Public Sector Commission Case Study | Solid Futures Program

Solid Futures Aboriginal Traineeship Program: Certificate III in Government

INTRODUCTION

Aligned with the Western Australian Government’s commitment to workforce development, cultural inclusion and public sector capability building, Aspire Performance Training partnered with the Public Sector Commission to deliver the Solid Futures Aboriginal Traineeship Program.

This structured traineeship supports First Nations people through a 12-month paid workplace development pathway, culminating in a nationally recognised PSP30122 Certificate III in Government qualification.

Delivered across both metropolitan and regional Western Australia, the Solid Futures program strengthens public sector agencies by embedding culturally safe training, workplace mentoring and professional development opportunities that promote public sector capability, workforce diversity and meaningful employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees.

ABOUT

THE SOLID FUTURES PROGRAM

The Solid Futures Aboriginal Traineeship Program was co-designed to support emerging leaders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities into the Western Australian public sector. The traineeship integrates formal training with practical workplace experience, First Nations mentoring, and targeted support to develop confidence, capability and cultural strength in public sector roles.

This traineeship includes:

A 12-month paid traineeship hosted within government agencies
Formal nationally recognised training toward PSP30122 Certificate III in Government
A series of professional development workshops
First Nations mentoring and culturally informed learner support
Practical workplace experience and performance development
Enhanced career readiness and employability outcomes

The Aboriginal Employment Unit at the commission provide mentoring support and employment advice to all trainees throughout the 12-month traineeship. Dedicated staff make regular contact with the trainees including those in regional locations to ensure retention in the program

WHAT SETS US APART

WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPACTFUL

The Solid Futures program provides a proven pathway into public sector careers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, while directly supporting workforce diversity, inclusion and sustainable talent pipelines for government employers.

Aspire’s delivery approach is:

Culturally safe and learner-centred, respecting identity, strengths and learner needs
Practical and confidence-building, with work-ready skills embedded throughout
Collaborative with agency supervisors, mentors and sector partners
Responsive to both metro and regional workforce contexts

THE CHALLENGE

Public sector agencies have recognised the need to:

Increase Indigenous representation in their workforce
Support culturally sustainable engagement and career pathways
Strengthen foundational public sector skills (communication, WHS, administration)
Improve workplace confidence, professional identity and public service readiness
Create an integrated training and workplace mentorship model that supports long-term employment outcomes

Aspire Performance Training was engaged to meet these challenges, delivering a comprehensive traineeship aligned with government priorities for employment equity, workforce capability and cultural inclusion.

How Aspire Performance Training Responded

Aspire delivered a blended, supported learning model tailored to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees, featuring:

Structured Workshops & Professional Development

Workshop themes included:

Public sector foundations, workplace expectations and professional behaviours
Résumé, cover letter and STAR methodology for selection criteria
Effective communication, ethical conduct and workplace confidence
Work Health and Safety (WHS) in public sector environments
Personal planning, career pathways and job application readiness

These sessions were delivered both face-to-face and virtually, ensuring accessibility and learner engagement across locations.

Culturally Safe Mentoring & Support

Through ongoing First Nations mentoring and workplace guidance, trainees received culturally informed support that increased participation, confidence and professional development.

Workplace Learning & Agency Integration

Each trainee was placed in a host public sector agency, gaining real work experience that reinforced training outcomes, built capability and shaped professional identity.

Capability Development & Recognition

Core training incorporated units from the PSP30122 Certificate III in Government, including:

Workplace communication
Ethical principles and public sector values
Diversity and inclusion
Client-focused service delivery
Safety and team-based participation

HOW WE HELP

THE RESULTS

As a result of the Solid Futures traineeship, trainees achieved:

Nationally Recognised Qualification

Each participant completed PSP30122 Certificate III in Government, equipping them with essential public sector knowledge and skills.

Improved Employability & Confidence

Trainees developed workplace confidence, cultural strength and professional readiness.
Tailored résumé and selection criteria workshops helped participants articulate skills and achievements clearly and confidently.

Workforce Capability & Cultural Inclusion

Agencies reported enhanced cultural capability through First Nations engagement.
The program fostered workplace relationships, understanding and mutual respect.

Meaningful Career Pathways

Graduates left the program with personalised career plans and a clear professional trajectory, supporting long-term public sector employment goals.

ASPIRING TO FUTURE COHORTS

With another successful cohort now completing the Solid Futures program and achieving their Certificate III in Government, Aspire Performance Training continues to prepare for future intakes. The Solid Futures traineeship remains a cornerstone initiative for workforce inclusion, cultural leadership and public sector capability across Western Australia.

If you are interested in learning more about the Solid Futures Aboriginal Traineeship Program or Aspire’s delivery approach, please contact Aspire Performance Training, we would love to hear from you and work together to create meaningful opportunities for emerging Aboriginal leaders throughout Western Australia.

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Case Study:

Public Sector Commission - WA Government