'The Graduate Program provided me with the support, connections and career opportunities to be able to achieve as much as I have and deliver real and innovative change to support the department and the Australian public’ – Jason, former graduate
Entry Level Programs
Our entry level programs offer pathways and opportunities for participants to launch a successful career at DEWR.
We work collaboratively with other Australian Public Service agencies to recruit talented individuals through specialist graduate and entry level programs. These programs, coordinated centrally as part of the Australian Government Career Pathways initiative, include career pathways for apprentices, cadets, school leavers and graduates.
Why join us?
At DEWR, we do important work that makes a difference to the lives of all Australians.
We support people to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future as we ourselves strive to be a model employer. We are committed to empowering futures, ensuring rights and enriching lives.
We provide the framework for fair and productive relationships between employers and employees. We also oversee skills development and training initiatives to support those entering the workforce or re-training to take advantage of emerging employment opportunities.
A strong foundation to kick-start your career
Our programs will give you a strong foundation and the necessary skills to kick-start your career at DEWR.
You’ll strengthen your technical and communication skills, as well as develop your strategic and innovative thinking, problem solving skills, stakeholder engagement skills and research capabilities. You will gain experience in the processes of government and work within legislative frameworks.
We offer diverse and meaningful work in teams that are motivated to help people realise their potential. This includes being part of a supportive environment where you can share your perspective, exchange ideas with your peers and develop a sense of belonging. You’ll work within a diverse and inclusive workforce that aspires to reflect the diversity of the community that we serve and experience a holistic view of working in government.
We offer successful participants a range of career pathways that you can define for yourself through learning, development and professional growth. You’ll enjoy competitive salaries and conditions, like a closedown period over Christmas, and flexible work arrangements for a healthy work life balance. For more information on what a career at DEWR looks like, visit the Work with us page.
Specialist Graduate Programs – Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP)
Use your degree in ways you never imagined.
We are looking for graduates from all degree disciplines to join us.
Our graduate program is a great way for you to transition from education to employment. We know firsthand the significance of this milestone and 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 pathway in life.
Learn more about our graduate program
We participate in the following AGGP specialist streams:
- Generalist Stream
- Digital Stream
- Legal Stream
- Human Resources Stream
- Data Stream
- Economist Stream
- STEM Stream
- Accounting and Financial Management Stream
- Indigenous Graduate Pathway
Other Entry Level Programs
The School Leaver Program is for students who have recently completed Year 12. This 12-month career development program offers a formal qualification, mentoring and on-the-job experience to make the transition from school into the workforce a great experience.
Australian Government School Leaver Program
AGAP offers Australians at any stage of their career an opportunity to begin a career in the Australian Public Service. Participants build their personal and professional capability with a formal qualification, mentoring and on-the-job experience. If you are interested in taking your career in a new direction, AGAP may be a great option for you. Follow the link to register your interest!
Australian Government Apprenticeship Program (AGAP)
IAP is a 12-month entry-level employment and development program open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are interested in working in the Australian Public Service. The program is administered by Services Australia and DEWR is a participating agency in this program.
Indigenous Apprenticeship Program (IAP)
Competitive Remuneration
The department offers excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation, employee leave and allowance entitlements.
Find more information in our Employment Agreement
Relocation assistance when you move to Canberra
We will provide reasonable relocation assistance for successful incoming graduates and entry level participants who are required to relocate to take up employment with the department. This can include temporary accommodation prior to your permanent property becoming available.
Relocation assistance is intended to assist with relocation costs, but it is important to note that it may not cover all the costs of your relocation. Relocation guidelines outlining the conditions will be provided on formal acceptance into the program.
A diverse and inclusive culture
We are committed to diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is demonstrated by the size and presence of our employee-led networks. These networks, which focus on disability, LGBTIQA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, gender equality, and cultural heritage, are very active and work towards strengthening our workplace inclusiveness. We are also a member of Pride in Diversity, Diversity Council Australia and Australian Network on Disability.
We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, mature-age people and people with disability, regardless of sex, sexuality or gender identity.
We strive to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the Australian community and recognises the important knowledge and skills Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples bring to the work we do. By embracing these strengths, we help create culturally responsive environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are empowered to achieve their full potential in the workplace.
The department is committed to supporting the employment and career development of people with disability. Our participation in the APS RecruitAbility Scheme means we will progress an applicant with disability to a further stage in the recruitment process, where they opt into the scheme and meet the minimum requirements for the position.
Live in Canberra
Most entry level positions are in Canberra where the national office is located, however there may be a small number of state-based positions. If you do need to relocate to take up a position, Canberra offers a great community lifestyle and is often quoted as one of the most liveable cities in Australia!
Learn more about living and working in Canberra.
Contact us
Phone: 02 6121 6060
Email: entrylevel@dewr.gov.au
