About our Graduate Program
It is an exciting time to join the Department of Health and Aged Care.
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:
- 3 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
- generous leave conditions
- a competitive salary.
The program is based in Canberra. Relocation assistance is available for successful candidates who live outside of Canberra (subject to COVID-19 public health and travel advice at the time you start).
Successful applicants can opt into our midyear intake in August 2023 or commence in February 2024.
The Department of Health and Aged Care also facilitate the following internal streams:
- Generalist program
- Legal 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 $65,056 plus 15.4% employer contribution to superannuation.
Once you complete our Graduate Program you will advance to an APS 4. This is an annual salary of $73,706 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 the Department of Health and Aged Care.
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).
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 (subject to COVID-19 public health and travel advice). 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.