Graduate Program

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (the department) is seeking motivated graduates to join our Graduate Development Program.

As a graduate in our department, you can get involved planning the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow, designing livable future-facing cities, or preparing for the global digital economy. You can also help empower our regional communities, promote our thriving arts sector, or protect and celebrate the culture, heritage and languages of First Nations people.

The program is designed to enhance the skills you acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service (APS). You will develop professional public sector skills through a combination of work rotations, internal training and formal learning and development. The program provides a unique 11 month accelerated career progression, with salary increases and advancement from the APS Level 3 to APS Level 5 on successful completion.

Key elements of our Graduate Program include:

• three work rotations across our diverse range of portfolios with the ability to nominate preferred placements for each rotation
• commencement as an APS3 employee (from $72,133 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• upon successful completion of rotations one and two, advancement to an APS4 (from $79,922 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• upon successful completion of the rotation three and the program, advancement to an ongoing APS5 (from $89,225 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• the ability to nominate preferred teams from the positions available for ongoing APS5 positions
• comprehensive relocation assistance for successful candidates to move to Canberra
• a structured learning and development program delivered across the program
• being assigned a mentor for the duration of the program from the department’s SES cohort
• access to our internal staff networks, including former graduates of the department.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for innovative, curious, future-focused graduates with a desire to learn and help shape Australia's infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications, sport and creative industries.

Successful applicants will demonstrate they are motivated to explore opportunities and exemplify drive and adaptability. They are responsive and comfortable with change. As a graduate in our program, you will thrive on being challenged in a flexible and fast-paced environment. Above all else, you will have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

With opportunities to apply your skills across a uniquely diverse portfolio, you can find your purpose and discover rewarding opportunities that enrich and connect the lives of all Australians.

If you have a strong vision for Australia's future and are seeking a career where you can make a real difference in the lives of all Australians, we encourage you to apply to the program.

What else can we offer?

It's important to us that our graduates feel supported and welcome in our department and, if you've just moved to Canberra, that you settle into your new city with ease. Being part of our graduate cohort gives you an immediate social network and is one of the many benefits of the program.

As a graduate with the department, you will also have:

• A mentor—during the program, you will be matched with a senior executive who will provide advice, guidance, and support to enhance your career progression within the APS. Your mentor will help you to start building your network and be available through the entire program.
• Former Graduate Buddy Network – you will have access to a network of former graduates during the program. A number of networking events will be organised throughout the year to engage with former graduates.
• A dedicated Entry Level Programs (ELP) Team—the ELP team will guide and support you throughout the recruitment and relocation process. Once you commence, the ELP team will organise monthly meetings, training and development, and be your primary contact and support network throughout the year.
• Your work team—you’ll have three rotations throughout the year and that means three different teams to get to know and work with. Your team supervisor will also support you in your day-to-day work.
• Access to the department’s diversity networks - we value the diversity of our staff and are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels supported and able to contribute. You will have access to our six staff-led networks:
  • Disability, Neurodiversity and Allies Network
  • Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Network
  • First Nations Network
  • Gender Equality Network
  • Mental Health and Wellbeing Network
  • Pride and Allies Network

Eligibility requirements

Employment with the department is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• • Citizenship: candidates must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application. 
  • Health Assessment: The preferred candidates may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
  • Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Baseline Level.  You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information.  You must have lived in Australia, or have a checkable background, for at least the preceding five years for Baseline Vetting clearances.  More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.
  • Police check: The successful candidate must satisfactory complete an Australian Federal Police criminal history check.
  • Integrity and Performance check: The successful candidate must satisfy the requirements in an Integrity and Performance check which is completed by your most recent employer.
  • Qualifications: candidates must have completed (at least) an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by December 2026 with a credit grade average. Additionally, candidates must have completed their most recent degree no more than five years from the date of the application being submitted.
  • Suitability testing: Candidates may be required to undertake suitability testing as part of the recruitment process. Candidates will be informed in advance if/when suitability testing will be conducted.