About our Graduate Program
It is an exciting time to join our department.
We offer a range of networking and social activities to help build your professional and social network. Undertaking our learning and development program will provide you with the skills required for a successful career in the Australian Public Service (APS).
The 10-month program includes:
- 2 diverse rotations
- exposure to a broad range of interesting and challenging work
- a range of on-the-job and off-the-job training
- opportunities to work alongside, and be mentored by, senior executive officers
- an inclusive, flexible, and healthy workplace
- flexible work arrangements
- generous leave conditions
- a competitive salary.
Majority of graduate roles are based in Canberra and there may be limited roles available in Brisbane and Melbourne. Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates who live outside of Canberra.
Successful applicants can opt into our midyear intake in September 2024 or commence in February 2025.
We also facilitate the following streams:
- Generalist program
- Government Lawyer Stream
- Communications Steam.
Competitive salary
As a graduate, you will be a full-time ongoing APS employee under the Public Service Act 1999.
You will start with an annual salary of $81,954 plus 15.4% employer contribution to superannuation.
Once you complete our Graduate Program you will advance to an APS 5. This is an annual salary of $87,843 plus 15.4% employer contribution to superannuation.
Learning and development
We provide a learning and development program that will prepare you with the fundamental skills for a successful career in the APS. This includes:
- essential training – these courses cover topics such as understanding government, and workplace health and safety
- on-the-job training – extensive on-the-job training will help you to realise and meet your full potential
- buddy and mentoring opportunities – learn from colleagues and our more senior officers.
Benefits for all Health and Aged Care staff
There are many benefits to working at our department.
Leave entitlements
- 4 weeks annual leave, per year
- personal leave
- public holidays
- paid Christmas shut-down
- 3 months long service leave after 10 years of recognised service
- access to cultural leave to participate in ceremonial activities and other cultural obligations, including participation in NAIDOC week activities and sorry business.
A full list of employee entitlements is available in our current Enterprise Agreement.
Flexible work options
Our full-time staff are required to work 7.5 hours per day (37.5 hours per week). Flexible work hours are offered as an alternative to the traditional 9–5 work day. Access to flexible working arrangements can be negotiated with your supervisor.
Diverse and inclusive workplace
We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace where the experiences, skills and perspectives of all individuals are valued. We actively encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and cultures, so we can better represent the community we serve.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Social activities
On a more social level, you will have access to the Canberra Social Network of Graduates (SnoG) and the Departmnt of Health and Aged Care’s Graduate Social Committee run by graduates. Both committees run regular social events all throughout the graduate year.
You will be 'in good company' – hundreds of graduates start work with various government departments in Canberra each year. This network is a useful source of both work and social contacts.
Living in Canberra
Canberra is a modern and vibrant city with a population of more than 350,000 people. Everything is close, making travel to and from work quick and easy.
Find out more about living and working in Canberra.
Help with relocation costs
We understand that some graduates will be relocating from interstate to take up a position in the graduate program. To help you in this process, we offer some financial support towards your removal, relocation, and temporary accommodation expenses.
You will find out more when the selection process has been finalised.