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Graduate Applications open 4th March

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The Graduate Program attracts high calibre graduates to work in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) as part of a specialised intake. This page provides information about the Graduate Program.

About the Department

As a central agency, the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C) occupies a privileged position. The Department advises and supports the Prime Minister, and the Cabinet on a range of issues at the forefront of public policy and government administration. Often these are complex and involve change and rapid developments in many areas.

Our mission is to contribute to the good government of Australia by supporting the Prime Minister and the Cabinet in the effective development and implementation of policies and programs across the whole of government and to demonstrate excellence in leadership in the Australian Public Service.

The major tasks for the Department include developing timely, well argued, robust and forward looking policy advice, coordination of policy through the Cabinet process, and supporting the implementation of key government programs.

The principal matters the Department deals with are:

  • providing advice to the Prime Minister on the full range of public policy issues considered by government
  • support to Cabinet and its committees
  • coordination of government administration, and
  • inter-governmental relations and communications with state and territory governments, including secretariat support to the Council of Australian Governments (COAG).

For more information, see the About PM&C page.

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Are you the right graduate for us?

The Department is looking for candidates who are keen to work in a unique, vibrant and fast paced environment.   Graduates from all disciplines and a variety of life experiences are welcomed and encouraged.  Our graduates:

  • are intelligent with strong academic qualifications
  • are good at research and analysis of information
  • write and speak well
  • have excellent interpersonal skills, and
  • are responsive, enthusiastic and willing to learn

If you like to work hard on challenging projects that are interesting and worthwhile, we invite you to apply to be part of the PM&C Graduate Program 2010. 

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Graduate Recruitment Process

How to apply:

Applications for the 2011 PM&C Graduate Program will open on 4 March 2010 and close on 29 April 2010. All applications should be submitted online. To begin your application, please follow the link to Current Opportunities. This link will direct you to a secure website external to Prime Minister and Cabinet.

All queries can be directed to graduaterecruitment@pmc.gov.au.

If you cannot access the internet, please call (02) 6271 5133 during business hours.

Interview process:

Applicants selected for interview will be contacted in June 2010 and interviews will be held in Canberra in July 2010. Interstate applicants will have flights and accommodation provided on an ‘as needs’ basis. Phone interviews will also be held during this time for overseas applicants. Please note on your application if a phone interview may be needed.

Assessment process:

Applicants selected for interview may be expected to undertake a combination of group activities, written exercise and interview with a panel of senior staff from PM&C. More information about the assessment process will be provided if you are selected for interview.

Offers of employment:

Initial offers of employment for successful applicants are expected to be made in late July 2010.  Offers may continue to be made up until the commencement of the program in late January/February 2011.  Additionally, applicants may be offered a placement within the Department under a varied arrangement based on individual needs, qualifications, experience and operational requirements.

Non-ongoing Vacancies:

This process may be used to fill non-ongoing vacancies as they arise for a period of 12 months from the date of advertising.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a placement in the Graduate Program, applicants must have completed at least a three year bachelor degree by 31 December 2010.

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The Graduate Program

Learning and Development

The Graduate Program runs for 10 months and includes an extensive learning and development program combined with on the job training. Graduates commence their year with a one-week induction that combines networking opportunities, formal training and Departmental information sessions designed to prepare graduates for the year ahead.

This year, our graduates will undertake a nationally recognised qualification. Participants who successfully complete the Graduate Program will be awarded a Diploma of Government and 6 credit points to a Graduate Certificate or Masters in Public Administration at the University of Canberra. It is anticipated that a similar program will be offered in the 2011 Graduate Program.

In addition to undertaking training designed specifically for graduates, all graduates are encouraged to participate in other Departmental learning and development opportunities such as lunchtime seminars. Graduates also have the opportunity to participate throughout the Department in other activities including Community Cabinet meetings and social club activities.

Graduates will participate in three rotations across the Department during the year.  Graduates may also have the opportunity for a rotation into one of our portfolio agencies.

Salary and Conditions

Graduates commence the program as ongoing APS Level 3 employees with a salary of $49,636 in 2010, plus superannuation up to 15.4% and salary sacrificing options. A new Enterprise Agreement is currently being negotiated.  Salary information for 2011 will be made available on the Department’s website once negotiations have been finalised.  Attractive conditions of employment include four weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave including carers leave, as well as flex time and flexible working hours.

For further information see the Department's current Collective Agreement 2007-10 - RTF 736KB | PDF 149KB .

Graduates who obtain a satisfactory result in their mid-program performance review and who successfully complete their six month probationary period, will receive a salary increase to the top of the APS Level 3 salary, which will be $53,453 plus superannuation.

Upon successful completion of the program graduates are invited to apply for advancement. Through this merit based process graduates may be advanced to an APS Level 4 or 5.

Relocation Assistance

The Department will provide a relocation allowance for successful applicants. Details will be made available upon selection.

Other Benefits

PM&C offers a friendly, safe, working environment with a no-bullying or harassment policy. Other policies include all staff receiving Work Station Assessments to ensure their working area is set-up correctly in line with individual occupational health and safety requirements. Our Health and Wellbeing initiative includes a Quit Smoking Program, free flu shots, and various extra sessions during the year including health checks and nutrition seminars.

The Facilities

One National Circuit is in the Parliamentary Triangle and is the pinnacle of design and architectural excellence. The facilities include meeting rooms, a café, landscaped courtyard and breakout areas.

Living in Canberra

Canberra is located about 150 kilometres inland from the South Coast beaches of NSW. Sydney is an easy three-hour drive away and Melbourne either an eight-hour drive or a quick 50 minute flight. It is the gateway to the ski fields of the Snowy Mountains, within easy reach by car or bus.

Canberra offers a unique lifestyle, combining the bustle of city life with peaceful parks, sparkling lakes and some of the best recreational and sporting venues in Australia. Many families move to Canberra to take advantage of the excellent schools, short distances to and from work and the healthy lifestyles.

Further information about living in Canberra is available on the following websites:


Social Network of Graduates

Every year, more than 2000 graduates come to Canberra to join government agencies. The Social Network of Graduates (SNoG) is the social network developed for connecting these graduates within the public sector in Canberra. It is run by graduates for graduates.

SNoG organise an orientation to Canberra and a variety of social events to help graduates meet people across the APS. SNoG also provide information about living in Canberra and working in the APS.

To find out more about SNoG, please visit the SNoG website.

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Indigenous Graduate Recruitment

In line with the Australian Public Service Commission's (APSC) goal of increasing the number of indigenous graduates in the Australian Public Service, PM&C participates in the APSC Indigenous Graduate Recruitment program. This program aims to recruit indigenous graduates into the graduate programs of Commonwealth agencies each year. Further information about the program can be found on the APSC website.

Further Information

If you would like any more information about the Graduate Program, please contact the PM&C Graduate Program Manager on 02 6271 5075.