Graduate, student and trainee programs

Graduate Program

Things are happening at the Public Transport Authority, sustainable, world-class, career-defining things.

With access to leading-edge technology and the support of our expert team, successful applicants to our two-year graduate program will work on unique infrastructure projects that deliver direct, tangible benefits to the Western Australian community.

Seize your opportunity to:

Work for WA’s leading transport agency in a growing industry with long-term employment possibilities;
Contribute to your community and a more sustainable future for WA;
and be challenged and supported by an incredible team of people who are invested in your growth and development.

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be offered permanent employment at the Public Transport Authority.

If making a difference is in your nature, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more rewarding place to start your career than at the PTA.

Graduate Program Benefits

Our graduate program offers more than a promising a career path in a growing industry.

We value the future leaders of our industry and are committed to providing our graduates with benefits that support their happiness, wellbeing, and growth:

Individual support from a dedicated graduate coordinator.
A two-year rotation plan designed to develop and broaden your skills through direct business experience in line with your discipline.
Access to leading-edge technology and opportunities to learn from some of the most knowledgeable engineers, transport professionals, managers, and policymakers in Australia.
Salary packaging, regular salary reviews, and performance feedback.
Financial assistance and study leave for further education.
Structured professional and personal development programs, including support to progress toward chartered engineer status (cpeng).
Great work-life balance with access to health and wellbeing initiatives, a free gym, and flexible working conditions.

We typically recruit for talented graduates from a wide range of disciplines

Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechatronic engineering
Cyber security/networking
Urban planning
Environment

Applications for our 2024 Graduate Program are now closed

Vacation Student Program

We’re looking for talented students who want to make a difference.

The Public Transport Authority’s Vacation Student Program is an annual twelve-week program providing tertiary students from multiple disciplines an opportunity to immerse themselves in a paid placement at the PTA.

Successful applicants to the 2023 Vacation Student Program will complete meaningful work under the supervision of an experienced workplace supervisor and make an active contribution to the PTA from 20 November 2023 to 16 February 2024.

Vacancies are generally available in the following disciplines:

Civil engineering
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mechatronic engineering
Environmental science
Network & cyber security
Urban planning

Program benefits

The Vacation Student Program is part of the PTA’s commitment to the development of undergraduates and has been voted as one of the top intern programs in Australia for six years running (AAGE Interns Survey).

The program allows current university students to work alongside experienced and skilled engineers who will assist them in developing an understanding of the PTA’s business and enable them to apply their skills in a practical setting.

Perth’s public transport network is one of the best in the world. Students will enjoy opportunities to work on sophisticated public transport challenges and learn practical skills from our diverse and expert team.

How to apply

Stage 1: Job application
Click on the relevant discipline area above to be directed to the application page. You will be required to upload your CV, a copy of your most recent academic transcripts for all relevant qualifications, and a written application addressing the requirements set out in the advert.

Stage 2: Online testing
If you meet the selection criteria of an advertised position, you may be invited to complete online testing in mid-August 2023. These tests are designed to help assess your suitability for the role.

Stage 3: Coordinator interview
If shortlisted to progress to the next stage based on your testing results, you will get the chance to learn more about PTA’s program and meet your potential graduate coordinator and supervisor at an interview in September 2023. Reference checks will also be conducted following interviews.

Stage 4: Applicant notification
Emails will be sent to all applicants notifying them of the outcome of the process in mid-October 2023.

Stage 5: Pre-employment checks
Appointed applicants will be subject to pre-employment checks including a medical assessment to verify physical fitness to perform the duties of the position and provision of a national police clearance. These pre-employment checks will be undertaken late October 2023.

Once pre-employment checks are complete, successful candidates will commence work on 20 November 2023.

Learn more

Phone: (08) 9326 2909

Email: devprograms@pta.wa.gov.au

PTA acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community.
We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and to Elders past, present and emerging; and commit to building a brighter future together.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this site may contain images or names of people who are deceased.