia. It acknowledges the
wisdom of Aboriginal Elders both past and present and pays respect
to Aboriginal people and communities of today.
CRVCID No.
720419
Aboriginal
University Students - we want you!
Are you
interested in gaining valuable paid work experience and the
opportunity to apply your studies to a rewarding and meaningful
career in health? Then join the WA Health Aboriginal Cadetship
Program.
“I started
my cadetship in 2019—one of the best decisions I have made! This
program has been an invaluable addition to my education. It has
equipped me with a range of skills that I will continue to
utilise beyond graduation. I've developed deep connections with my
peers, people who have mentored me and taught me so much - friends
I will keep for life. For those contemplating the cadetship
program, I advocate taking the leap”.
Shahmir
Rind, Medicine student, Cadet 2019-2023
We are currently looking for
dedicated and self-motivated Aboriginal university students from
all types of academic disciplines and degrees to join our 2026
Aboriginal Cadetship Program (mid-year intake). The Program offers
students the opportunity to earn an income and gain valuable work
experience while studying an undergraduate degree.
WA Health embraces diversity
and is committed to build a strong, skilled and growing Aboriginal
health workforce. We value and respect the cultural knowledge and
unique skills of our current 900 Aboriginal employees. We are
dedicated to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace
free of racism.
Eligibility to
Apply: Pursuant of Section 50(d) of
the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of
this position must be of Aboriginal descent.
What is the WA
Health Aboriginal Cadetship Program?
The Aboriginal
Cadetship Program – ‘Our future Our way’ is an
employment development program. It offers Aboriginal university
students the opportunity to develop job ready skills and abilities,
and establish personal and professional support networks, while
laying the foundations for a career in the WA public health
sector.
What does our
cadetship program offer?
- A
12-month, part-time contract of employment as an Aboriginal
cadet.
- Income
while studying (made up of an entry-level part-time salary and
study allowance).
- Future
employment pathways in the health sector.
- Meaningful workplace
experience related to your field of study and areas of
interest.
- Provides
a competitive advantage to your peers by being job ready when
you graduate.
- Development of personal
and professional support networks.
- Mentoring support and
career guidance.
- A
culturally safe and inclusive work environment.
- A
supported pathway to a graduate development program on the
completion of your degree.
Suitable applicants will be
placed in the Pool from which appointments to the Aboriginal
Cadetship Program may be made on a fixed term basis for 12 months
when vacancies occur, with the possibility of extension(s) for the
duration of the degree/study. Appointments may be made from this
pool until 30th April 2027.
Cadets will be paid at a
Level 2 under the appropriate Award instrument throughout their
employment. Cadets are paid on a fortnightly basis (includes cadet
salary plus study allowance) and have access to leave
entitlements.
Cadets are required to
complete a total of 52 days over a 12-month period; equivalent to
one day per week at an assigned workplace, plus attend a series of
mandatory professional development and networking
events.
Who are we looking
for?
The cadetship offers
students a culturally safe and structured pathway to discover a
future career in the health sector.
We are looking for
students from a range of disciplines and degrees, including but not
limited to the fields of: business/commerce, finance, allied
health professions, public health, social sciences, health
sciences, medicine, information technology, medicine, nursing and
midwifery, human resources, legal, psychology, public relations,
psychology, health promotion, social work, communications,
education, exercise science and rehabilitation, and many other
fields.
Am I eligible for a
Cadetship?
To be considered for a
cadetship in health you must:
- identify
as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
- be
enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or post-graduate course
at a recognised university, have completed at least one
semester, and need at least two more semesters to complete your
degree.
- be able
to commit to 52 days of work in a 12-month period from July
2026 to July 2027 (negotiable).
Cadet Employee
Benefits: In addition to the great starting
salary including study allowance, our cadets enjoy an amazing range
of benefits which may include (in line with operational
requirements):
- 12%
employer contributed superannuation into a fund of your choice.
For further information
click here.
- Professional development
and networking opportunities.
- Flexible
working arrangements (for example, select your cadet working
day to suit your study timetable).
- Support
for study and exam leave arrangements.
- Leave
entitlements such as annual leave, personal leave and cultural
leave.
- Access
to a culturally safe Employment Assistance Program and
Aboriginal counselling support.
Interested and want
to know more?
To find out more about the
Program, the role and responsibilities of a cadet and how to apply,
please refer to the attached Aboriginal Cadetship Program –
application guide and Job Description Form (JDF).
How do I
apply?
When you are ready to submit
your application, please click on the “Apply” button above. You
will be asked to complete an online application form and attach the
following documents to the application:
- Cadet
application questions - provide a brief response
to each of the five application questions, in no more than 2
pages. The Cadet Application Questions form is included in the
attachments above.
- Current
resume/CV - which summarises your experience and
includes the name and contact details of a person who can
provide either a work or character reference for
you.
- Proof of
enrolment in an undergraduate degree at a
recognised university.
- Academic
transcript and/or E-record.
These four documents should
be completed and ready to attach before applying online. Please
ensure you allow plenty of time to complete the online application
process, complete the Cadet Application Questions form and
attach all your documentation. Applicants must have a valid email
address to apply online. This email address will be used for
communication with applicants.
Applicants are required to
apply by 4.00 pm, Friday 17 April 2026.
Lodgement is system
generated. Any submissions on, or after, this time will not be
accepted.
For further
information
If you wish to discuss this
cadet opportunity or have any questions about applying, contact
Emily McDonald, Senior Aboriginal Health Program Officer at the
Department of Health, on 08 6373 2862, or email
emily.mcdonald@health.wa.gov.au.
If you experience
difficulties while applying online, please contact Health Support
Services on 13 44 77 for immediate assistance during business
hours.
