Defence Capability Pathway

From fighter aircraft and Navy ships to soldier systems, the successful delivery of Defence Capability requires dedicated oversight by one of Australia’s largest program management, logistics, procurement and engineering services. The Defence Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) has offices in more than 70 locations throughout Australia and overseas and is responsible for acquiring and sustaining the equipment used by the Australian Defence Force (ADF) – the operational success of the ADF depends on us.

CASG offers an 18 month graduate program, consisting of three 6 month rotations, across various locations around Australia. Procurement and Contracting graduates must have completed their degree having achieved a credit average.

We are seeking applications from graduates in the following career streams:

Natasha

Procurement and Contracting Job Stream (Defence Capability Pathway)

Natasha

I completed a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts (International Relations) at the Australian National University. I have discovered that a graduate placement within the Department of Defence has allowed me to incorporate my interests and skills in both of these areas, experiencing three diverse rotations around Australia.

As a Procurement and Contracting graduate, I remained in Canberra for my first rotation within the Commercial Division of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) where I gained a valuable insight into the unique complexities surrounding military capability procurement and worked on contracts ranging from acquiring ammunition to multi-million dollar aircraft.

My second rotation took me to Melbourne where I worked with the Financial Investigation Service. Here I was exposed to engaging with Defence Industry and ensuring that pricing was fair and reasonable which is a key part of acquisition within Defence. I met wonderful people and was able to experience business from a regional perspective.

For my third rotation, I worked in a project supporting a critical military capability in Sydney. Here I was kept challenged and gained valuable experience in meeting the operational demands of a large Navy capability. The team is an innovative blend of military personnel, public service civilians and industry personnel and this allowed me to engage with the core essence of how the Department of Defence does business. Being able to directly see the ships I was supporting cemented the value of being a graduate in this Department.

My overall experience has been exceptional allowing me not only to travel and live in three different cities over 18 months, but also to experience three very different areas of a huge, nationwide organisation. As a graduate, I have been welcomed into an engaging atmosphere and have received opportunities to engage with all parts of the organisation from briefings with senior leadership to hands on tours to the regional bases. I also gained access to a national network of other graduates and have made amazing new friends.

Rachel

Logistics Job Stream (Defence Capability Pathway)

Rachel

Prior to joining the Defence Graduate Program I completed a Bachelor of Business Management at Queensland University of Technology. When I was offered a place on the graduate program, I accepted the opportunity as a good career change. After over ten years working in small business management, and having been unsuccessful in ADF recruitment, I embraced the move to Melbourne as a Public Servant with enthusiasm.

My graduate program placements have been with Land Systems Division (supporting the Army) in both sustainment management, acquisition projects, and Strategic Management of Mobility Systems in Army Headquarters. I had various opportunities to get out of the office and witness Army soldiers and officers in their day-to- day activities.

My first rotation was with Personal and Aerial Delivery equipment (jokingly named tents, pegs and parachutes). Their work is comparable to running a large Bunnings Store. I was able to visit the aerial equipment warehouse, and parachute training school; where I met Special Forces and Red Beret students for one-on- one conversations, as well as walked through the aircraft.

I then moved to the acquisition project of the HAWKEI (army protected troop carrier). This rotation was jammed packed; meetings with large Industry suppliers, endless opportunities to see and drive in the prototype vehicles, see the vehicle being driven into a C-130 and components airlifted by Chinook rigs. After a busy 12 months in Melbourne it was time to move to Canberra.

Upon moving to Canberra I fell in love with it straight away. It is a small beautiful town, with everything you could ever need. There are endless weekend opportunities, without the hassle of traffic and crowds. As a graduate, I was accepted into a secondment in Army Headquarters. Working on multiple projects and programs. I interacting with officers and soldiers with incredible stories, which has helped me embrace my Department of Defence career. I have gained significant insights and strong networks I can now use throughout my career. My career change is off to a great start and I have now secured a permanent placement promotion in Canberra.

Gethin

Engineering Job Stream (Defence Capability Pathway)

Gethin

I started my Defence life as part of the Capability Pathway on the Defence Graduate Program after completing a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at Charles Darwin University. I was shipped from the oppressive Darwin humidity to the crisp air of Canberra. Our intake was large and despite a plethora of engineers, all of the graduates were friendly, easy-going and most became good mates. The extensive network of graduates in Canberra and the work-life balance made my stint there really enjoyable. What’s not to love about road trips to the beach in summer and the snow in winter?

With no previous exposure to Defence, I was unsure what to expect. I found everyone to be supportive, friendly and knowledgeable. Settling into Canberra was daunting but in the end was relatively smooth, the graduate team and work area providing me with good assistance and advice.

The 18 month program consisted of three 6 month rotations and flexibility with locations. I took the opportunity to see the country with my second rotation as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer program in Adelaide. This culminated in me going on sea trials to conduct noise and vibration testing. Standing on the back of a warship going full steam is an experience I won’t forget. Neither is trying to sleep while they do speed and manoeuvre trials in the middle of the night.

I also had the opportunity to do a rotation external to Defence, which opens up the possibility of working in Defence industry. I continued my nomadic habits and crossed the Nullarbor to Perth for an industry placement with Austal. This gave me an understanding of how industry ticks, exposure to engineering design and the obstacles involved in contracting to Defence. I was given valuable exposure to the operation of a shipyard.

Moving around the country has allowed me to experience so much. From conducting sea trials to shooting a pass score at the Weapon Training Simulation System at ADFA in Canberra, the graduate program has provided me with opportunities to which I would not normally have access.

Africa

Pacific

Europe

North America

Asia