Aboriginal careers

There is a pathway for everyone

WA Health is committed to building a strong, skilled and culturally diverse workforce by attracting, supporting and retaining Aboriginal people in clinical and non-clinical roles across Western Australia’s health system.

A career with WA Health is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, families and communities.

WA Health offers a wide range of career pathways and opportunities across metropolitan, regional and remote locations throughout Western Australia. Whether you are beginning your career, looking for a new direction, building on your experience, or ready to move into leadership, there is a place for you in WA Health.

Opportunities are available from entry-level through to executive roles across a broad range of professions, including:

  • Nursing, midwifery and medical role
  • Allied health and psychology
  • Health promotion and community programs
  • Administration and clerical roles
  • ICT and digital
  • Finance, procurement and business analysis
  • Legal, research and support services. 

A career with WA Health offers rewarding work, competitive pay and conditions, flexible work and leave options, professional development, opportunities to work across WA, and support for family, community and cultural commitments.

Aboriginal voices, knowledge and lived experiences are essential to delivering culturally safe services and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people across Western Australia. 

Join WA Health and be part of a workforce that values Aboriginal knowledge, strengthens culturally safe care, and supports healthier futures for Aboriginal people, families and communities.

Programs - build your future

There are opportunities for Aboriginal people to kick start a career with WA Health through the following programs.

School Based Traineeship Program

School Based Traineeship Program (external site) is a traineeship program provided by the WA Public Sector Commission that gives high school students in Years 11 and Year 12 paid employment and work experience while competing a Certificate II in Government. 

Solid Futures

Solid Futures (external site) is a traineeship program provided by the WA Public Sector Commission that gives Aboriginal people paid employment and work experience while competing a Certificate III in Government.

Aboriginal Cadet Program

Aboriginal Cadet Program is a WA Health program that offers Aboriginal university students the opportunity to have paid work experience while studying a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate degree at university. 

Aboriginal Graduate Program (corporate and clinical)

Aboriginal Graduate Program (corporate and clinical) is a two-year WA Health graduate development program for recent Aboriginal university graduates providing supported career pathways in both clinical and non-clinical roles through structured learning, Aboriginal mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

Graduate Development Program (corporate)

Graduate Development Program (corporate) is a twelve-month WA Health graduate development program for recent university graduates providing practical workplace experience, professional development opportunities to support the transition from study to a professional career.

Grad Connect

Grad Connect is WA Health a program for newly qualified nurses, registered nurses and midwives are encouraged to undertake a fully paid Transition to Practice (graduate) program in WA Health (public, private and aged-care providers). 

Candidate support - help to start your health career

Thinking about a career with WA Health? Explore the resources below to learn more about the recruitment process, prepare your application and take the next step in your health career journey.

The Candidate Information Package is a practical guide to help you prepare before applying for a job with WA Health. It outlines the application process, recruitment steps and provides useful tips on what to include in your cover letter, application and resumé.

Before you apply check out the Candidate Information Package (embed/attach the document). It can help you understand what to include in your application and what to expect during the selection process.

For further support you can contact the team at the Aboriginal Health Policy Directorate at Aboriginal.Health@health.wa.gov.au or on (08) 6376 0519 to have a yarn.

Frequently asked questions

What are the different pathways to gaining employment in WA Health?

There are many pathways to gaining employment in WA Health. These may include university, vocational education and training, traineeships, or on-the-job training. The pathway you choose will depend on the type of job you are interested in, your career goals and, in some cases, your qualifications.

Do I have to go to university to get a job in WA Health?

No. Many health-related jobs can be accessed through vocational education and training courses, traineeships or on-the-job training.

Can I start working in WA Health without any prior experience?

Yes. Some entry-level roles, such as receptionist or health assistant positions, may provide on-the-job training.

Can I apply for WA Health jobs if I do not have healthcare experience?

Yes. WA Health employs people in a wide range of non-clinical roles, including administration, human resources, policy and planning, finance and other support services.

How do I find WA Health job vacancies?

Current vacancies are advertised online. You can view available opportunities through the WA Government jobs website (external site) or the WA Health jobs website (external site).

Is support available for Aboriginal applicants?

Yes. Many WA Health employers offer culturally appropriate recruitment processes and support for Aboriginal applicants. Contact details are usually provided in the job advertisement.

Are there employment opportunities within WA Health in regional WA?

Yes. WA Health employs people across Western Australia, including in regional and remote areas.

Who can apply for the Aboriginal Graduate and Aboriginal Cadet Programs?

The programs are open to Aboriginal graduates and cadets who meet the eligibility requirements of each program.

Do I need to live in WA to apply for the Aboriginal Graduate and Aboriginal Cadet Programs?

No. Applications are welcome from eligible candidates across Australia.

What do you look for in a Graduate?

We are looking for people who want to work in WA Health. We are also looking for people with problem-solving skills, good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

What support services are provided for Aboriginal students at universities in WA?

Universities in WA have dedicated Centres that provide safe and culturally supportive environments for Aboriginal students. These Centres may offer study spaces, mentoring, cultural support and staff who understand the needs of Aboriginal students.

What is a traineeship? How does it work?

A traineeship allows you to work and study at the same time. You can earn an income while completing a qualification and gaining practical work experience.

Can students transfer from VET to university?

Yes. Students can start with a certificate or diploma through vocational education and training and may be able to use this as a pathway into university.

What is Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984?

Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 is when an organisation identifies that service provision to people of a particular race is best provided by a person of the same race. It is a genuine occupational qualification for the position and only applicants of that racial group may only apply. WA Health has clinical and non-clinical jobs where Aboriginality is a genuine occupational requirement. For information about recruiting and developing a diverse workforce, see Recruiting for and Developing Diverse Talent (external site).

What is Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984?

Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 is a measure intended to achieve equality related to race. It affords a person of a particular race access to facilities, services or opportunities to meet their unique needs in relation to employment. WA Health also creates employment opportunities for Aboriginal people across the sector by using this section of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 for all positions advertised in WA Health. For more information, watch Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 Explained (video, external site).


More information

For more information on Aboriginal careers please contact the team at the Aboriginal Health Policy Directorate, Department of Health.

Email: Aboriginal.Health@health.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 6376 0519

Last reviewed: 17-09-2026
Produced by

Aboriginal Health