Traineeships
The Victorian public sector offers paid traineeships for young people to gain work experience and qualifications.
Traineeships combine on-the-job training with formal learning, so you get valuable work experience while studying towards a qualification.
As a trainee, you’ll work in a public sector department or agency where a workplace mentor will support and guide you towards a new long-term career.
Traineeships are also available on major publicly funded projects. Private construction companies working on such projects must provide trainee opportunities through the Major Projects Skills Guarantee.
Types of programs
The following traineeships are available.
Youth Employment Scheme (YES)
YES is 12-month program for young people aged 15 to 29 offering paid work experience in a variety of Victorian public sector departments and agencies. These include the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice and Community Safety, and Department of Education.
As well as on-the-job training, you'll get mentoring support and enough time to complete studies for a relevant Certificate III or IV qualification.
The YES Disability Stream helps provide sustainable employment for young people with a disability.
If you are interested in applying, please contact info@jobs.vic.gov.au
More information about the YES
How does the YES work?
The YES provides twelve-month traineeships in a variety of Victorian public sector departments and agencies. As well as on-the-job training, you’ll get mentoring support and enough time to complete studies for a relevant Certificate III or IV qualification.
Who is eligible for a YES traineeship?
The YES program is for unemployed young people aged between 15 and 29 years.
To be eligible for the program a trainee must:
- be aged between 15 and 29 years at the commencement of the traineeship;
- be unemployed or not working more than 15 hours per week;
- not be currently engaged in tertiary education; and
- have not attained a university level qualification (excluding certificate 1-4 courses)
Is there priority given to some applicants for the YES?
Priority is given to young people who:
- have left school without completing Year 12 or are at risk of leaving school early
- are from culturally diverse backgrounds
- are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- are at risk of homelessness
- are young offenders
- have a disability
- live in social housing.
How can I apply for the YES?
If you are interested in applying for the YES, you can contact info@jobs.vic.gov.au
How does the YES support people with a disability?
The YES Disability Stream provides sustainable employment and specific support for young people with a disability.
Who is eligible for the YES Disability Stream?
The YES Disability Stream is open to young people with a disability who:
- are aged between 15-29 years at the start of the traineeship
- are unemployed or working less than 15 hours per week (preference is given to those who have been unemployed for six months or more)
- are not currently studying tertiary education and do not have a post-school qualification (excluding Certificate I – IV courses)
- identify as having a disability that is permanent and unlikely to change
- have experienced challenges in securing sustainable employment.
Reasonable workplace adjustments will be made to ensure you can succeed in your new workplace. Trainees also receive additional support from a Disability Manager throughout their placement. This includes career transition support at the end of your placement.
How can I apply for the YES Disability Stream?
If you are interested in applying for the YES Disability Stream, you can contact info@jobs.vic.gov.au