Digital Cadet Program

 Digital Cadets are placed with one of many participating Australian Government departments, where you’ll be supported to complete your degree and explore different digital and technology-related careers.

Once you’ve finished your degree, you’ll become a full-time employee in your department.

About the program

This program is for Australian citizens who are currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a digital or technology-related field. If you’re a university student looking for a digital or technical career, this program could be for you.

• Complete the program over 1 to 3 years, depending how long you have left at uni
• Work flexibly around your study commitments and preferences
• Receive an academic allowance of up to $800 per unit for up to 4 units per semester
• Enjoy guaranteed permanent employment when you finish your degree

On the job support, career guidance and professional development throughout the program will grow you into a job-ready public servant.

Who can apply?

We’re looking for cadets who have a curiosity, aptitude and interest in digital or technical disciplines, and a desire to build upon your skills. Cadets should have an interest in undertaking meaningful work serving the Australian community and contribute to a professional, respectful and positive workplace.

• To be eligible to apply for the Digital Cadet Program, you must:
• Be an Australian citizen
• Have completed one year or equivalent of a digital or technical degree at the commencement of the program
• ·Have a minimum of 1 year of study remaining when the program starts

See the full list of eligible degree programs here.

What locations is the program running in?

Positions are located in many government departments and agencies Australia-wide. Most positions are located in Canberra, but there are roles available in other Australian cities and regional centres.

Applicants will be asked to nominate their preferred location during the application process.

Where could I work?

The program offers a range of roles across a number of government departments and agencies.

Your application will be considered for all participating agencies and your preferences taken into account. Successful applicants will be placed with an agency that suits their skills, experience and career aspirations.

The following Government Departments and agencies looking for Digital Cadets in 2024 are:

• Attorney Generals Department
• Australian Bureau of Statistics
• Australian Signals Directorate
• Department of Finance
• Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
• Department of Defence
• Department of Home Affairs
• Services Australia
• Australian Taxation Office
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations

How to apply

There are three stages of the selection process.

Online application

Submit your application online. We will review your responses and work-related qualities. If found suitable, we will shortlist you for the next round.

Interview

Attend an interview with the selection panel. If found suitable, you will be placed in the merit pool for consideration by participating Government departments and agencies.

Preferences and matching

If suitable, you will preference specific organisations where you would like to work. Likewise, departments or agencies will also preference candidates they would like to employ. We review all preferences, match candidates to available roles and assist departments or agencies to make employment offers.

Please note that APS and Commonwealth entities all offer different employment conditions and graduate program features. If you are not matched, you will be placed in a merit pool for future consideration, for up to 18 months from the date the job was advertised. The complete application assessment process usually takes around 6 months from the time applications close.