Entry level pathways

Our entry level pathways help you develop your skills and improve your career prospects with us and the Australian Public Service (APS). The pathways are open to Australian citizens. If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australian, our Indigenous programs can help you gain qualifications.

Entry level pathways benefits

The benefits of joining our entry level pathways include:

an exciting place to work
on-the-job experience to develop your skills
great working conditions
experience working in the field while getting your qualification, if relevant
the chance to make a difference to Australians accessing our services.

Digital Traineeship Program

The Australian Government Digital Traineeship Program provides modern, flexible and ongoing training and employment for people wanting to build a digital career in the APS.

The program focuses on attracting participants from groups currently under-represented in digital such as First Nations peoples, women, older people (45+ years) and veterans transitioning to civilian roles and their spouses.

Trainees receive a salary at the APS1 to APS6 levels based on skills and experience. While working full time with us, you’ll complete a Certificate IV in a digital or ICT related discipline, such as:

Applications support
Big data and data analytics
Content design
Cyber security
Delivery management
Digital media
Infrastructure support
Interaction design
Networking
Performance analysis
Product management
Programming
Service design
Software engineering
Systems testing, analysis and design
User research
Web development.

Find out more about the Digital Traineeship Program and how to apply on the APSJobs website.

Digital Cadetship Program

The Digital Cadetship Program is open to those who have completed one year of an undergraduate bachelor’s degree or equivalent. The program is an exciting opportunity for university students to work part time while completing their degree.

As a digital cadet you earn an attractive and competitive salary package which includes leave and superannuation. You also receive a generous study allowance to help with your university costs.

You’ll work a minimum of 2 days per week around your university classes while you complete your degree.

You’ll be employed as an ongoing employee at the APS2 level. On successful completion of the program and your university studies, you’ll advance to the APS4 level.

To be eligible you must:

be enrolled in an Australian university
have completed one year towards an undergraduate bachelor degree or equivalent
be an Australian citizen.

Apply for the Digital Cadetship Program through the Digital Profession website. Nominate Services Australia if you’re successful after interview.

Aurora Neuroinclusion Program

The Aurora Neuroinclusion Program helps people who are neurodivergent start their career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

Aurora recognises the unique skills and talents people who are neurodivergent can bring to work. As part of our program, we offer professional development and work experience opportunities in the APS.

National Graduate Program

Our National Graduate Program is open to university graduates.

We offer 10 streams with something to suit every degree. These include:

Communications
Data
Digital
Finance and accounting
Generalist
Human resources
Legal
Service delivery
Service design
Social work.

It runs for 10 months, offering on-the-job learning, formal training and specialist events to develop your skills as a member of the APS.

Indigenous Apprenticeships Program

The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP) is an entry level program for people of any age or life stage to start their career in the Australian Public Service (APS).

The 12 month program offers:

a permanent, full time, entry level job in government
job security with a competitive salary
opportunities to progress your career, including a nationally recognised certificate or diploma qualification
advancement to APS3 or 4 level upon successful completion of the program.

Diversity groups

We’re committed to supporting workplace diversity and value the contribution of people with different backgrounds. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone. We want a diverse workforce in age, culture, life experience and ability.

Read how we promote workplace diversity and inclusion.

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