Graduate, student and trainee programs

Our programs are designed to offer graduates, university students and young people (24 years or under) the opportunity to develop valuable skills and well-rounded experience.

Some of our current graduates provided their insights into the PTA Graduate Program:

“The opportunities I have been given in each rotation have been challenging but have helped me to grow as a professional accountant, and allowed me to better understand the needs of the business. The mentoring I have received has been encouraging and has pushed me to do things I didn’t know I was capable of. The Graduate Program at the PTA has exceeded my expectations in every way.”

Karen Soom, Graduate Accountant

“The PTA graduate program has provided me with a breadth of Electrical Engineering experience that I did not think possible in a single organisation. So far I have had the opportunity to work with extra low voltage communications devices, industrial LV systems and on the 25kV traction power network that keeps the rolling stock rolling!”

Stephen Endicott, Graduate Electrical Engineer

“Not only has the PTA Graduate Program given me exposure to the vast number of systems behind-the-scenes of daily train running; but also the opportunity to contribute to Infrastructure Projects such as Perth Stadium Station that is helping to shape Perth into an exciting world-class destination. Through the many hands-on experiences and support of senior engineers, PTA has allowed me to develop the skills necessary to further myself on the career path to becoming a professional chartered engineer.”

Tony Tran, Graduate Electrical Engineer

Graduate Development Program

Our three-year program provides graduates with a solid understanding of our business, where they are mentored by the leaders responsible for delivering our world-class public transport system.

Graduates rotate regularly and have the opportunity to work with leading-edge technology and modern systems in a safe, equitable and diverse environment. A structured learning program exists for first year graduates to equip them with a wide range of fundamental skills. For second and third year graduates, specialised training is provided to fast-track their careers.

If you like the idea of working with great people on interesting and diverse projects then the PTA is a great destination for you.

What we look for

Our needs are constantly changing and as such the types of graduates we recruit may vary from year to year. We commonly recruit graduates in the following disciplines:

Electrical engineering (including electronics, electrical power, communications, control systems, mechatronics)
Civil engineering
Mechanical engineering
Accounting
Information technology
Urban planning
Environment

Applications

Applications for the 2018 graduate program are closed. Interviews are expected to take place in May, with employment offers extended in June 2017.

Applications for the 2019 graduate program will open in March 2018.

More information

If you have any questions about the program please refer to the PTA Graduate Program brochure or Frequently Asked Questions. Alternatively, please feel free to contact the graduate coordinator at gradprogram@pta.wa.gov.au

Vacation Student Program

We offer an annual twelve-week work experience program, between December and February each year, where successful students will find themselves assisting senior and graduate engineers on a variety of projects during their placement.

What we look for

The program is open to university students studying any of the following disciplines:

Civil engineering
Electrical engineering (including electronics, electrical power, communications, control systems, mechatronics)
Mechanical engineering
Environment

Applications

Applications for the 2016-17 Vacation Student Program are closed. Applications for the 2017-18 Vacation Student Program will open in late July 2017.

More information

If you would like to learn more about the program please contact the graduate coordinator at gradprogram@pta.wa.gov.au

Government Traineeship Program

We are always on the look-out for energetic, motivated and enthusiastic young people (24 years of age and under) who want to kick-start their career by completing a metropolitan-based government traineeship.

Our twelve-month paid traineeships allow you to grow personally and learn a range of administrative skills that can be used throughout your working life.

What's involved?

During your traineeship you will complete a Certificate II, III or IV in Government through on-the-job training. As a trainee, you will learn how to:

Work effectively and efficiently within a WA public sector agency
Work within a team environment
Use a range of workplace communication strategies
Use and access resources and financial systems
Work effectively with people from culturally diverse backgrounds
Use office equipment and technology - and much, much more.

You will earn between $295.12 to $679.90 per week, depending on your age and highest year of schooling completed.

Upon completion of your traineeship, you may be eligible for ongoing employment with the PTA. Alternatively you could be referred to the Traineeship Transition to Employment Program and placed in the Public Sector Commission's recruitment pool for twelve months.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for a government traineeship you need to meet the following criteria:

24 years of age or under
Australian citizen or permanent resident currently living in Western Australia
Minimum completion of Year 10 or equivalent

How to apply?

The Public Sector Commission (PSC) coordinates the registration process for the Government Traineeship Program. For further information on how to apply, please visit the PSC website.

Traineeships are advertised by the PSC annually on the WA Government Jobs website.