Graduate Program
"The Graduate Program is a unique way for quality people to begin a career with the ACT Public Service. Because our
functions are both state and local in nature, we can offer graduates a public sector experience which is unique, in both
its variety and its direct effect on the community it serves."
Jon Stanhope MLA
Former ACT Chief Minister
Applications for the 2013 ACT Public Service Graduate Program are now open and will close on 23 May 2012.
Click here for more information and the application form. 
Application and eligibility information can be found on the Jobs.act website by clicking the link below.
Jobs.act Graduate Program Information
Graduate Program Overview
The ACTPS Graduate Program is a whole-of-government program designed to recruit highly skilled and talented
graduates to support the ongoing renewal of the service. The graduates undertake a ten-month work-based learning and
development program. The program incorporates on-the-job learning experiences through three workplace rotations
across two Directorates. To complement these rotations a structured training program is conducted by a registered
training provider. This training includes assessable components in which it is expected that the Graduate will achieve
adequate competency to receive a Diploma of Government.
The ACTPS Graduate Program offers the following benefits:
• Permanent appointment at an Administrative Services Officer upon successful completion;
• Participating in three work placements across two Directorates;
• Challenging off-the-job training; and
• A competitive starting salary.
On commencement of the Graduate Program you will be permanently appointed to the ACT Public Service, subject to a
probationary period of six months. Following satisfactory completion of the probationary period, your appointment will
be confirmed.
On successful completion of the Program, graduates are eligible for appointment between the Administrative Service
Officer 3 and 6 range, with a competitive salary plus superannuation and excellent terms and conditions of employment.
Completion of the Graduate Program is subject to achievement of satisfactory probationary reports from each work
rotation and satisfactory completion of the relevant training program.
Specialist Streams
Like the 2012 program, the 2013 ACT Public Service Graduate Program will allow applicants the opportunity to select
specialist streams in which they would like to be considered for employment. The specialist streams allow graduates to
use their expertise and knowledge in their graduate positions and provide opportunities for future careers.
Exactly what streams will be on offer in the 2013 program will be subject to directorate’s requirements.
As a guideline, the specialist streams for the 2012 ACT Public Service Graduate Program included:
• Accounting / Finance / Economics;
• General Administration;
• Human Resources;
• Information Communication Technology;
• Law;
• Project Management;
• Public Administration / Policy; and
• Sustainability / Environment / Planning.
Work Rotations
The ten-month Program is comprised of three work rotations across the ACT Public Service. The first placement is with
your 'home' agency (the agency that employs you). The second placement is usually with a different agency, referred to
as your 'host' agency. This is determined according to developmental needs, work availability and organisational
capacity to offer placements. In the third rotation you usually return to your 'home' agency, often to a different section
than in the first rotation.
This ensures that graduates develop a breadth of knowledge and experience across government, and allows graduates
to learn about the functions and perspectives of particular agencies.
Diversity
The ACTPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the principles of merit-based selection, equity and
diversity and procedural fairness in our recruitment processes. We recognise that by reflecting the diversity of the
community in the workforce, we are better equipped to understand and meet the needs of the community. Our Respect,
Equity and Diversity policies promote productive and supportive workplaces that allow individuals to maximise their
contribution to outcomes.
Training
Training is an integral part of the ACT Graduate Program and equips graduates with a sound knowledge base and the
necessary skills for career development in the ACT Public Service.
Generalist Graduates will complete a nationally recognised qualification from Government Skills Australia (GSA) Public
Sector Training Package. This qualification is a broad competency-based program designed specifically for people working
in the public sector.
As part of their work rotations, all graduates have opportunities to participate in additional training and development
activities in order to meet their individual development needs.
Networking
The ACT Graduate Program provides graduates with an excellent opportunity to build valuable networks across the public
service and beyond. You will meet people at all levels of management, and politicians too. As a graduate you will have
the support and camaraderie of your peers and ex-graduates still in the service.
Testimonials
“The major highlights of my Graduate year involved working closely with my supervisors on projects I was passionate
about. Each of my supervisors had a different approach to developing projects and policy and I gained invaluable
experience of government processes.”
Cameron | 2009 Graduate
”The graduate cohort is one of the real strengths of the ACT Graduate Program. I was lucky enough to spend a year
working and learning with a group of highly intelligent and creative individuals. The graduate cohort was a built-in
support network that made a new city and new job feel like a perfect fit.”
Gillian | 2009 Graduate
“The opportunity to work on projects that directly influence your own community is one of the greatest assets of the
ACTPS. The three rotations of the Graduate Program allow you to experience very different work teams and put you
outside of your comfort zone, while retaining the knowledge that you will have a permanent position at the end of the
program. Staff also take very good care of their Graduate’s personal development and adjustment to the public service
culture.”
Alice | 1999 Graduate
