Government of Western Australia

Getting A Job

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Entry Level Employment

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Public Sector Recruitment Test?

This is a 22 minute, computer-based test which assesses your ability to:

  • understand written material (eg emails, reports, letters, instructions); and
  • manage tasks of a mathematical nature (eg invoices, statistics, travel reports).

The test is timed and you are automatically logged out at the end of the 22 minutes. We will let you know your results within 1 - 2 working days after completing the test.

 

Where can I take the test?

As the test is an online, computer-based test, you can take the test using your own computer or at any venue that has computer facilities (eg local library, school, university, internet café, etc). If you use your own computer, you must have internet access.

 

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC SECTOR RECRUITMENT TEST ARE CURRENTLY CLOSED


If you don't have access to a computer, free computer facilities are available at an Employment Directions Network.

 

Why should I sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test?

You should sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test (PSRT) if you're interested in being registered with the Entry Level Employment Program.

A number of State Government agencies use the Entry Level Employment Program to recruit for administrative and clerical positions that arise and that are:

  • Classified at Level 1;
  • Fixed-term contract of service appointments (occasionally permanent);
  • Full-time positions (occasionally part-time);
  • Based in the metropolitan area;
  • Administrative and clerical positions.

As it's not mandatory for State Government agencies to recruit from the Entry Level Employment Program, you will also see the above types of employment opportunities advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au

If a Level 1 job is advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au you can apply directly for that job, regardless of whether you have sat the PSRT.


Who is eligible to sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test?

You are eligible to sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test (PSRT) if you currently live in Western Australia and you are:

  • an Australian Citizen; or
  • a permanent resident; or
  • you have an entitlement to live and work indefinitely in Australia with unrestricted work rights, such as a Special Category Visa (SCV); or
  • a temporary resident with a valid working visa.

NB:  If you are currently employed as a Ministerial Officer, under section 64 of the Public Sector Management Act 1994, you may sit the PSRT, however, you are not eligible to register for the ELEP during the time you are employed as a Ministerial Officer.

As the Entry Level Employment Program is used to recruit job seekers at short notice, you must live in Western Australia in order to register for the PSRT.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact us at contracts@psc.wa.gov.au

 

What happens if I pass the Public Sector Recruitment Test?

If you pass the Public Sector Recruitment Test, you will be invited to submit an electronic copy of your résumé. Once received, the Employment Officer will register your details on the Entry Level Employment Program (ELEP) database.

The ELEP database consists of about 1,000 registered job seekers at any one time. And, every year, around 500 job opportunities become available through this Program. So, as you can see, it's very competitive.

 

What is the process for accessing employment opportunities within the Entry Level Employment Program?

Passing the Public Sector Recruitment Test is only the first step in being assessed for job suitability through the Entry Level Employment Program. Once you are registered, the Employment Officer at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet will contact you to ask you whether you are interested in any job opportunities that arise.

If you are, the Employment Officer willl send your resume to a State Government department who will then contact you directly to attend an interview or undertake a practical workbased exercise to demonstrate your skills in a particular area (eg typing).

 

What salary range can I expect for Level 1 jobs?

The salary range for Level 1 jobs depends upon a range of factors including, but not limited to:

  • the type of Agreement applicable to the Government Department where the employment opportunity exists;
  • your age;
  • level of experience;
  • number of hours you are employed.

Here's an idea of the salary range you could expect if you were employed on a full-time basis under the Public Service General Agreement 2008:

  •     Up to age 20 $18,262 - $32,447
  •      Age 21 and over $35,461 - $43,898


Is the Entry Level Employment Program the only way to access employment opportunities within the WA Public Sector?

No, there are different ways to gain employment within the State Government. The Entry Level Employment Program is just one avenue.

A wide range of State Government positions are advertised daily on www.jobs.wa.gov.au You can apply for any position advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au without having to sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test.

You only have to sit the Public Sector Recruitment Test if you want to be considered for the types of employment opportunities available through the Entry Level Employment Program.

 

What's the difference between applying for jobs advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au and those available through the Entry Level Employment Program?

In short, the difference is providing written documentation.

If you apply for jobs advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au you may be required to respond to a set of selection criteria or submit a summary of your experience, skills and knowledge. For example, you may be asked to provide written evidence of your experience in a customer service environment.

Given that the Public Sector Recruitment Test assesses your aptitude to perform in an administrative/clerical role, you are not required to respond, in writing, to any selection criteria.

 

I passed the Public Sector Recruitment Test a while ago, am I still registered with the Entry Level Employment Program?

If you have previously passed the Public Sector Recruitment Test, you do not need to sit the test again. However, you should check whether you are still registered with the Entry Level Employment Program by emailing us at contracts@psc.wa.gov.au

 

I have seen many fixed-term Level 1 positions advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au. Does this mean they are available to me through the Entry Level Employment Program as well?

If a job is advertised on www.jobs.wa.gov.au it is not available through the Entry Level Employment Program. If a Level 1 employment opportunity exists within a Government Department, it is not mandatory for that job to be placed on the Entry Level Employment Program.

 

How long does it take before I'm contacted about an employment opportunity?

Most people registered with the Entry Level Employment Program are contacted at some time, but there is no guarantee that you will be contacted for employment opportunities. If you haven't heard from us in a while, drop us a line at contracts@psc.wa.gov.au

 

What are the chances of the contract being extended?

It's difficult to predict whether the contract will be extended. You should always assume the duration of the contract to be the period of time initially specified. The contract may be extended if the job is to complete a backlog of work or to assist with a project and the workload warrants an extension. If the position is available because the occupant of the job is on leave, the contract will only be for that period of leave.

Got any other questions? Email us at contracts@psc.wa.gov.au  

Page last revised:22 Dec 2008