About the National Graduate Program

The Department of Human Services National Graduate Program (NGP) is a 10 month long program with two intake dates (August 2012 and February 2013). The NGP accepts all disciplines of study, so there are many opportunities available in the department which will allow you to use the skills and knowledge you have gained through university and prior work experience.

In addition to the numerous professional development opportunities, mentoring programs and inbound/outbound visits you will have access to through the NGP; you will also have two pathway preferences to choose from – the Generalist pathway and the Professional pathway.

The NGP team will be visiting various career fairs throughout Australia during March 2012. To find a career fair near you where you can find out more about the NGP, please see our National Graduate Program page.

For any other enquiries, please contact graduate.recruitment@humanservices.gov.au

Eligibility

To be eligible for the NGP, you must:

• be an Australian citizen
• have completed a minimum of an Australian recognised undergraduate degree within the last:
  • seven years for ICT degrees
  • five years for Allied Health degrees
  • three years for all other degrees
• be willing to relocate if required

While a GPA or credit average is highly desirable, it is not a mandatory requirement. We also accept people who have completed post‑graduate studies within the above specified timeframes.

Indigenous Australians, people with a disability and mature age people are all encouraged to apply – the department promotes diversity and this is something that we encourage as part of the NGP. Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply for this program and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) program if they wish.

If you obtained your degree at an overseas university, you will need to have it recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR). Please visit the Australian Education International website or contact 1300 636 079 for more information.

Applying for the NGP

Details on how to apply (either online or on paper) can be found on the How to apply page.

You can strengthen your application by looking at our website and gaining a better understanding of the work our department delivers and the services we offer to the Australian community.

Remember to be honest about your abilities.

Our application process is different to most other departments—we hope you find it interesting and rewarding to participate in it. After applications are submitted, candidates will be shortlisted (based on the quality of their online applications, testing results and telephone screening) for progression to assessment centres. Positions in the NGP will then be offered on the basis of the applications and assessment centres.

Assessment centre dates for 2012

Location	Estimated number of assessment centre days	Proposed dates
Canberra (ACT)	2	16 & 17 May
Sydney (NSW)	3	21 – 23 May
Melbourne (VIC)	3	21 – 23 May
Adelaide (SA)	2	24 – 25 May
Perth (WA)	1	25 May
Brisbane (QLD)	2	28 – 29 May

We have developed a unique placement system to identify graduate vacancies across the department. We have also developed an innovative methodology which recruits and matches individuals with the requirements of their initial placement. The methodology also looks to place people in roles which will provide a pathway to develop their abilities for future roles.

Pathways

The department offers you two pathways to choose from when applying for the NGP. If you are not sure which is best suited to you, you can apply for both; however, different methodologies will be used for assessing individuals for each pathway. If successful you will only be selected for one of the two pathways.

Generalist pathway

This option is for you if you do not have a particular professional area you wish to work in or if your degree does not fit in a particular profession.

The NGP accepts all disciplines of study and we have an area of work for everybody. Past Generalist graduates have been placed in a range of different work areas which have seen them:

• liaising with other federal government departments and building on their networking and communication skills
• contributing to policies that support the Government’s agenda to improve services to all Australian’s through Service Delivery Reform
• coordinating and drafting Question Time Briefs, Senate Estimates and Ministerial briefs, speeches and presentations, contributing to Annual Reports, and developing Risk Management and Business Continuity Plans
• providing support to the Minister, Secretary and department SES.

The opportunities are endless!

Graduates in the Generalist pathway will possess the following requirements:

• the ability to undertake specialist or technical research and analysis, and present information and findings
• strong written and verbal communication skills
• proven drive and integrity in relation to achieving work objectives and the ability to respond ethically to demands and circumstances
• the ability to establish positive working relationships with team members and stakeholders through the use of effective networks and targeted communication
• the ability to problem solve, think laterally and use innovation to make sound judgements

Professional pathway

This option is for you if you would like your career to focus in one particular area (i.e. accountancy, law, social workers or ICT).

The Professional pathway allows you to apply your knowledge, skills and abilities within a professional or technical area and develop your career in a particular profession. This pathway will allow you to work in your area of interest and develop your skills for accreditation purposes if required. If you wish to apply for the Professional pathway, you should possess a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues and practices related to your professional area of expertise or technical discipline in addition to the previously identified eligibility requirements.

With this recruitment cycle, we are seeking professionals to work in the following areas:

• Allied health
• Communications and media
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Information Communication Technology
• Law

Commencing work in the NGP

Should you be successful in your application for the NGP, you may be required to relocate to the ACT. While there may be limited opportunities to offer successful graduates placements in cities around Australia (subject to business requirements), most NGP positions are located in Canberra. We recommend you be prepared to relocate when considering applying for the NGP. To assist you in preparing, visit the Living in Canberra page.

Relocation costs for you, your de facto/spouse/partner and dependants. We will pay for the removal of your furniture and motor vehicle and also provide you with a household establishment allowance which can be used in any way, such as bond for a property you have found. We also provide you with 21 nights’ accommodation in a fully self-contained serviced apartment.

Relocating pets will be at your own expense

Medical clearance and criminal history check

The medical clearance is a general health check to ensure you are fit for work and to allow us to make any Workplace Health adjustments for you if required. The NGP team will provide you further information of what is involved if you are offered a place on the program.

Before commencing work in the department, you will be required to undergo a criminal history check. Documentation for you to complete will be sent to you with your letter of offer.

Letter of offer, orientation and current employment

You will be provided details of commencement in your letter of offer; however, you can anticipate to be offered a placement for either the August 2012 or February 2013 intakes. We will arrange for you to arrive in Canberra the night before orientation.

Orientation will introduce you to working within the APS and outline what opportunities will be available to you throughout the NGP. Orientation is held at:

Caroline Chisholm Centre
57 Athllon Drive
Greenway ACT 2900

Even after you receive your letter of offer, we strongly suggest you ensure you pass your medical check, criminal history check and meet all of the requirements of the NGP before resigning from any current employment. A formal letter of offer will be sent to you but is still conditional. Contact the NGP team for more information.

Salary

If you have a single degree, you will commence the NGP on a salary of $54 435 (Graduate APS Pay point 1). If you have multiple degrees, honours or post-graduate qualifications, or have studied ICT, you will commence the NGP on a salary of $60 672 (Graduate APS Pay point 2). On completion of the NGP you will progress to APS5 classification with a salary of $69 699.

Those graduates who successfully complete the NGP and who are engaged in ICT, Legal or Professional streams (as identified in the department's Enterprise Agreement) will be eligible for advancement within the APS5 and APS6 broadbands.

Please note the departments Enterprise Agreement has a salary increase scheduled for 1 July 2013.

Placements and rotation

We recognise that you have a lot to offer and learn during the NGP.

If you enter the Generalist pathway, you will have two placements of five months. This gives you the opportunity to apply your skills in diverse areas of the department and to learn how different business areas operate.

If you enter the Professional pathway, you will be placed into particular roles during the ten month program. This is beneficial to you as it allows you to develop your skills in a specific work environment and to have the support of suitably qualified individuals; particularly if you are seeking additional accreditation relating to your qualification. You may be released for short periods to assist other areas of your branch or have a customised placement to gain experience in a different area; however, this is only done with the support of your supervisor and is subject to business requirements.

Outbound/inbound journeys

If you are based in Canberra, you will visit one of our service delivery areas for three days during the NGP. This helps you to understand the importance of the work that you do and how it directly benefits Australians.

For those who are already placed in a service delivery environment, you will travel to Canberra for a three day placement. This will give you the opportunity to understand how the corporate environment works to support you in your role.

Support, mentors and buddies

We have a dedicated NGP team in place to assist you throughout your time on the program. This team works closely with your Senior Executive Service (SES) mentor, your placement supervisor and with your graduate buddy. Together they ensure you transition successfully from students or working in mainstream employment to being a participant in the NGP. We all work towards making your time in the NGP a successful and rewarding experience.

Training, accredited learning and further study

Upon commencing in the NGP, a customised training plan will be developed between yourself, your supervisor and the NGP team. You will also complete a Diploma of Government, selecting from a suite of modules allowing you to focus your training on your individual interests. You will also undertake cultural awareness training and participate in mental health awareness training. This training is conducted in Canberra during business hours.

While on the graduate program you are not encouraged to conduct any further study other than training sessions that are available to you through the NGP or your workplace. The department may support you to undertake further relevant study after the NGP concludes.

Completing the NGP

Subject to meeting all the requirements of the NGP – including passing your probationary period and regular performance reviews – you will become a permanent APS5 staff member on completion of the program.

What else do we offer you?

Like many APS agencies, the department promotes a healthy work/life balance. As part of your employment conditions, you will have access to a variety of leave entitlements, including flex time, personal leave, special leave and sick leave.

We involve you in many activities and information sessions coordinated through the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). We also have a number of internal events and information sessions that assist with developing your networking, coordination and management skills. In addition, we will coordinate visits to Senate Estimates and Question Time, exposing you to the operations of Parliament.

For any other enquiries, please contact graduate.recruitment@humanservices.gov.au.