If you're looking for a job or considering a career change, Western Australia offers fantastic opportunities to build your skills, knowledge and experience with a range of vocational education and training— even fee free courses —to get you job ready.
Whether you’re looking for a short course to gain a specific skill set, a full accredited qualification, recognition for skills and experience you already have, or an apprenticeship or traineeship, we have the information you need to find a training option that will help achieve your goals.
There’s never been a better time to get into training!
In Western Australia, you can choose from a range of training options including short courses and full qualifications that are fee free or low fee.
This could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the cost of your training, making it more affordable for you to skill up and get that job. All you need to do is choose the training option that best fits with your lifestyle, employment and career goals.
Fee free Job Ready skill sets
Sometimes all you need to get started is a short course to gain specific skills, knowledge and experience quickly to help you get a job. Made up of units from nationally recognised qualifications, Job Ready skill sets are great for anyone just starting out in the workforce or for people wanting to build on their existing skills and knowledge to help with a career change. Best of all, the Job Ready skill sets are completely fee free for eligible students.
Job Ready skill sets are available in a range of industries including agriculture, automotive, building and construction, business, hospitality, healthcare, aged care and disability support, and information technology. The units you complete in a Job Ready skill set can count toward a full qualification, which means you will be a step ahead if you choose to continue your studies.
Find out more about Job Ready skill sets(Opens in a new tab/window)
Fee free and low fee qualifications
Many key industries in Western Australia including building and construction, healthcare, tourism and hospitality, early childhood education, engineering, information technology and community services are looking for skilled workers. Businesses know the value of an industry-recognised accredited qualification, and you’ll feel more confident in your job search knowing you have the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.
Find out more about reduced-fee qualifications(Opens in a new tab/window)
Free Job Ready Pathway programs
Western Australia offers many exciting programs and projects, creating fantastic job opportunities in a range of industries. If you would like to gain skills and knowledge through training, but also hands on experience for a particular job, Job Ready Pathway programs combine formal training with units from nationally recognised qualifications, and work placements where you can gain on the job experience.
Completely fee free for eligible students; the Job Ready Pathway programs also connect you with employers, giving you a potential pathway from training into a job. Available in a range of industry areas including construction, hospitality, information technology, mining, transport and early childhood education — these programs could be an excellent start to your future career.
Find out more about Job Ready Pathway programs(Opens in a new tab/window)
Turn your life experience into a career
Everyone has something to offer, and everyone deserves a place in the workforce. Whether you're just starting out, exploring your options or restarting your career journey, you have life experience that’s given you skills and knowledge that could be highly valued by employers.
These skills are particularly relevant when it comes to jobs that you may not have any actual work experience or qualifications for — that's when you can call on your life experience, to show what you can offer. You may find out you have more to offer than you realise!
Visit the Jobs & Skills WA website to find out more(Opens in a new tab/window)
Finding a training course
Did you know there’s hundreds of vocational education and training courses available in Western Australia? Through Jobs & Skills WA, a large range of courses are heavily subsidised, making training more affordable and helping you achieve your job and career goals.
You can choose to do your training at one of WA’s five TAFE colleges, located across Perth and regional areas, or with a private registered training organisation. The Jobs & Skills WA website has a full course list you can browse, to see what’s available.
Visit the Jobs & Skills WA course list(Opens in a new tab/window)
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are an excellent way to combine training with work, enabling you to earn money while you complete a nationally recognised qualification. They are available to anyone of working age whether you’re a school-leaver or a mature-aged person — you can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.
When you finish your apprenticeship or traineeship, you will have a nationally recognised qualification and be on your way to a great career.
Pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are highly sought after in Western Australia. If you’re looking for a way to give yourself a head start in the competitive job market, a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship is a great option — especially with some being fee free or low fee. Whether you're starting new, rejoining the workforce or switching careers, a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship will help you feel confident you've got the skills, knowledge and experience employers want.
A pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship combines industry-specific training with hands on experience in a real workplace, so you’ll gain valuable industry skills and knowledge. They also give you an opportunity to find out whether a particular industry or type of work is right for you.
Upon successful completion, you will receive a nationally recognised accredited qualification. Should you go on to undertake a full apprenticeship or traineeship, the units you have completed in your pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship will be credited which means less time required to complete your apprenticeship or traineeship.
Find out more about pre-apprenticeships and pre-traineeships(Opens in a new tab/window)
Training pathways to employment
Training options for secondary students
Making decisions about your future career can be challenging while you’re still at school. What kind of job do you want? Do you have a career in mind? Which study pathway should you follow?
To help with these questions, the Jobs & Skills WA website has some great information and advice for secondary students about training and career options. Whether you want to get a head start with an apprenticeship or traineeship in Years 11 and 12, or start building your skills early with a qualification while still at school, there’s a range of options you can consider.
Training, jobs and careers for secondary students(Opens in a new tab/window)
Recognition of prior learning
Sometimes when applying for jobs it can be challenging to prove your skills, experience and abilities to potential employers if you don’t have a qualification. You may be able to have your previous training, skills and experience recognised through recognition of prior learning (RPL) which may provide you with a nationally recognised accredited qualification or provide credit towards further study. RPL is a great way to boost your resumé and open doors for new employment opportunities.
Find out more about RPL(Opens in a new tab/window)
General information about training in WA
If you’re seeking information about training courses available in Western Australia, what the different qualification levels mean, how to choose a training provider (including WA TAFE colleges and private registered training organisations), how to apply or enrol, or course fees — you’ll find detailed information on the Jobs & Skills WA website.
Information about training in WA(Opens in a new tab/window)
Information about Western Australia's TAFE colleges(Opens in a new tab/window)
International students
Western Australia is a unique study destination. Offering a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful environments and diverse community, as well as high quality training organisations and facilities, WA can give you a fantastic experience as an international student.
TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) is the team within the Western Australian Department of Training and Workforce Development responsible for the recruitment and admission of international students studying at WA TAFE colleges and public schools.
The TIWA website offers detailed information, resources and support for anyone interested in coming to WA as an international student; including a comprehensive course catalogue available in a wide range of study areas and qualifications.
Visit the TIWA website(Opens in a new tab/window)
Free information and advice
Western Australia's Jobs & Skills Centres are one-stop shops for careers, training and employment advice and assistance. The centres are located throughout Perth and regional WA, with additional outreach locations for regional areas. Services are available to all WA residents, and are completely free.
Each of the centres is staffed by people who can provide free professional and practical advice on training and employment opportunities. Specialist services for Aboriginal people, ex-offenders and people from a culturally or linguistically diverse background are also available.
Find out more about Jobs & Skills Centres(Opens in a new tab/window)
Recognition for overseas qualifications
If you have qualifications obtained overseas, you may be eligible to have them recognised in Western Australia. WA’s Department of Training and Workforce Development offers an overseas qualification assessment service for your tertiary or higher education qualification/s — including formal technical and vocational qualifications (Certificate IV and above); and formal higher education qualifications (Bachelor Degree and above) — which could help you to secure employment.
Assessments are used as qualification evidence to show potential employers the level of your overseas education compared to Australian standards, and may also assist you in undertaking study. This is a free service available only to WA residents.
Find out more about overseas qualification assessments(Opens in a new tab/window)
If you are not a WA resident and would like to know more about your options for assessing your overseas qualifications visit the International Education website.(Opens in a new tab/window)
Learning support and specialist programs
There are a range of support services and specialist programs, available to people of all ages, to enable you to access and attend training that could improve your employment prospects. You may be eligible to access:
- mentoring, counselling and specialist jobseeker support;
- support with language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills;
- skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving and self-management;
- special technology, special or facilities; and
- assistance with transport and childcare.
Find out more about learning support and specialist programs(Opens in a new tab/window)
*Please note: Some training options such as fee free courses, and access to some services and programs, may have eligibility criteria. Please check the information provided for details.
Job opportunities in WA
Advice and resources on applying for jobs in WA
