Applications for Work Exposure in Government (WEX) 2019 are now open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their teachers.

WEX gives students hands-on experience and information about job opportunities and career pathways in the Australian Government.

It is delivered by the National Indigenous Australians Agency and aims to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students completing Year 12 and going on to work in the Australian Public Service and the Australian Parliament.

WEX 2019 will be held in Canberra from Sunday 20 October to Friday 25 October 2019, for 70 students in Years 10, 11 and 12.

Students and accompanying teachers are selected from all states and territories and from a variety of geographical locations, ranging from very remote to urban.

All accommodation, transportation and meals are provided at no cost. WEX students are supported by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentors, in addition to teachers and support staff.

Typical WEX activities include:

• meeting government Ministers and parliamentarians
• visits to the Australian Defence Force Academy and the Australian Federal Police headquarters
• visits to national institutions such as the Australian War Memorial and the Museum of Australian Democracy
• a tour of Parliament House
• a Cultural Evening, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures
• a careers expo where students can learn about jobs in a range of Government agencies.

By the end of WEX, participants should have an understanding of:

• how laws are made and enforced
• a range of opportunities for entry into the Australian Parliament and the Australian Public Service (non‑graduate and graduate)
• a range of roles for Australian Government employees (service delivery, policy, defence, enforcement)
• how to apply for Government jobs
• the support available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees.

Applications for WEX 2019 will close on Friday 23 August 2019.

Visit WEX for more information including application forms for students and teachers.