The Department supports a range of activities, including international trade, the supply of skilled labour for our domestic economy, business relationships, revenue collection, law enforcement and national security outcomes, travel and tourism facilitation, community protection and building a prosperous and cohesive society. The breadth of these activities necessarily means that the operating and strategic environment in which we work is equally vast and is influenced by both domestic and international trends and events.

Our senior leadership team views our Graduate Development Program as an investment in developing and maturing our future leadership capability. The Department invests in enhancing leadership through development programs and opportunities, to ensure our leaders are equipped to build high performing teams and positively influence the direction of the Department.

Our 12-month Graduate Development Program offers you a variety of interesting and challenging work, access to professional development, excellent employment conditions, rewarding professional relationships, supportive diversity and inclusion networks, and a wide range of career opportunities and pathways.

As a Department of Home Affairs graduate, your unique perspective and contribution are highly valued. We need people from diverse disciplines and backgrounds and encourage applications from all fields of study.
We will provide you with graduate specific orientation and induction, a range of high profile graduate events, access to health and wellbeing programs, and ongoing support through engaging supervisors, mentors, buddies, and a dedicated program management team.

You will participate in the following events throughout your program:

• Secretary’s Book Club
• Graduate Group Project

In February 2024, you will commence our Graduate Development Program and be provided with a unique experience to start building valuable networks that may stay with you throughout your career.

The Department offers a progressive program that will align your interest and skills over four different rotations across our organisation. The stream-based model allows you to grow your career with rotations and learning that compliments hands-on job experience.

We offer you:

• A positive approach to flexible work arrangements as well as a work life balance
• A workplace that promotes and actively supports diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity
• Foundational knowledge and skills to set up your career with a unique introduction to the work of government
• Four unique rotations throughout the Department of Home Affairs and/or Australian Border Force
• Tailored learning and development program 
• A starting salary of $71,201 + 15.4% superannuation
• A range of high profile graduate and departmental events
• A graduate specific induction program
• A dedicated SES mentor to guide you
• A partnership with a previous graduate buddy to help you settle in
• Ongoing employment with a department that can offer you endless career opportunities
• A dedicated Entry Programs Team for support; and,
• Relocation assistance if required

Indigenous Apprentice Program (IAP)

The IAP is a 12-month program that allows participants a chance to:

• Work full-time and study a recognised qualification at the diploma or certificate IV level
• Undertake on-the-job and formal training to develop a comprehensive skills and knowledge base for a role within the public service
• Gain an understanding of the work completed in your employing agency and the broader APS
• Advance to the next higher APS classification level at the successful completion of the IAP

During the IAP program, you will have access to an extensive support network, including:

• A buddy - Someone assigned to you by your line area. They will be someone who is a positive, supportive role model who guides them through the process of starting in a new workplace
• A mentor – Indigenous mentor aims to support you in understanding your employing agency’s culture, get advice on potential future career options, manage family obligations and community expectations, avoid cultural conflicts of interest, achieve a positive work/life balance, etc.
• Your supervisor or line manager – General support at the day-to-day work and involvement within the APS
• A local IAP coordinator - Each business area has its own local IAP coordinator responsible for monitoring, coordinating, and supporting apprentices and managers throughout the program. You should contact your local IAP coordinator if you have any program-related questions that your line manager can’t answer.
• The IAP team - The IAP team owns, administers, and oversees the program. The team aims to provide you with the support, guidance, and tools you need to participate in and complete your Apprenticeship successfully.
• The EPP team – The EPP team will support you with onboarding and general support throughout the program

Australian Government Apprenticeship Program (AGAP) 

The Australian Government Apprenticeship Program (AGAP) is managed by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR). The program is designed to provide everyday Australians the opportunity to enter the Australian Public Service and supports participants in building their capability by providing training qualifications to help them develop both personally and professionally at any life stage.

The Australian Government Apprenticeship Program benefits include:

• A competitive starting salary at the APS3 classification plus superannuation
• A full-time permanent position from day one, transitioning to an APS4 role upon successful completion of the program
• Structured learning opportunities
• A nationally recognised Diploma of Government qualification
• Flexible arrangements to help balance study and work
• Access to peer support, mentoring, and coaching. 

Digital Apprentices

The Digital Apprenticeship program is coordinated by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). The program aims to increase the pool of skilled Digital professionals within the Australian Government. The Apprenticeship is a study-to-work program made up of academic and workplace components, which need to be successfully completed to graduate from the program. While your workplace will support you through your training, you must put effort into your studies to pass. This includes studying during your own time, both after work hours and on weekends. The program requires you to schedule study in your own time so you can stay up to date with the coursework and are well prepared for assignments and exams. The Apprentice must participate in the program for a maximum of 24 months from the commencement date when completing a Certificate III or Certificate IV and a maximum of 36 months when completing a Diploma Qualification.

During the program, you will have access to a wide range of support, including:

• Career Liaison Officer (CLO) – The CLO will work with the EPP as the first point of contact for any issues (workplace, study, or personal) that you may experience during the program
• The EPP team - The EPP team will support you with onboarding and general support throughout the program
• Your supervisor or line manager - General support at day-to-day work and involvement within the APS
• Registered Training Organisation (RTO) – the RTO is responsible for developing your Training Plan. Your Training Plan identifies the competencies you need to achieve to complete your nationally accredited qualification.

Digital Cadets

The Digital Cadet program is coordinated by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). The program aims to increase the pool of skilled Digital professionals within the Australian Government. The Cadetship is a study-to-work program comprising academic and workplace components. Successful completion of these components is required to graduate from the program. 

Universities occasionally update their curriculum and make course changes which means that you may be required to complete additional coursework to meet the requirements of your university degree. Course changes are usually notified in writing, but it is your responsibility to ensure you are fully informed in relation to all aspects of your study. The Cadet must participate in the program for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months from the commencement date. 

During the program, you will have access to a wide range of support, including:

• Career Liaison Officer (CLO) – The CLO will work with the EPP as the first point of contact for any issues (workplace, study, or personal) that you may experience during the program
• The EPP team - The EPP team will support you with onboarding and general support throughout the life of the program
• Your supervisor or line manager - General support at day-to-day work and involvement within the APS.

In addition to our own recruitment process, the Department also participates in centralised stream recruitment through the Australian Government Graduate Program.

Click on the links below to find out more:

• HR Stream
• Data Stream
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway
• STEM Stream
• Intelligence Stream

You can also check our website for other vacancies across the Department and the Australian Border Force.

We recognise and celebrate a number of days of significance by hosting events and activities for all staff. These include:

• International Women's Day
• Harmony Day
• National Reconciliation Week
• Pride Month
• NAIDOC Week
• International Men's Day
• International Day of People with Disability

We also have a number of initiatives in place to give back to the community, both locally and nationally, including:

• Fundraising Fridays – The money collected from Fundraising Fridays is donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation and local charities in each Region. Staff can contribute with a gold coin donation for casual dress.
• Share the Dignity Drive - The Department's Staff Advancing Gender Equality (SAGE) Network supports the Share the Dignity Drive by collecting donations of personal hygiene products for homeless women, victims of domestic violence, and those experiencing homelessness and poverty.
• Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal – since 1921, the Returned & Services League (RSL) began raising money for returned solider following the First World War. Staff from across the Department continue the tradition of selling poppies to raise money to support our Defence Force personnel.  

In addition, staff can donate to charity from their pre-tax salary through Workplace Giving. Workplace Giving is a collaborative relationship between employers, employees, and charities and assures your donation is received free of cost to the charity.

2023 Graduates will commence at the APS 4 classification with a starting salary of AUD $71,201 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.

For our graduates living interstate, we also offer a level of relocation assistance to help you move to Canberra or if you want to move to a capital city to participate in the program. 

We also recognise that all parts of our lives are important—our work life, our roles as carers, parents, sporting club members, etc. Our flexible work practices enable employees at different stages in their life with various family and community responsibilities to lead healthy, balanced lives and contribute to our teams. Our graduates will have access to flex-time.

We support you in bringing your authentic self to work through:

• having Diversity Champions,
• providing leadership development programs and opportunities,
• a range of workplace initiatives that support staff in balancing their work-life commitments,
• enabling staff with a disability to fully participate,
• diversity networks that provide a platform for staff to come together and connect, and
• providing a safe and healthy work environment offering well-being programs and services. 

We drive innovation, performance, and productivity by empowering our diverse workforce to utilise the unique skills, ideas, perspectives, and qualities they contribute every day.

The Department’s ‘Plan for Pride’ LGBTIQ+ Action Plan 2019―2022 shows our committed approach to supporting a diverse workforce. We aim to build an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and confident to contribute in all our workplaces.

One of the Department's many support services is our LGBTIQ+ Staff and Allies Network. This is open to all staff and has been established to:

• Connect LGBTIQ+ staff and allies through professional and social networking opportunities
• Increase LGBTIQ+ visibility across the workforce.

The Department’s Gender Equality Action Plan 2021–26 (GEAP) sets our direction for sustained gender equality. It ensures that our leadership and people management practices are inclusive.

Four key areas of focus in the GEAP are:

• Enhance support to staff on leave and return to work processes.
• Support flexible working arrangements, where practicable.
• Improve workplace culture, inclusion, and intersectionality.
• Enhance gender balance in leadership and employment practices

Our Graduate Development Program applies the Australian Public Service (APS) RecruitAbility scheme, which supports people with disability applying for jobs in the APS by giving them a better opportunity to put forward their skills and experience during the selection process.

RecruitAbility offers you the opportunity to progress to further assessment stages in the selection process if you:

• declare you have a disability
• apply and opt into the scheme
• are assessed as meeting the minimum requirements of the vacancy

Our Accessibility and Inclusion Action Plan 2021-25 [hyperlink: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/careers-subsite/files/accessibility-inclusion-action-plan-2021-25.pdf] shows our commitment to better supporting our employees and clients with disability and those who care for a person with a disability. It will help build relationships, create new opportunities, and provide accessible workplaces that allow everyone to participate fully.

We also provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability. Reasonable adjustments refer to administrative, environmental, or procedural adjustments made to enable an employee with a disability to:

• safely perform the inherent or essential requirements of their job,
• participate to their maximum potential in recruitment processes, along with promotion and training opportunities, and
• enjoy equal terms and conditions of employment.

We acknowledge Indigenous Australians as the traditional custodians of this land and we recognise the importance of learning about our rich histories, cultures, and achievements.

Our core foundations of success are built on respect, acceptance, understanding, and equal opportunity to promote the attraction, retention, and development of Indigenous Australians. 

Initiatives the Department offers include:

• a Reconciliation Action Plan as part of our commitment to the ‘Closing the Gap’ agenda,
• access to our Indigenous Staff Support Network and Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group,
• a Culture, Diversity, and Inclusion Section and senior Indigenous Champions who drive Indigenous initiatives,
• access to a mentor and/or buddy to provide support and guidance and cultural appreciation, language, and Indigenous Leadership training to support professional and cultural development.

This allows us to reinforce our commitment to working with you to build a successful career, one that continually provides ongoing access to support, active career management, and professional development opportunities to maximise progression and potential.

Indigenous Australians are strongly encouraged to apply for Department and the Australian Border Force (ABF) positions.

Read what one of our Grads has to say about the Indigenous Graduate Pathway:

“The Department of Home Affairs is a vastly diverse workplace that has allowed for me to work and engage with four different business areas over the course of my graduate year. In these teams, I have contributed first hand to issues that face and affect all of Australia. I would highly recommend for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates to undertake this opportunity and see where the Department of Home Affairs could take you.”
Alana – 2021 General Stream, Indigenous Graduate Pathways