- GradConnect 2026 offers paid employment for new nurses and midwives
- Significant increase in nurses and midwives recruited via GradConnect
- New Pathways into Nursing and Midwifery resources bolster WA Health staff
- Cook Government committed to growing Western Australia's health workforce
Applications are now open for newly qualified enrolled nurses, registered nurses, and midwives to apply for graduate programs through GradConnect.
The Department of Health's GradConnect is a centralised online recruitment system which allows applicants to apply for jobs across Western Australian health service providers using just one application - including employment in private and aged care health services.
Graduate programs are paid positions that offer hands-on experience and ongoing mentoring in a supportive clinical environment. Participants work across a variety of clinical settings, gaining broad exposure that strengthens their professional skills, consolidates knowledge, and helps build confidence and capability as the next generation of WA's healthcare workforce.
In 2024-25, 82 per cent of recruits were offered a position in a metropolitan public health facility and 18 per cent were offered regional and remote placements, supporting the delivery of care across Western Australia.
Applications for GradConnect close on Wednesday, 18 March 2026 with only one recruitment process each year. Newly qualified nurses and midwives are strongly encouraged to apply, with successful applicants able to begin work between July 2026 and June 2027.
Further information about GradConnect 2026 , including a handbook containing eligibility and application requirements, is available on the Department of Health website.
As part of the State Government's commitment to grow the WA Health workforce, the Department of Health has also launched a new Pathways into Nursing and Midwifery Resource Package.
The resources provide clear, accessible information on the many ways people can enter and progress through nursing and midwifery careers in WA Health - from assistants in nursing and enrolled nurses, through to registered nurses and midwives, including opportunities for further education and career advancement.
The package responds to strong community interest in nursing and midwifery careers and support the WA Health Workforce Strategy 2034, which focuses on building a skilled, sustainable, and engaged workforce.
The Pathways into Nursing and Midwifery Resource Package is available on the Department of Health website as web-friendly and printable documents.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"The Cook Government is committed to growing our health workforce and making sure Western Australians can access the care they need, when they need it.
"GradConnect provides newly qualified nurses and midwives with a supported and structured pathway into our health system.
"These paid programs give graduates valuable hands-on experience across a range of clinical settings while being mentored by experienced clinicians.
"With only one GradConnect process each year, I strongly encourage all eligible graduates to apply now and take advantage of this opportunity to begin their careers.
"We know there is strong interest in nursing and midwifery careers, and these new resources make it easier for people to understand their options and take the next step.
"Whether you are a school leaver, a mature-age student or someone looking for a career change, these pathways show how you can train, grow and build a rewarding career in WA Health."
