Why choose us

High profile and impactful work

We will offer you high impact work that really makes a difference.

Workplace rotations vary significantly and could see you:

• helping to set the course for Australia's digital future
• delivering programs to support festivals and regional arts, First Nations arts and languages, literature and music, and artists and arts workers with disability
• developing policy that supports and protects our cultural heritage
• helping to deliver programs which support connectivity for regional and remote Australian communities and enhance the safety and accessibility of airports and aerodromes.
• developing policy for broadband, telecommunications or broadcasting
• assisting in administering essential infrastructure and services across Australia’s territories
• helping deliver the once‑in‑a‑generation Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure opportunities, contributing to social and economic benefits nationwide.

No matter the rotation, you will enjoy exciting, rewarding and challenging experiences that will kick start your career in the APS.

Supportive environment

We understand the transition from study to a career can be a challenging one. Many of our graduates relocate from other parts of Australia and, for some, it is also their first experience of living away from home. We work hard to make it as easy as possible and offer a generous travel, accommodation and storage package. We also help you settle into Canberra with plenty of housing, food and recreational recommendations.

It's important to us that our graduates feel supported and welcome in our department and, if you've just moved to Canberra, that you settle into your new city with ease. Being part of our graduate cohort gives you an immediate social network and is one of the many benefits of the program. 

As a graduate with the department, you will also have:

• A mentor—during the program, you will be matched with a senior executive who will provide advice, guidance, and support to enhance your career progression within the APS. Your mentor will help you to start building your network and be available through the entire program.
• Former Graduate Buddy Network – you will have access to a network of former graduates during the program. A number of networking events will be organised throughout the year to engage with former graduates.
• A dedicated Entry Level Programs (ELP) Team—the ELP team will guide and support you throughout the recruitment and relocation process. Once you commence, the ELP team will organise monthly meetings, training and development, and be your primary contact and support network throughout the year.
• Your work team—you’ll have 3 rotations throughout the year and that means 3 different teams to get to know and work with. Your team supervisor will also support you in your day-to-day work.
• Access to the department’s diversity networks - we value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported and able to contribute. You will have access to our 6 staff-led networks:
  • Disability, Neurodiversity and Allies Network
  • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network
  • First Nations Network
  • Gender Equality Network
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Network
  • Pride and Allies Network.

What do our Graduates have to say?

In the 2026 rankings, our Graduate Program earned various Prosple Top 100 badges, demonstrating our strong standing within the Government & Public Administration sector:

Image

Image

Image

Image

These results are drawn from a survey completed by past graduates and reinforce what our graduates consistently tell us: they value the quality of work, the support they receive, their professional development opportunities, and the meaningful impact they can make from the beginning of their careers.