Aboriginal Application Pathway

The Aboriginal Application Pathway offers:

• a dedicated recruitment pathway for Aboriginal nursing and midwifery graduates
• an extended 6-month application period 
• a streamlined online application process, including direct access to the graduate recruitment teams
• flexible onboarding options
• person-led support throughout your application journey and beyond
• culturally safe and inclusive pathway into the workplace
• access to a nursing and/or midwifery cultural support partner
• significant support to transition into permanent employment after completing your graduate program.

The Aboriginal Application Pathway provides access to WA Health’s graduate nursing and midwifery programs, offering employment with a fixed-term annual contract as an entry level registered nurse and/or midwife, and a supported pathway toward permanent roles.

Participating in a graduate program allows you to:

• undertake a paid program that offers valuable hands-on experience
• gain exposure to a wide range of clinical settings and healthcare environments
• consolidate your theoretical knowledge while developing critical clinical skills and judgement
• build confidence as you transition into professional practice.

Nursing and midwifery graduates can join the WA Health workforce across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, reflecting the communities we serve.

Within WA Health, you will have the opportunity to:

• choose from a wide range of career opportunities
• build lasting relationships and network
• access continuous leaning opportunities to develop your skills
• shape your professional path while contributing to the Western Australian community.

To be considered for the Aboriginal Application Pathway, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• be eligible for registration as an enrolled nurse, registered nurse and/or midwife with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). You must be registered before you commence your graduate program
• have completed your nursing and/or midwifery studies after 1 January 2025.

Aboriginal Application Pathway – Enrolled Nursing Graduate Program

Aboriginal Application Pathway – Registered Nursing Graduate Program

Aboriginal Application Pathway – Midwifery Graduate Program

To apply, you must complete the online application form and submit the below value-based statement:

Select any 2 of the values listed below and write a statement describing how you would demonstrate these values clinically as a newly qualified nurse or midwife:

• respect
• integrity
• excellence
• collaboration
• care
• equity

Applicants are encouraged to keep their response to approximately 400 words.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone (0498 383 601) or email at NMAboriginalPathway@health.wa.gov.au. Our team is happy to help.

What if the application period has already closed?

You might remain eligible to apply for a nursing and/or midwifery graduate program with the participating health care providers for 2027|GradConnect. Candidate Care will be available if you are willing to get support before, during and after the GradConnect application period.

Kerrin Yepwi – Midwife

The graduate program gave me a strong foundation as a registered midwife and the confidence to work across all areas of maternity care. I loved most the supportive team and the opportunity to learn from experienced midwives who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.

Working in a rural service exposed me to a broad range of clinical experiences, helping me build my skills and confidence quickly. The program has also opened opportunities to advocate for culturally safe care and contribute to improving outcomes for First Nations women, babies and families.

Graduate programs provide incredible learning opportunities. You’ll grow professionally, build confidence and have the chance to make a real difference in your community.

Lyshaya Garlett – Graduate Registered Nurse

The graduate program was supportive while developing my clinical skills and transitioning from a student to registered nurse. It allows you to have mentors on each shift every day, who provide support and constructive feedback to help build clinical skills/knowledge and time management.

Working in the burns clinic was rewarding by being able to build therapeutic relationships with patients and their families. The program has helped me strengthen my communication skills with the multidisciplinary team, children and their families, enabling me to provide safe, family centred care.

The graduate program has been an opportunity to connect with other graduate nurses, forming supportive friendships and creating a supportive network, sharing the highs and lows throughout the transition into nursing practice.

I couldn’t recommend the graduate program enough – it’s been an amazing experience so far.