Department of Education and
Training Graduate Program 2018
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Graduate Program start?
The 2018 Education and Training Graduate Program will start in early February 2018.
What is the length of the program?
The Graduate Program is currently a 10 month development program.
Where will I work in the department?
You are given the opportunity to complete work placements in a variety of roles across the
department.
What kind of work might be involved?
Generalist graduates are involved in a broad range of work that may include policy formulation,
implementation of education policies and programs, program administration and corporate support
roles (legal advice, human resources, communications and finance).
ICT graduates will undertake user research, data analysis and investigate solution design to provide
advice and contribute to the design and development of ICT solutions to support a wide range of
government ICT programs and initiatives.
Data Science/Analyst graduates will use their data governance skills and knowledge to support
establishment and development of data management practices and processes including logical
analysis of taxonomies, data and metadata.
Testimonials and profiles of previous graduates are provided on the department website.
Opportunity through learning
Where can I find details of the salary and employment
conditions?
You can find a copy of the current Department of Education and Training Enterprise Agreement
2016-2019 on the Fair Work Commission website. The Enterprise Agreement provides details of your
employment conditions.
What happens when I finish the Graduate Program?
On successful completion of the program, you will be advanced to the APS 4 classification.
Is the graduate program accredited?
The Graduate Program is not an accredited program, however you will be provided with a large
range of learning and development activities designed to provide core skills for the Australian Public
Service. The program has a strong emphasis on learning from others and you will receive on-the-job
training and access to learn from experienced colleagues.
I have a degree which allows me to apply for a specialist
pathway; can I also apply for a generalist position?
Candidates can apply for multiple pathways.
What is the process for interviews?
Information on the assessment process is available at https://www.education.gov.au/departmenteducation-and-training-graduate-program?resource.
I’ve been told I have been unsuccessful. Can I get feedback?
Feedback will be provided. Details of how to request feedback will be provided in our
correspondence.
If I am successful can I defer to the following year?
You cannot defer an offer of employment nor start at an alternative date later in the year.
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Why do I need an Australian Federal Police check?
If you are successful in the recruitment process, you are required to undergo a police check. It is a
condition of your employment that you agree to have a criminal history records check and that you
satisfy us of your suitability as a fit and proper person for engagement with the department, the APS
and to perform your duties. You’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and to give us the
right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal
Police.
Do graduates have to be prepared to move to Canberra if
successful in the graduate recruitment process?
Yes, state based positions are limited and are dependent on business requirements.
If I’m moving to Canberra, what support is there for families
and partners?
In past years we have offered relocation assistance to graduates who are successful in gaining a
position in the Graduate Program. This is designed to assist you and your dependents with cost of
removals, temporary accommodation and travel from home state to Canberra.
Each year this policy is reviewed, if you are successful, we will give you more information during the
final stages of the recruitment process.
What social networks are there?
There are several social networks available to graduates. These include:
Social Network of Graduates (SNoG): This is a network for all graduates within the Australian Public
Service. Graduates get together regularly to organise social events including events such as an
annual snow trip, after work activities and sporting events.
Education Graduate Committee: This committee has previously organised events like the annual
department trivia night and department happy hours. There is a strong emphasis on fundraising and
networking.
Club Ed: The department social club arranges several social and fundraising events throughout the
year.
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The department also has Employee Networks that you may wish to join. These include:
Ability Network: Open to all departmental employees with disability, caring responsibilities or with
an interest in disability issues.
Pride Network: Open to all departmental employees who are interested in contributing to increasing
the department’s LGBTQIA+ confidence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Network: The Network provides an important mechanism for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees to support each other, share information and
experiences. It is also an opportunity to provide guidance and support to other members,
encouraging peer support and mentoring that promotes career development for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees
Women’s Network: The Women’s Network aims to:
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develop the skills and capabilities of its members of all genders
celebrate leadership and inspire women to achieve their goals
connect staff across all areas of the department to provide a practical forum for shared
knowledge, experience and learning
raise awareness of unconscious bias as a barrier to achieving equal opportunities for all
genders
support and engage staff returning from substantial periods of leave as well as staff working
part time within the department.
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