2024 Graduate Development Program - Finance and Economics

The opportunity

Do you want to help shape the future of Australia’s infrastructure, transport, regional development, communications or creative industries?

We’re seeking motivated graduates to join our highly-regarded Graduate Development Program.

Get involved planning the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow, designing liveable 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 Australians. 

If you’re seeking an exciting and rewarding start to your career, improving the lives and opportunities of Australians, we want to hear from you.

Why choose Infrastructure?

We were the only Federal Government Department listed  in the Top Graduate Employer by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers in 2023 as a result of feedback from our graduates on their experience in the Program. 

Our department spans many great portfolios and provides graduates with the opportunity to rotate through three different work areas to find the best career fit.

You will have the opportunity to work in a way that enriches our communities, empowers our regions and leaves a positive impact for generations to come.

Our department offers you the unique opportunity to experience a range of exciting work areas, all with one thing in common – improving the lives of everyday Australians.

We understand the transition from study to a career can be a challenging one. Many of our graduates relocate from other parts of Australia and, for some, it is also their first experience of living away from home. We work hard to make it as easy as possible and offer a generous travel, accommodation and storage package. We also help you settle into Canberra with plenty of housing, food and recreational recommendations.

Don’t just take our word – you can hear directly from our previous graduates and their experience in the Graduate Development Program on our department website.

The Program

Our Graduate Development Program will help you kick start your career, build professional skills and contribute to high profile and diverse work with real impact. The Program is designed to build on the skills you have acquired at university and introduce you to working in the Australian Public Service. 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, a salary increase and advancement from the APS Level 3 to APS Level 5 on successful completion. 

It includes:

• an 11 month program designed to build your networks and give you access to senior leaders
• three challenging and diverse work rotations across our high profile portfolio
• commencement as an APS3 employee (from $64,622 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• upon successful completion of rotations 1 and 2, advancement to an APS4 (from $71,600 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• upon successful completion of the program, advancement to an ongoing APS5 (from $79,935 plus 15.4% superannuation)
• a structured learning and development program to set you up for success including a choice between a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration or Graduate Certificate in Policy and Data at the University of Canberra*
• Access to our internal staff networks and experience contributing to key corporate events including the Department's Social Club and Christmas Party.

*subject to change
Listed salaries are as at 28 March 2023

Towards the end of the program you will have access to professional development opportunities as well as consideration for financial support and paid leave to undertake further study in relevant areas, and broader Australian Public Service and mobility and career progression within the department.

The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development Enterprise Agreement 2016 offers more information about our employment conditions.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where our people feel connected, valued and respected for who they are and what they bring to the workplace. We know a culture of inclusion enhances our work performance and the wellbeing of everyone. In 2019, Diversity Council Australia recognised us as an inclusive employer for our diversity measures. We encourage graduates of all backgrounds and identities to apply and are committed to supporting you during the graduate program and beyond.

We are committed to supporting and engaging with Indigenous staff and communities. This is demonstrated in our 2022-24 Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan.

Rotations 

Throughout our Graduate Development Program, you will undertake three workplace rotations over 11 months. This allows you to get a sense of the diversity of work across our portfolio and make a meaningful contribution in each area. Rotation placements are determined through an Expression of Interest where individual preferences are matched with organisational requirements as much as possible.

Workplace rotations vary significantly and could see you:

• helping to set the course for Australia's digital future
• developing policy that supports and protects our cultural heritage
• regulating airports
• implementing the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan
• developing policy for broadband, telecommunications or broadcasting
• working on the development of the North-South Corridor or Melbourne to Brisbane Inland Rail
• supporting regional development and local communities around Australia

No matter the rotation, you will enjoy exciting, rewarding and challenging experiences that will kick start your career in the APS.

Some of our past graduates have shared some of their rotation experiences, here.

Support

It's important to us that as a graduate, you feel supported and welcomed into our department and, if you've just moved to Canberra, that you settle in to 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. 

You’ll also have:

• A buddy—before you start work with us, we’ll pair you up with a graduate from the previous year’s program. Your buddy can offer you tips on finding housing, good restaurants and fun activities in Canberra. Your buddy will help you to start building your network early.
• 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.

Recruitment process

2024 Graduate Development Program applications are open from 6 March 2023 and close 28 April 2023.

Step 1: Apply online

The first stage of the application process is online. Allow yourself around one hour to complete the application process and submit by 11.30pm on the closing date to avoid any technical issues. In addition to providing information about your interests, work experience and general application criteria (e.g. educational experience), you will require a copy of your current resume and academic transcript. You will also be asked to complete capability assessments that are described below:

Situational Judgement Questions: You will be asked to respond to a series of situational questions that reflect experiences which graduates may encounter in the program as well as some questions that will require a response. These questions will examine the fit between your preferred working style and the working environment and culture in the Department. 

Written Motivational Questions: You will be asked to respond to the below question in 500 words. We aim to assess your motivation behind applying for the program and what skills you will bring to the role. Don’t forget to respond using the STAR method and think about the capabilities we are looking for that have been outlined in this job pack. 

What has motivated you to apply for a Graduate position at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts? Based on your skills and experience, how do you think you will be able to contribute to the work of the department?

Step 2: Video and written submissions

If you are successful in progressing to the next stage of the process, you will be asked to complete the following two online assessments:

Targeted Questions/Work Sample: You will be asked to provide written responses that demonstrate your competency in an area critical to success in a graduate role. This may be in the form of multiple questions or as a work sample to an important piece of work you may likely perform as a graduate. 

Online Video Questions: You will also be asked to record an online video response to some behavioural interview questions. This is your chance to showcase any research you have done into the department and outline the skills you have acquired in your working/university career. You will have the opportunity to test out how the interview works with some sample questions prior to responding to the actual questions.

You will need to submit your targeted questions and video response within a set timeframe of receiving your invitation, we will provide you plenty of notice and will be available to discuss if you have any questions or concerns. 

Step 3: Virtual Assessment Centre

After shortlisting is complete, you may be invited to attend our virtual Assessment Centre. This is where the team will be able to chat with you and get to know you a little better, while assessing you during some virtual activities. The Assessment Centre will run for around three hours and will involve:

• a group exercise
• an interview
• a chance to chat to the previous year’s graduate cohort

Step 4: Referee Checks

Referee checks – we think you’re amazing! This is when we confirm just how amazing you are with your two chosen referees.
Please make sure your referees are aware that they may be contacted. 

Step 5: Offers

Congratulations, you did it! Our team want you to join the department as part of a fantastic cohort of future leaders.

Offers will be made to successful candidates. A merit pool may be established dependent on how many suitable candidates are ranked for any potential late offers.  All unsuccessful candidates will be notified via email and will be able to receive feedback.

Expected timeframe for assessment and selection

We receive a large number of applications for the Program and like to spend time ensuring that all applications are sufficiently assessed. We know you put a lot of time and effort into writing your application and so try to let you know the outcome as early as possible. The outline below is an approximate timeframe for the selection process:

Eligibility

To be eligible for our Graduate Development Program you must submit a completed application before the closing date and time, and provide evidence or confirmation of the following:

• be an Australian citizen by October 2023
• have completed (at least) an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor Degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by January 2024
• have completed the most recent degree no more than 5 years from the date of the application being submitted
• have a credit rating average
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted into the program
• be willing to undergo police, character, health or other checks as required
• be willing to relocate to Canberra.

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to the assessment process, please note this in your application and we will contact you to discuss any additional support.

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 and creative industries.

Successful applicants 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.

We are looking for graduates who aren't afraid to do things differently and create an impact—those who want to make a difference and are bold enough to take the lead.

Apply now!

Applications to apply directly with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts will be open from 6 March 2023 and close 28 April 2023. 

Click here to apply now! 

We are also a participating agency in the following Graduate opportunities:

Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP)

Applying through the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) means you will only have to go through the application and selection process once to be considered for a range of Australian Government agencies. Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate, you’ll do meaningful work from day one, be asked to contribute, be recognised for your perspective and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.  

In 2023 we are a participating agency in the Generalist, Data, Digital, Economics, Finance, Legal and STEM Graduate streams.  

Click here to apply and find out more. 

Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program

As an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, you will be able to complete one application and be considered for multiple Agencies and Departments within the Australian Public Service (APS). 

Whether you start your career with us, or somewhere else in the APS, you will do meaningful work from day one.

Applications to apply through the Indigenous Graduate Pathway Program are now open and close on 12 April 2023. 

Click here to apply and find out more. 

Contact

For information not contained within this job information pack or on our website, please contact us at:
E: [email protected]