Indigenous employment opportunities in the APS

Where are APS jobs advertised?

Ongoing (permanent) and non–ongoing (temporary) jobs are advertised on the APSjobs website at www.apsjobs.gov.au

Each Australian Government agency also advertises its own jobs on its own website. Find a list of these at the following link: australia.gov.au/directories/australian-government-directories/government-departments

The Australian JobSearch website includes jobs specifically for Indigenous Australians at jobsearch.gov.au/

Specific Indigenous-related APS positions are often advertised in Indigenous media e.g. the Koori Mail and National Indigenous Times.

APS jobs are also sometimes advertised in newspapers in the states, territories and regions where the jobs are located.

Job Network providers can help you locate job ads.

Researching a job

If you see an interesting job advertised, do some basic job research. Get the selection documentation and recruitment information kit from the agency. Find out about the agency from its website. What does it do? Can you imagine yourself working there?

Call the contact person

The contact person can tell you more about what the job specifically involves. They are there to help you so give them a call.

Ask them what tasks does it actually involve e.g. project work, public contact, outdoor work, writing, computer work, driving? Who are the clients? Who will you report to? Who will you be working with? Where is the job based? What are the opportunities for career development?

Pathways programs: APS career opportunities for Indigenous Australians

So how can you join the APS?

You don’t always need specific work experience or formal qualifications to be in the running for a public service job.  You may not have done that exact type of job before but you may have the skills required.  Agencies are looking for people who have general life experience and are enthusiastic, reliable, good communicators and willing to learn.

The Australian Public Service Commission coordinates the recruitment of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people for employment with a large range of Australian Public Service (APS) agencies. By lodging a single application with us you have the opportunity to be considered for employment in over 40 Australian government agencies.

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Application kits for Trainees and Cadets

Trainee and Cadet applications have now closed for 2011

APS Indigenous Traineeships

APS Indigenous Traineeships are designed to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the right skills and knowledge to commence a career in Government. It combines paid work with a structured training and development program.  You will be provided with a combination of work and study and will complete a nationally recognised qualification In Government at the Certificate III or IV level.  You will have the opportunity to work with, and learn from, people with diverse experience and skills. 

You will also have access to mentors, support networks of Indigenous staff including past and present trainees and will be offered ongoing employment on successful completion of the program.

Salary is dependent on age, time out of school and vary between departments, but generally start from $30,000.

Applying

Trainee applications have now closed.

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APS Indigenous Cadetship

An APS Indigenous Cadetship is a great way to be supported through your tertiary studies and give your career a head start. It provides practical work placements to complement your study in a flexible manner, as well as financial assistance while you complete your degree.

Each year of study, cadets undertake 12 weeks of work placements with their employing agency and are paid a wage while they study. These work placements are normally undertaken during university breaks but can generally be negotiated with your employing agency to fit with your individual circumstances.

Whether you are completing a University Bachelors degree or a TAFE Diploma/Advanced Diploma, the APS has opportunities in a wide range of fields including, but not limited to, social policy, business, science, information technology, legal, international relations, economics, Indigenous affairs and the environment.

Salary can vary between departments but generally range from $20,000-$35,000 per year.

APS Indigenous Cadetships is run in conjunction with the Indigenous Cadetship Support Program (ICS), an initiative of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). To learn more about ICS, or register as a student on the ICS database, visit www.deewr.gov.au/Indigenous/Employment/Programs/IEP/Pages/IndigenousCadetshipSupport

Applying

Cadet applications have now closed.

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APS Indigenous Graduate Program

The APS Indigenous Graduate Program is a great way to transition your studies into a career.  The APS has a range of positions available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who have recently (within the last five years) completed an undergraduate degree or higher qualifications.

The graduate program is a great way to kick-start your career and broaden your understanding of how Government works, public administration processes and the business of your employing agency. You will be supported by the Commission through your graduate year with additional learning and development programs, as well as networking events to keep you connected with other Indigenous APS employees.

Ultimately, this program is the first step in a great career where you know that what you do can make a difference. It can provide the opportunity to work for an organisation that offers job security, work-life balance and respects your Indigenous heritage.

Salary can vary between departments and expected to start from $50,000.

Graduate applications have now closed for 2011.