Career pathways on show for First Nations students in WA
Walyalup / Fremantle hosted the Work Exposure in Government (WEX) regional program recently. Secondary students from across Western Australia learned about career pathways in the public service.
Photo: Students visiting Kaarta Koomba / Kings Park and Botanic Garden on Whadjuk Noongar booja. Source: ETM Perspectives.
Twenty First Nations students in Years 10, 11 and 12 from schools across Western Australia met on Whadjuk Noongar booja to learn about the many employment opportunities available in the Australian Public Service (APS), Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Defence Force (ADF).
For some students, it provided their first introduction to the APS.
“I didn’t know any jobs or anything really about it” reflected Zaleah Sambo, a Wangkatja, Tjupan and Kupurn woman from Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“I liked learning more about the APS and what it provides for Indigenous students as well as the traineeships and ways to get into employment.”
The Australian Government has supported the WEX program since 2010, through both national events held in Canberra and regional events delivered in locations across the country. With most APS staff working outside Canberra, hosting the 2025 regional program in Walyalup / Fremantle provided an opportunity to showcase the many career opportunities available for young people closer to home.
The program included workshops and activities focused on leadership development and cultural mentoring which aimed to build confidence and connection.
For Jasmine Keir, a Ballardong Noongar woman from Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WEX was a life-changing experience.
“I am definitely better off after the program. I have learned a lot of skills that I will bring into my life.”
Lavinia Quartermaine, a Wadjarri woman from Pia Wadjarri Community, said the program helped her overcome shyness and raise her voice.
“A part I enjoyed was connecting with other people that I don’t know and from other places around Australia.”
WEX participants also met with public servants to hear about their own career journeys, challenges and opportunities, including entry level pathways.
Aspiring forensic scientist, Riely Cardoso, a young Torres Strait Islander man from Perth, enjoyed hearing from the AFP.
“I liked how there was different job roles that you could take up and different pathways that you could do.”
Izobel Ferdinandus, a Baiyungu woman from Carnarvon, was interested in options for university study while working in the ADF.
“You can go into uni and they pay for it and you also get paid while you study … and you have a guaranteed job at the end.” she said
Zaleah Sambo related to agencies such as the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, National Disability Insurance Agency and National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
“I really liked what they do, working with the community … I liked how they are all over Australia helping people.”
WEX is delivered by the NIAA with support from ETM Perspectives, an Indigenous-owned business. The program is funded through the Indigenous Advancement Strategy. It supports Closing the Gap target 5 (increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people attaining year 12 or equivalent qualification) and 7 (increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth who are in employment, education or training. The program aims to contribute to Priority Reform 3 (transform Government organisations).
If you know someone who would like to apply for future WEX events, visit Work Exposure in Government (WEX) | NIAA
Photo: WEX students Zaleah Sambo (left) and Jasmine Keir at WEX Regional 2025. Source: ETM Perspectives.
Photo: Students yarning with representatives from Commonwealth agencies. Source: ETM Perspectives.