A place of opportunity

What salary will I earn?

Most WA public sector graduate programs start on a Level 3 salary of more than $79,000 a year.

How are graduate programs structured?

Programs range from 12 months to 3 years with most including rotations across different divisions, and some across different agencies!

This provides plenty of variety and learning opportunities no matter what program you choose.

Will I be employed when I finish the graduate program?

Many graduate programs offer the opportunity for permanent employment at the end. Where this is not possible, your agency will help you find your next opportunity.

There are more than 166,000 people employed across the WA public sector. With the experience you have gained, you’ll be hot property!

What training do I receive?

All programs provide comprehensive support and training that often includes guidance from an experienced mentor, networking opportunities, agency induction and role specific training.

Many agencies also enrol their graduate staff in the Public Sector Commission’s Launch program. This innovative 10 month development program includes practical skills plus experiences to help you develop a growth mindset, an essential element for a successful career.

Can international students apply for graduate programs?

The graduate programs offered by the Public Sector Commission, Office of the Auditor General and the Department of Training and Workforce Development accept applications from international students who have valid working visas.

Most other programs require applicants to be Australian citizens or permanent residents. However, if you are an international student and interested in a program please contact the agency and talk about their program and other employment opportunities they may have.

What if I am not eligible for a graduate program?

If you are concerned that you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for public sector graduate programs, don’t worry! 

Firstly, still review our programs to decide on the opportunities that match your interests, skills, and area of study. Call the agency contact for the programs that interest you and ask about eligibility and any other employment opportunities that may exist. 

Secondly, explore current job vacancies on the WA jobs board. You can search by occupation, work type (such as fixed term and casual roles) and more. If you are studying a postgraduate qualification and/or have previous work experience, you could be a strong candidate for many positions across the public sector.

If you can’t seem to find the information you are looking for, email us at opportunity@psc.wa.gov.au

Most agencies are interested in graduates with a wide range of qualifications, skills and experience, but here you can discover where your qualification may be a high priority for an agency, or closely aligned with their functions.

These agencies may be a good place to start as you look at the graduate and cadetship programs on offer.

Remember though – public sector agencies are interested in much more about you than just your qualification, so do not ‘cross off’ an agency if their name is not listed next to your qualification. 

‘A place of opportunity’ has been out and about, attending 19 university events and careers expos so far in 2024 with possibly more to come so keep an eye out!

As we plan our events for 2025, check back for updates and a full calendar of opportunities to come say hi, learn more about public sector career paths, and maybe even snag a giveaway or competition entry.