In brief:

• The ACT Government offers the Work Experience and Support Program (WESP).
• The program is for Canberrans from multicultural backgrounds who have been out of work, or not in meaningful work, for two years or more.
• It gives the opportunity to build skills and knowledge in an ACT Government workplace.
• Program applications close soon.

The ACT Government offers a program to support multicultural Canberrans who are unemployed.

Canberrans from a multicultural background who have been out of meaningful work for two years or more can apply for the Work Experience and Support Program (WESP).

The WESP gives the opportunity to build skills and knowledge. This includes a voluntary full-time placement in a local workplace.

While WESP is highly competitive, many people don’t know it’s available, particularly those new to the ACT.

It runs for 12 weeks, and you still have time to apply for a place.

The program includes:

• four weeks of training for a Certificate II in Workplace Skills at CIT
• eight weeks of unpaid work experience in the ACT Public Service.

The program focuses on:

• building your skills and knowledge
• experiencing work in an Australian workplace
• improving your job-seeking confidence and competitiveness
• building a network of contacts in the ACT public service.

What to expect: Oumie’s story

Oumayma (Oumie) recently completed the program. Her eight-week placement was at the ACT Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Oumie had originally trained in law in Morocco. This placement gave her valuable local experience and insight into Australia’s criminal justice system. She says this has helped guide her future career.

‘I wanted to have a local experience. It’s helped me a lot. I’ve been able to get to know the country. The work is so good, the people are so nice and supportive. I want to become a paralegal and continue to contribute to the team. They have been so helpful in teaching me how to do the job,’ Oumie said.

Who can apply for the program

To apply you must:

• come from a multicultural background
• be a resident of the ACT
• be able to attend the program on a full-time basis over the 12 weeks
• be unemployed, or not in meaningful employment, for more than two years.

You can apply if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have a certain visa. You can apply if your visa allows you to do both these things:

• work in Australia
• study at CIT as a domestic student.

Check your study eligibility at visas for study at CIT.

Priority is given to people who are:

• on a Temporary Protection visa or Safe Haven Enterprise visa
• holders of an ACT Services Access card
• able to speak and write English well.

Applications are open now

To apply for the program, submit your application by Wednesday, 28 January 2026.

For more information:

• visit the Work Experience and Support Program web page
• email ma@act.gov.au with any questions.

Other opportunities

If the WESP isn’t the right fit for you, there are plenty of grant programs available that might suit your needs.

Find more ACT Government grant opportunities through the funding, grants and support finder.

Read more like this:

• Celebrating ACT Multicultural Award winners
• Bridging the gap to a brighter future
• Funding boost to support ACT VET students
• Ways you can help a vulnerable person in Canberra

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