About

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) we focus on supporting people in Australia to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future.

The generalist stream offers a unique platform where graduates leverage and build upon existing capabilities in an Australian Government environment. Our graduates over the course of the ten-month program have exposure to work on a wide variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department.

Requirements

Graduates in this stream have a range of degree disciplines including public policy, politics, arts, sciences, humanities, law, international relations, communications and business to name a few! In fact, graduates of all degrees are welcome to apply. Even if you think your degree may not be applicable, if you are open minded, keen to learn and interested in working in a unique and interesting department, this stream is for you.

No matter your background, you will engage in diverse and meaningful work, applying your skills and degree in unexpected ways.

We are looking for highly motivated graduates from a wide range of disciplines and life experiences who want to play a part in shaping Australia’s future and informing the decision-making process. You can apply to the Generalist stream to be considered for a variety of exciting roles.

Our Program

The department offers a 10-month graduate program, starting in February each year, and concluding in December of the same year. New and recent graduates with Higher Education (university) qualifications are encouraged to apply. Graduates are engaged at the APS4 classification and on successful completion of the program, advance to the APS5 classfication.

The program offers:

• two placements
• on-the-job experience including the opportunity to work and learn from subject matter experts
• undertake two diverse work placements which provide the opportunity to work on a variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department
• a formal learning and development program
• various opportunities to be involved in a wide range of networks, social and fundraising events
• a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment.

When you join the program, you also get: 

• relocation assistance (if applicable)
• permanent ongoing employment in the Australian Public Service (APS)
• career progression on successful completion of the program
• excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation, and employee entitlements
• an Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing and career support
• a dedicated Graduate Sponsor passionate about seeing you thrive.

What type of work do generalist graduates do?

DEWR has busy and important remit of work in its portfolio – we are responsible for critical policies and programs that support getting people into safe and secure work and skilling them to gain or regain employment. We work on many aspects of the government's agenda and our work is delivered increasingly through a project-based model. Placements are a great opportunity to broaden your skillset, knowledge and develop an understanding about the breadth of work in the department which will help you beyond the graduate program.

Whilst there is no typical day for a generalist graduate and work can vary from day to day, some of the work you undertake may include:

• contributing to policy and evaluation documents
• developing and maintaining stakeholder relationships
• attending meetings and forums
• research and analysis
• contributing to Ministerial documents and Executive Briefing
• preparing communications products and
• undertaking program and contract management.

Some examples of work our graduates undertook this year included working on the National Skills Agreement with VET providers, workplace relations reforms, employment services programs, and some were part of a budget surge team.

Where will I be placed?

There are many different work areas within DEWR where our generalist graduates may be placed, each with different areas of responsibility:

• The Skills and Training Group implement programs to help people develop the skills they need to gain employment and build their careers.
• The Employment and Workforce Group delivers and supports national policies and programs that help Australians to find and keep a job, change jobs or create their own job through self-employment.
• The Workplace Relations group facilitates jobs growth through policies and programs that promote fair, productive and safe workplaces.
• The Corporate and Enabling Services Group provides high quality and trusted corporate and enabling services to support our Ministers, the Secretary, the department, and our client agencies to deliver outcomes.

Placements are based on the business and operational requirements of the department. Typically, where practicable you will be placed in a role that matches your degree, skills and experience.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for AGGP Generalist Stream, you must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and time. Eligibility criteria may also include the following:

• evidence of Australian citizenship
• have completed (or will complete) at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025
• have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
• be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.

If you are successful in the process, you will be placed in a merit pool that will be considered by the APS and Commonwealth entities. You will get the opportunity to nominate DEWR as your preferred department. Please note that agencies and departments and will offer different employment conditions and graduate program features.

Who are we looking for?

At DEWR we value and aspire to a culture of collaboration and curiosity, where listening and openness are central to our work. Attributes that set graduates up for success include:

• A desire to expand upon the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt throughout your degree
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, problem solve and work as part of a team
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively engage with co-workers and stakeholders
• Curiosity and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances
• Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and an attitude open to learning and innovation.

Graduates of all degrees are welcome to apply! Our program aims to attract people with a broad range of skills from generalists to specialists:

• Finance
• Business and Commerce
• Economics
• Public Policy
• Legal
• IT
• Arts & Humanities
• Education
• Human Resources
• Project Management
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Media & Communications
• Actuary
• Administration
• Data Science & Analytics
• Digital Technology.

How to apply?

We work collaboratively with other APS agencies to recruit talented individuals through other specialty graduate and entry level programs. These speciality graduate programs are co-ordinated centrally by Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP).

Visit the APS Jobs Career Pathways website to find out more or apply. Make sure you nominate the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as your preferred agency for your chance to join us!