By Anna Macdonald

With the launch of a new graduate programme, the WA government hopes to recruit more ICT talent for the state’s public service.

The Public Sector ICT Graduate and Internship Programme will target graduates and students in in-demand areas like data science and analytics and cyber security.

Spots will be offered across the state government’s various agencies, with rotations provided to program participants.

The government hopes to recruit 40 people for the programme.

WA innovation and digital economy minister Stephen Dawson said the programme would offer a range of exciting opportunities.

“[The programme will] provide them with the practical skills and professional experience to kickstart their careers,” Dawson said.

“The establishment of the Public Sector ICT Graduate and Internship Programme demonstrates the state government’s commitment to ensuring the public sector has the necessary skills to meet current and emerging ICT demands.

“I am excited for the development of a new pathway for ICT graduates to enter the public service and the benefits they will bring.”

The programme comes as the government looks to ensure the public service’s current and future ICT workforce needs are addressed.

More details on the recruitment will be on the ‘A Place of Opportunity’ web page when the programme is established.

The WA announcement comes as a number of graduate programmes are recruiting in the state.

During May and June, the WA public sector commission is recruiting for graduate programmes for itself and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Treasury, and the Office of the Auditor General.

Last month, the commission hosted a booth at the Careers Expo 2023 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

According to government FAQs, most graduate programs in Western Australia pay newstarters US$76,026 a year. The state’s public service will be getting a 3 per cent increase in June.

By Anna Macdonald

Anna Macdonald is a Sydney-based Journalist at The Mandarin. She was previously at Mumbrella, reporting on Australia’s media and marketing industry. She graduated from the Australian National University with a Bachelor of Arts and Laws.