WA Government

About our program

The Department of Energy and Economic Diversification works to support a strong, resilient and diversified Western Australian economy. Our work focuses on creating secure, high‑quality jobs through investment, innovation and sustainable industry development.

The Mila Kaaditj employment program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students to gain paid work experience while completing their university studies.

The program is open to students aged 18 and over who have completed at least 1 semester of their undergraduate degree. Participants work part time while studying, contributing to statewide projects and initiatives that support economic development across Western Australia.

The program is delivered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification in partnership with Nudge and provides structured support, mentoring and development opportunities to help participants build confidence, workplace skills and career pathways.

What you will work on

Participants are placed in roles aligned to their interests, skills and studies. Work may vary depending on business needs and placement areas.

Your experience may include:

• operational support, including data, analysis and reporting
• preparation of documents such as letters, briefs and reports
• policy and procedure support, including research and review activities
• stakeholder engagement and relationship building
• use of organisational systems and digital tools
• project support, including coordination and delivery assistance.

Placements may be across a range of business areas within the department, providing exposure to different functions and ways of working.

Where you may work

Depending on placement availability, opportunities may be available across areas such as:

• Strategy, performance and international engagement
• Science and innovation, industry and corporate capability
• Energy Policy WA
• Powering WA
• State development and project facilitation

Program highlights

• Competitive salary that increases each year
• Reimbursement of up to 50% of course fees for the final 2 years of study, up to a maximum of $20,000, conditions apply
• Part time work that can be balanced with your university timetable
• Training, mentoring and on the job support from experienced staff
• Exposure to a wide range of projects and work areas
• Opportunity to be considered for a permanent role on successful completion of the program and your degree

Participants are appointed for an initial 12 months, with the option to extend for a further 1 to 2 years, subject to performance and business needs.

What we are looking for in candidates

The Mila Kaaditj employment program is suited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are motivated and keen to learn.

You are encouraged to apply if you are:

• Enthusiastic and willing to develop new skills
• A strong team member who works collaboratively
• Curious, analytical and interested in problem solving
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively
• Resilient and open to new challenges
• Motivated to contribute to projects that support Western Australia's economy

Application information

Applications for the undergraduate program are open now.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• be aged 18 years or older
• have completed at least 1 semester of an undergraduate university degree
• be able to commit to part time work while studying.