The Australian Public Service (APS) offers a lifetime of career opportunities. It’s not just about what you can do, but what you want to do and where. The APS is made up of departments and agencies responsible for delivering for the government of the day and the Australian community. Our work is essential to the future wellbeing and security of all Australians. We work across private, state and territory government, community sectors and internationally to provide advice and deliver programs, policies and services to Australian citizens.
Career Pathways is an APS initiative that brings together all supported pathways into the public service, making it easier for you to explore all the avenues available for you to find your fit. Whether you’re a high school student, school leaver, early career, graduate or career changer, there is a supported and rewarding career pathway for you into the APS.
The APS is a major employer and offers tailored development like training, work experience and employment opportunities for individuals at different stages in their life. Start building your pathway for example, as an apprentice, intern, cadet, graduate, veteran or career changer. We invest in your skills and development through these initiatives, supporting you to be future-ready for whichever journey you choose.
Immerse yourself in the wide and varied work delivered across the APS. Through one of our programs, you could work in a wide array of agencies focusing on many different areas, from health and education to data and digital and international relations and finance. The Australian Government Career Pathways helps to connect you to all the opportunities in the APS and build your career.
A career with the APS is your first step to making a difference and a better Australia.
Australian Government Graduate Program
The Australian Government Graduate Program opens around March each year for positions that commence the following year.
Apply for a graduate position in the Australian Government and find a career pathway that’s as unique as you are. Find your fit with graduate roles available in a range of different government departments and agencies.
As a graduate with the Australian Government, you’ll do meaningful work that impacts the lives of every Australian. Help shape the future in a constantly evolving world.
Whatever your area of study, there are opportunities to apply your interests and use your skills right across the Australian Government. Explore the streams below to find out more.
SPECIALIST STREAMS
The Australian Government Graduate Program recruits from ten centralised capability streams. You can apply once to a stream that suits your studies, interests and career goals, and be considered for multiple Australian Government departments and agencies.
We’re currently recruiting in the following streams:
STEM (open to graduates of a science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree)
WHERE WILL I WORK?
Most graduate positions are located in Canberra, but many government departments and agencies offer roles in other state capitals, major cities or regional locations.
If the graduate program you are interested in requires you to move to another city, most departments and agencies offer relocation assistance.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Graduate programs range in length from 10 to 24 months with two to three rotations through different work areas. Taking part in rotations exposes you to a range of skills, knowledge and experience at the start of your career.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Graduate programs are open to Australian citizens who have completed, at a minimum, an undergraduate degree or higher in a relevant field within the last 5 years, or will complete their degree before starting the program.
Different streams have specific eligibility requirements relating to your field of study. Explore the stream pages to find out more.
Trainee, Apprentice and School-Leavers
STUDY WHILE YOU WORK
An opportunity to study and earn an income while undertaking a qualification. This can be done by anyone of working age, in either a full-time or part-time role.
A SUPPORTIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
We understand you are still learning and create a supportive environment to enable this.
SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE
Learn the skills and get the knowledge that is going to support your future.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
We will help you pay for your qualification and study, as well as pay you a salary.
Australian Government Apprenticeship Program
GET QUALIFIED WHILE YOU WORK. LAUNCH A CAREER IN THE APS.
If you are looking for a career change, to re-enter the workforce, or kickstart your career, the Australian Government Apprenticeship Program is a great opportunity for you to take your career in a new direction.
We are looking for talented people, from school leavers to mature-age workers, keen to build on your experience by joining the APS.
Participants in the program are supported every step of the way with opportunities to learn and grow on the job while completing a Diploma of Government — a formal and recognised qualification.
Mahnoor, Program Officer – Higher Education Program Management, Department of Education, Skills and Employment
“Before completing my university degree, I already knew I wanted to join the public service. Working for the Department of Education, Skills and Employment was my ultimate goal due to personal interests. I applied to the Australian Government Apprenticeship Program as it was a perfect opportunity for me to gain exposure to the public service whilst also being able to increase my skills and experience. What I didn’t realise when I started was the work/life balance working for the department would afford me. Not only that, but I have been guided and supported throughout my journey by many teams and sections within the department and made some wonderful new friends as well as creating a network of colleagues. All these benefits combined, makes me look forward to working with the department into the future.”
Australian Government School Leaver Program
Finishing Year 12 and looking to get a head start on your career?
The Australian Government School Leaver Program is a 12-month career development program. It’s a full-time job with a competitive salary, paid holidays and superannuation.
You’ll build your skills on the job at one of the many Australian Government departments and agencies participating in the 2024 program. And if you find you love the meaningful work, you can stay on and continue your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).
The program builds on the success of the Department of Finance’s Career Starter Program and the APS Human Resources School Leaver Program that you may have heard about in previous years.
What’s the program?
If you’re successful, you’ll have a permanent, full-time job at the APS1 level in one of the government departments and agencies participating.
While you’re working, you’ll study for a Certificate IV in Government or Human Resources.
You’ll be part of a supportive team, with a dedicated supervisor and ‘buddies’ from previous years’ participants.
There’ll be regular networking events with other school leavers.
And after the 12-month program, you’ll have the opportunity to advance to the APS2 level.
Who’s eligible?
You will need to:
have completed a Year 12 certificate (or equivalent) in 2022 or be completing one in 2023
be an Australian citizen (or be granted Australian citizenship before November 2023)
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) School Leaver Program provides an opportunity for high school graduates to kickstart their careers. You will enter the ATO in an administrative officer or client experience role through the program.
You will enter the 12-month program with structured on-the-job work experience in an administrative officer or client experience role and professional training to complete a Certificate IV qualification. Throughout the program, you will have support from a work placement leader, learning and development trainers and a dedicated Program Manager.
Launch your career by gaining work experience and formal training with one of the country’s largest government organisations.
Indigenous Apprenticeships Program
A pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to start their career in the Australian Public Service
The Australian Government Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP) offers a wide range of roles in different departments and agencies. You’ll receive a formal qualification, a competitive salary and career advancement at the completion of the 12 month program.
You’ll work full time while studying towards a nationally recognised qualification.
What is on offer?
The IAP offers a wide variety of placement options and provides additional supports to Indigenous apprentices to successfully complete the program.
The program has over 20 participating departments and agencies where apprentices may be placed. We ensure there is a strong focus on advancement from the program and successfully completing relevant study requirements to achieve this goal.
We offer positions at the APS2 and APS3 classification. Apprentices complete a Certificate IV or Diploma in Government depending on their classification. These qualifications support career development and provide additional exposure to the work of the Australian Public Service.
Support and mentorship
Indigenous apprentices receive a circle of support that includes your line manager, buddy, Indigenous mentor, study provider, employee networks and the Services Australia Indigenous Support team. These additional supports have proven to be the difference to ensuring successful completion of the program.
Where could I work?
The program offers a range of roles across a number of APS departments and agencies.
We’ll consider your application for all participating departments and agencies and take your preferences into account. We may offer you a job in more than one department or agency. Then you can choose which offer best suits you.
Start your career journey and join a Data or Digital Program in the Australian Government public service. Whether you’re a high school graduate, a university student, or considering a career change, the Australian Government can help you launch your Data and Digital career.
Specialist training programs and entry-level roles are available in Darwin, Newcastle and Townsville. Develop your skills and build your career without leaving your region.
A career with the Australian Government public service is your first step to making a difference and a better Australia.
Applications for positions in Darwin, Newcastle and Townsville are now closed. Check back later in the year for more opportunities or read on below.
Digital Apprentice Program
Passionate about digital technology?
The Digital Apprentice Program is for people finishing year 12 or looking for a career change. Solve problems and make a difference in the Australian community.
Complete a Certificate IV or diploma in a digital or technology-related field while getting valuable industry experience. Your qualification will be paid for, and once you’ve finished your program, you will be offered an ongoing full-time job with the Australian Public Service.
This program is open to Australian citizens who have completed year 12. It is suitable for people who are interested in digital technologies and people interested in a career change to focus on digital skills.
Program participants receive a competitive salary between $46,000 – $53,000 per annum, with generous incremental ranges as they complete their studies.
The Data Cadet Program places students with an aptitude for data with Australian Government agencies. Kick-start your career while gaining hands-on experience using data to solve problems and make a difference in the Australian community.
Enjoy meaningful paid work located at selected university campuses while continuing to study. Once you’ve finished your degree, you will be offered an ongoing full-time job with the Australian Public Service.
This program is open to Australian citizens who have completed one year or the equivalent of an undergraduate tertiary degree at the commencement of the program. Applicants are welcome from all degree types and disciplines who have an interest in or are taking subjects in data-related fields.
Program participants receive a competitive salary between $53,000 – $58,000 per annum, pro rata, with generous incremental ranges as you complete their studies.
The Digital Cadet Program is a great way to explore digital and technology-related careers. Make use of your degree and interests while gaining valuable industry experience, solving problems and making a difference in the Australian community.
Enjoy meaningful paid work located at selected university campuses while continuing to study. Once you’ve finished your degree, you will be offered an ongoing full-time job with the Australian Public Service.
This program is open to Australian citizens who have completed one year or the equivalent of an eligible degree program at the commencement of the program. See the full list of eligible programs here.
Program participants receive a competitive salary between $52,000 – $60,000 per annum, pro rata, with generous incremental ranges as they complete your studies.
If you’re a person with disability who wants to make a difference, we need you.
The Australian Government is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment that reflects the broader Australian community.
Affirmative measures – disability employment
We want to show the community the value people with disability can bring to any organisation.
This means we have some jobs that are only available to people with disability, or a particular type of disability. We call this Affirmative Measures – Disability employment. This makes sure people with disability are represented in the Australian Government public service.
Use of this provision only relates to the restrictions around the people applying for the role(s), every other element of the standard recruitment process applies.
The Affirmative measure can be used to recruit to any APS job vacancy, regardless of the duties. It is not restricted to jobs with a disability-related function. It may be applied to individual vacancies or bulk rounds, such as graduate recruitment rounds.
If an agency has decided to use this method of recruitment, it will be clearly indicated in the job advertisement.
Read more about Affirmative measures on the Australian Public Service Commission Affirmative measures page.
RecruitAbility scheme
The Australian Government has developed the APS RecruitAbility scheme. This means when you opt into the RecruitAbility scheme people with disability are taken to an advanced stage in the hiring process. This only happens if the person opts into the RecruitAbility scheme and meets the minimum requirements for the job. The minimum requirements are determined by the selection panel and agency and are specific to that vacancy.
We’ll ask if you want to opt into the RecruitAbility scheme in an online application form. You must tick the ‘opt in’ box to join the RecruitAbility scheme. You won’t be automatically included by having a disability.
Read more about the RecruitAbility scheme on the Australian Public Service Commission Recruitability page.
Reasonable adjustment
The Australian Government provides reasonable adjustments or flexibilities during the hiring process for all vacancies, whether you opt into RecruitAbility or not or whether it is an Affirmative measures job or not. This includes access, equipment or other practical help.
This could include things such as an Auslan interpreter for an applicant who is hearing impaired, extra reading time during assessment activities for a person with learning difficulties, or accessible software for a person with vision impairment.
Please tell us what you need in your application, or contact the agency directly.
Reasonable adjustments and support can also be made available to assist you in the job, if you are successful in gaining employment with the Australian Government.
First Nations Peoples
Career Pathways offers many programs for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people to launch their career with the Australian Government.
The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program
The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP) supports Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people to start their career in government. You’ll receive a formal qualification, a competitive salary and career advancement at the completion of the 12 month program.
The IAP offers First Nations people a supported pathway into the Australian Public Service. Indigenous apprentices have access to Indigenous mentors, workplace buddies and dedicated Indigenous Support teams.
The Indigenous Graduate Pathway (IGP) provides a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary graduates.
The IGP provides entry into a number of participating Australian Government agencies who are seeking a diverse range of skills and abilities. Just apply once through the IGP application process and that one application is assessed for all participating agencies. There is no need to complete multiple applications for multiple agencies.
Jack’s Story
I value the ability to come into an organisation with a fresh mindset and observe practices and norms from an outsider perspective. I also greatly value the professional development that is offered through the graduate program, which some would miss coming straight into Defence.
The most enjoyable aspect of my Defence experience has been the exposure to the ADF in a professional capacity, something that would be absent from wider government and has been invaluable.
Also the ability to tour ADF facilities like the Royal Military College, and learn about ADF culture, has been thoroughly enjoyable.
Five years from now I hope to be an employee of Defence, hopefully with a lot more experience under my belt.
Jack, Yorta Yorta heritage from Tamworth, NSW
Analyst graduate at the Department of Defence
Hear from an Apprentice
“Before my apprenticeship, the concept of influencing change in government was so foreign to me. Now here I am, doing it every day. Being able to pitch ideas knowing that my leaders are taking the time to listen and consider them is incredibly empowering. I think my diverse background helps me provide sound advice to my team. I know that my work impacts people for the better.”
Michael, Service Officer – Remote Servicing Team, Services Australia
There are currently no jobs available
Unfortunately there are currently no positions available at Australian Government Career Pathways, please check back soon.
