Graduate Program

We work collaboratively with other Australian Public Service (APS) agencies to recruit talented individuals through other specialty graduate and entry level programs. These speciality graduate programs are co-ordinated centrally by the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP).

DEWR is participating agency in the Economics, Legal, Accounting and Finance, Human Resources, Digital (including ICT), Data, Generalist, and STEM Streams, and the Indigenous Graduate Pathway.

Applying to one of these speciality streams means you only have to go through the application and selection process for your selected speciality stream once. This streamlined process enables you to be considered for a range of Australian Government agencies.

Once you apply, you’ll receive an automated response acknowledging your application has been completed.

You will then be advised at each stage of the process if you have progressed further.

Applications for the AGGP are now closed.

The recruitment process varies slightly for each stream. Typically, it is made up of the following stages, noting the following dates are approximate and subject to change.

Why choose us

At the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), our purpose is to support people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future.

Creating opportunities through skills and secure employment is at the heart of our department’s purpose. We seek to attract enthusiastic and motivated people who are passionate and want to make a difference to the lives of all Australians.

Our graduate program is a great way for you to join the workforce after completing your degree. You’ll find our graduate program connects you to friendly, experienced professionals who will help you apply your skills and knowledge as you start your career.

Our program

The department offers a 10-month graduate program, starting in February each year, and concluding in December of the same year. New and recent graduates with Higher Education (university) qualifications are encouraged to apply.

The program offers:

• two diverse work placements which provide the opportunity to work on a variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department
• a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment
• on-the-job experience including the opportunity to work and learn from subject-matter experts
• learning and development opportunities
• various opportunities to be involved in a wide range of networks, social and fundraising events.

When you join the program, you also get:

• relocation assistance
• permanent ongoing employment in the Australian Public Service (APS)
• career progression on successful completion of the program
• excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation, and employee entitlements
• an Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing and career support
• a dedicated Graduate Sponsor passionate about seeing you thrive.

Importantly, you will contribute to work that makes a difference while building your own skills and knowledge for a fulfilling career in the APS.

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Program, you will be required to:

• be an Australian Citizen or going to be granted Australian citizenship before you commence and be able to provide evidence of this
• have successfully completed a Bachelor degree or higher within five years prior to the start date of the Graduate Program. You will be required to provide evidence of completion before the start of the program
• obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government Baseline security clearance
• relocate to Canberra for the commencement of the program if the position requires you to.
• satisfy the relevant medical checks (if required for the position).