Government of Western Australia

Getting A Job

Text Size a a PrintPrint this page

THE BUSINESS TRAINEESHIP PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS

To register, go to jobs.wa.gov.au and click on the Business Traineeship icon on the left hand side of the page

 

Business Traineeship Program

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Business Traineeship Program?

The Business Traineeship Program provides young people, under 25 years of age, with the opportunity to learn a range of business and administrative skills, while working in a State Government Department in the metropolitan area. As a Trainee, you will complete Certificate II or III in Business and will learn to:

  • Use office equipment and technology;
  • Process accounts payable and receivable;
  • Work within a team environment;
  • Handle customer service enquiries;
  • Handle records and mail systems;
  • Contribute ideas and solve problems.

There are 3 different Business Traineeship Program streams:

  • General
  • People with Disabilities
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

 

Why should I apply for a Business Traineeship?

If you're new to the workforce or have limited skills and experience, it can be difficult to gain employment. The Business Traineeship Program gives you the chance to be part of an exciting team environment, while you're learning valuable office skills and earning money. To top it all off, you'll receive a nationally recognised qualification at the end of the Traineeship!

 

Where will I work?

Some of the most challenging, interesting jobs around are with the State Government. Go to www.wa.gov.au/agencies for a list of Government agencies you could work in.

 

Am I eligible to apply?

You're eligible to apply for the Business Traineeship Program, if you currently live in Western Australia and you meet any of the following criteria:

  • you're an Australian citizen; or
  • you're a permanent resident; or
  • you're a temporary resident with a valid working visa.

If you've already completed a Certificate III (or above) in Business, you're not eligible to apply for the Business Traineeship Program. If you already have a qualification that's not related to the Traineeship (eg TAFE or university), you can apply for the Business Traineeship Program. However, preference will be given to those who have not yet gained any formal qualifications.

 

How long is the Traineeship?

A Business Traineeship is for 12 months. However, the actual length of the traineeship depends on how quickly you achieve the required skills.

 

What rate of pay will I receive?

If you undertake the Traineeship on a full-time basis, your weekly wage will be between $245.10 - $569.70 gross per week. The amount you receive depends on a number of factors:

  • the highest year of schooling you completed;
  • the number of years you've been out of school; and
  • your age.

If you undertake a Business Traineeship on a part-time basis, you would receive a pro rata wage based on the hours you are employed.

 

How do I apply?

Registrations for the Business Traineeship Program are advertised at various times throughout the year on this website (www.jobs.wa.gov.au) and in Saturday's edition of The West Australian newspaper. If you're interested in applying, simply lodge your registration by following these steps:

  • Visit the jobs website at www.jobs.wa.gov.au
  • There are three streams of the Business Traineeship Program (General, People with Disabilities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders). Select the appropriate stream
  • Read the Program information
  • Click on the "Apply for Job" button at the bottom of the page
  • Complete the following:
    1. Application Form
    2. Application Questions
    3. Attach your Résumé
    4. Submit the Application

All registered candidates will be invited to attend an information session conducted by the Public Sector Commission. If you'd like more information about the Business Traineeship Program, please contact the Traineeship Coordinator on (08) 9219 6215 or youth@psc.wa.gov.au for details on when the Business Traineeship Program will be open for registration.

 

What happens once I'm registered with the Business Traineeship Program?

If your application is successful, you will be placed on a database of eligible applicants that may be referred for Business Traineeship opportunities when they become available. Employment is based on the availability of trainee positions and the applicant's suitability. Opportunities are limited and the number and type of traineeships available is determined by the requirements of the agency where the opportunity is located. When a traineeship arises, you will be contacted to confirm your interest and availability for the position. If you're both interested and available, your resumé will be sent (along with other suitable applicants' résumés) to the agency where the vacancy exists. The agency may then call you direct to arrange an interview. Once the selection process is completed, the agency will contact the most suitable applicant and the Business Traineeship will commence.

 

Does it cost me anything to undertake the Traineeship?

When you undertake a Traineeship you are required to pay tuition fees, resource fees (where applicable) and enrolment charges, with concessions being available subject to eligibility. This charge is approximately $455.00. While the responsibility for the payment of these fees rests with you, employers may pay them on your behalf.

 

What happens when I complete my Traineeship?

You will receive a Certificate II or III in Business, depending on the qualification you completed. It may be used as a step to continuing employment in the State Government, gaining employment in the private sector or further education and training. Some State Government departments may offer you a Level 1 position or a higher level traineeship if an opportunity exists upon successful completion of your Traineeship.

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees that the agency where you completed your Traineeship will offer you further employment. However, the Public Sector Commission can offer you automatic registration with the Entry Level Employment Program. If you're registered with the Entry Level Employment Program, you have access to hundreds of Level 1 employment opportunities that might arise across the entire State Government. Similar to the Business Traineeship Program, you will be required to undergo a selection process. However, you do not need to sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test as you are automatically qualified.

Click here for more information on the Entry Level Employment Program. Alternatively, you can apply for positions advertised on the jobs network at www.jobs.wa.gov.au

Got a question? Email the Traineeship Coordinator at youth@psc.wa.gov.au or call on (08) 9219 6215.

Page last revised:10 Nov 2009