Graduate, student and trainee programs

Our programs are designed to offer graduates, university students and trainees the opportunity to develop valuable skills and well-rounded experience.

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

“The PTA graduate program for Civil Engineering is designed to transition you from a graduate to a well-rounded and competent engineer. The rotations provide you with exciting opportunities to work in both the office and in the field to gain a breadth of experience and the skills necessary to excel in the profession. There is also a lot of freedom to drive your own career path, with managers allowing you choose the projects which best match your career aspirations. There are few opportunities as good as this, so don’t miss out.”

John Marra, Graduate Civil Engineer

“Being involved in the PTA Graduate Program has given me invaluable exposure to not only the financial aspect of the business but also the operational and technical sides. The mentoring and support I have received has helped me develop the skills I need to become a professional accountant.”

Susan Manwaring, Graduate Accountant

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 2020 graduate program have now closed and are being reviewed. Interviews are expected to take place in May with employment offers extended in June 2019.

Applications for the 2021 graduate program will open in April 2020.

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
Mechanical Engineering
Environmental Science

Applications

Applications for the 2019/2020 program will open in late July 2019

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, Recruitment and Referral Service (TTERRS) 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.