Generalist Stream

At DEWR, we welcome graduates with a broad range of skills, degrees and expertise. If you are interested in a career in the Australian Public Service, have a degree, are curious and open minded, we want to hear from you.

Register your interest

About the Generalist Stream

This stream offers a unique platform where graduates leverage and build upon existing capabilities in an Australian Government environment. Our graduates over the course of the ten-month program have exposure to work on a wide variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department.

Graduates in this stream have a range of degree disciplines including public policy, politics, arts, sciences, humanities, law, international relations, communications and business to name a few! In fact, graduates of all degrees are welcome to apply. Even if you think your degree may not be applicable, if you are open minded, keen to learn and interested in working in a unique and interesting department, this stream is for you.

No matter your background, you will engage in diverse and meaningful work, applying your skills and degree in unexpected ways. That’s what exciting about our work and you have what it takes.

What type of work will I do?

DEWR has busy and important remit of work in its portfolio – we are responsible for critical policies and programs that support getting people into safe and secure work and skilling them to gain or regain employment. We work on many aspects of the government's agenda and our work is delivered increasingly through a project-based model.

Whilst there is no typical day for a generalist graduate and work can vary from day to day, some of the work you undertake may include:

contributing to policy and evaluation documents
developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships
attending meetings and forums
research and analysis
contributing to Ministerial documents and Executive Briefing
preparing communications products and
undertaking program and contract management.

Some of our current graduates are working on the National Skills Agreement with VET providers, workplace relations reforms, employment services programs, and some were part of a recent budget surge team.

You will undertake two placements, which is a great opportunity to broaden your skillset, knowledge and develop an understanding about the breadth of work in the department which will help you beyond the graduate program.

Where will I be placed?

There are many different work areas within DEWR where our generalist graduates may be placed, each with different areas of responsibility:

The Skills and Training Group implement programs to help people develop the skills they need to gain employment and build their careers.
The Employment and Workforce Group delivers and supports national policies and programs that help Australians to find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own job through self-employment.
The Workplace Relations group facilitates jobs growth through policies and programs that promote fair, productive and safe workplaces.
The Corporate and Enabling Services Group provides high quality and trusted corporate and enabling services to support our Ministers, the Secretary, the department, and our client agencies to deliver outcomes.

Placements are based on the business and operational requirements of the department. Typically, where practicable you will be placed in a role that matches your degree, skills and experience.

Who are we looking for?

At DEWR we value and aspire to a culture of collaboration and curiosity, where listening and openness are central to our work. Attributes that set graduates up for success include:

A desire to expand upon the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt throughout your degree
Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, problem solve and work as part of a team
Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively engage with co-workers and stakeholders
Curiosity and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and an attitude open to learning and innovation.

Graduates of all degrees are welcome to apply! Our program aims to attract people with a broad range of skills from generalists to specialists:

Finance
Business and Commerce
Economics
Public Policy
Legal
IT
Arts & Humanities
Education
Human Resources
Project Management
Information Systems
Information Technology
Media & Communications
Actuary
Administration
Data Science & Analytics
Digital Technology.

How to Apply

We participate and recruit our graduates through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) streams - Generalist Stream.

If you are successful in the process, you will get the opportunity to nominate the DEWR as your preferred department.

Applications for the AGGP streams are now closed however if you are interested in joining the program in 2026, you can register your interest and be the first to know when applications open.

If you have any questions, please email entrylevel@dewr.gov.au

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.

Located in Canberra, the program offers:

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

When you join the program, you also get:

relocation assistance to move to Canberra
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.

Eligibility

To be eligible for AGGP Generalist Stream, you must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and time. Eligibility criteria may also include the following:

evidence of Australian citizenship
have completed (or will complete) at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2024
have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application
be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.

Successful applicants will be placed in a merit pool that will be considered by the APS and Commonwealth entities. Please note that agencies and departments and will offer different employment conditions and graduate program features.