Graduate Program 2026-2027 in Department for Health and Wellbeing

Applications for the 2026-27 DHW Graduate Program are now closed.

The Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) is excited to share our Graduate Program and invite you to apply for the opportunity to turn your knowledge into a fulfilling heath career. The DHW Graduate Program offers opportunities in a variety of corporate divisions.

DHW offers a structured pipeline program which provides varied experience to build knowledge and skills, while undertaking professional development and providing support opportunities. Graduates may work in various teams, to help broaden skills and experiences.

DHW is setting the gold standard for not only offering Graduates a steppingstone to begin their career though a pathway in which they can obtain a wealth of hands-on experience and development in the dynamic world of healthcare.

What the program offers

The program offers:

• guidance and mentorship – graduates will be assigned a mentor who will work with them to enable growth.
  
• hands-on experience – graduates will engage in a combination of hands-on experience, and formal and informal training.
  
• contribute to the health care system – graduates will undertake enriching work which contributes to shaping the future of healthcare.
  
• flexible working – the DHW work environment offers flexible working arrangements which prioritise wellbeing and help ensure professional and personal success.
  
• collaboration – collaborate with diverse teams and work with a range of stakeholders.
  
• industry partnerships – work with industry partners to further develop your career and professional network.

Join us in creating a healthier future for South Australia. The DHW Graduate Program is your gateway to a world of opportunities, growth, and impact.

Graduate streams available 

Graduate streams include:

• Commissioning and Performance
• Infrastructure
• New Women’s and Children's Hospital
• Procurement, Supply Chain
• Strategy and Governance
• Workforce Services

See below for more information on each of the workstreams. 

Workforce Services

Workforce Services are responsible for the attraction, development and retention of talent to allow the department to deliver world class health care services. The division is dedicated to ensuring the right people are placed in the right roles at the right time and are making a positive impact on the healthcare system. As a graduate, you will have the opportunity to work across both the Industrial Relations and Human resources units in a dynamic and forward-thinking role that operates with a high degree of autonomy, and be at the forefront of delivering a diverse range of innovative workforce management services tailored to meet both current and future organisational needs. Joining Workforce Services means contributing to better healthcare outcomes for all South Australians.

See the Workforce Services Graduate Officer role description (PDF 143KB).

Infrastructure

Providing leadership on all matters relating to SA Health property and built assets, the Infrastructure team is at the forefront of enhancing the South Australian healthcare landscape. The division upholds public government values, supports delivery of capital projects, provides commercial property, leasing, and facilities management advice, and works to improve asset management across the system.

As an Infrastructure Graduate, you will hold a pivotal role in supporting the infrastructure function which includes:

• Delivery of SA Health's capital program involving managing major infrastructure projects, including offering essential technical guidance and integrating environmentally sustainable practices. Infrastructure work closely with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport to deliver the largest program of capital works for health facilities including delivery of Election Commitments and projects valued up to $0.5billion.
• Administration of SA Health’s leased accommodation, land and property transactions, facilities services, critical sustainability programs and management of strategic projects.
• Application of asset management approaches and integrated planning across SA Health and the delivery of biomedical engineering services.

See the Infrastructure Graduate Role Description (PDF 164KB).

Strategy and Governance

Join the Strategy and Innovation Division where your skills will contribute to shaping South Australia’s health future. As a graduate, you'll work across several branches, including Child Protection & Policy, Aboriginal Health, Mental Health Strategy & Planning, and Intergovernmental Relations. Each branch plays a role in driving key initiatives, from children’s well-being to improving Aboriginal health outcomes and leading health reforms. Be part of a team committed to innovation, collaboration, and excellence in health services for South Australians.

See the Graduate Officer, Strategy and Governance Role Description (PDF 172KB).

Commissioning and Performance

The Commissioning and Performance (C&P) division helps shape the South Australia’s health system. The division used an integrated approach to commissioning, with a focus on system design and planning, funding, and performance management. The division leads the production and management of curated data assets helping to drive evidence informed decision making. The division has a strong relationship management function, working with a broad network of service providers, including Local Health Networks and SA Ambulance Service.  As a graduate, you will contribute to operational and strategic initiatives, learn how data analysis in areas such as finance, quality and safety, workforce and service access help inform planning, system design, funding allocation and performance monitoring. Your contribution will help shape the way health services are funded, monitored, and improved. You will gain exposure to the SA Health system and develop skills, knowledge, and experience with guidance from your team, manager, mentor, and peers.

See the Graduate Project Officer, Commissioning and Performance Role Description (PDF 195KB).

New Women’s and Children's Hospital

The New Women's and Children's Hospital (New WCH) Project is responsible for the planning, design and management of a new facility dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies, children, young people, and their families. As a graduate, you will play a vital role within the New WCH project team, gaining invaluable experience and mentorship from seasoned professionals, and developing essential skills in the areas of project management, procurement, financial management, contract management, risk management, governance, assurance, and stakeholder engagement.

See the Graduate Project Officer, New Women and Children's Hospital Role Description (PDF 225KB).

Procurement and Supply Chain

We make sure SA Health gets the right goods and services, at the best value, delivered on time – so that safe, affordable, and sustainable healthcare is available to the South Australian community. Join a high-performing team and gain hands-on experience across four core areas: procurement, supply chain excellence, corporate systems support, and strategic engagement.

• Procurement includes sourcing, tendering evaluations, negotiations, supplier partnerships, and contract management.
• Supply Chain Excellence supports demand planning, keeps health products moving efficiently, and build skills in project management and data analysis.
• Corporate Systems Support optimises business systems and delivers improvements that make a real impact across a diverse portfolio.
• Strategic Engagement builds strong relationships, contributes to strategic initiatives, and supports recruitment activities.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a fast-paced, collaborative environment, where diverse teams will accelerate your learning and set you up for long-term growth.

See the Procurement and Supply Chain Graduate Support Officer Role Description (PDF 137KB).