Graduate Program
Graduate rotations and learning and development
The time you spend in our Graduate Program is designed to give you a taste of as many different areas of our diverse and busy portfolio as possible. Our department develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's environment and heritage, and to promote a sustainable and water-wise future. Your rotations are designed to place you across different divisions, policies and programs so you can find a good job fit with which to begin your career with SEWPaC.
About the rotations
Three rotations of around 12 weeks each in different divisions will give you a taste of the diversity of our department. You do not have to choose areas for which you are qualified or have experience in.
Each rotation provides you with an opportunity to gain and develop new skills, and to contribute to the policy, program and corporate aims of the department while letting you see a wide spectrum of the departmental activities.
While you will be in a supportive environment with the help of an experienced team who are committed to your development, the work you do in each rotation is real; with real outcomes and departmental impacts. Our supervisors are experienced and committed to providing unique opportunities for you in their teams.
Your first rotation placement is the only one where you do not preference where you are placed. This will be decided before you arrive, taking into account your background and your area of study. For the second and third rotations, you will be encouraged to research different areas within the department and submit preferences for what is on offer. You are encouraged to work in different divisions each rotation to maximise your experience.
There is also the exciting possibility of work placements outside of the ACT in locations such as:
- The Australian Antarctic Division and a part of the Marine Division in Tasmania
- Booderee National Park in Jervis Bay (ACT)
- Kakadu National Park in the NT
- The Australian National Botanic Gardens in the ACT
- The Supervising Scientist Division in Darwin.
The Learning and Development Program
As a part of our Graduate Program you will partake in a comprehensive year of training and knowledge sharing. Our Learning and Development program which includes a mix of on the job experience and formal training courses, has been developed to complement and expand on what you are learning in your daily work and includes:
Core training activities:
- Induction: An induction course at the beginning of the program will introduce you to key staff of the department and the expectations of the program and the APS. The induction will also provide a social opportunity for you to liaise with other graduates and Q&A our Senior Executive.
- Core Training: Your core training will be mostly completed during your first rotation. You will be scheduled to attend seminars and workshops focusing on essential public service skills or areas of knowledge. They are likely to include: Negotiation Skills, Business Communication & Influencing, Writing for the APS, APS and Legislative Decision-Making, Project Management, Workplace Diversity and Policy Development.
- Field trip: You may have an unique opportunity to plan and implement a number of small field trips to areas throughout Australia. The field trips will take you into the community to liaise with stakeholders and learn first hand about Commonwealth policies and programs on the ground.
Other development activities:
- Internal development opportunities: As a Graduate you will be provided with a number of other learning opportunities to assist with your specific development needs. The department also conducts regular seminars on a variety of topics which Graduates are encouraged to attend where appropriate.
- Individual development opportunities: You will have access to up to $1000 for personal development including attendance at workshops or conferences, short courses or relevant journal subscriptions.
- Mentors: You will also have two senior mentors who will be committed to supporting your development and career.
- Buddying: If you are successful in securing a position with our graduate program, you will be assigned a graduate Buddy from the previous year's intake, who will be available to answer any questions you might have to ease your transition into the department, the APS and Canberra in general.