When you apply for PM&C's Graduate Programme, you're not just applying for a job, you're opening the door to an exciting career…
2018 Graduate Programme
Do you want to make a real contribution to the success of Australia? PM&C offers exciting and fulfilling work at the heart of government with career development opportunities difficult to find elsewhere.
Our Graduate Programme is a structured, on-the-job development programme that provides you with the support, opportunities and challenges you need to springboard your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).
Roles are primarily located in Canberra however opportunities may also be available in our Regional Network. The 2018 graduate cohort will commence with the Department on 5 February 2018.
What work will you do?
As a PM&C Graduate you will help advance Australia's interests by working across government to advise the Prime Minister on policies across the full range of government activities, and implement cabinet decisions.
You will work on matters of particular importance to the Prime Minister, current government priorities, social and economic policies, Indigenous affairs and national security. You may also get the chance to work on special taskforces which could include areas of counter-terrorism, Commonwealth-State relations, deregulation, women's policy, cyber security and international delegate events. Some of our previous Graduates have even had the chance to meet members of the royal family or heads of state!
As part of the Graduate Programme you will undertake rotations across various areas of the Department. This may include our Regional Network (state and regional offices) and in an external partner organisation in the not-for-profit, non-government or private sector. These rotations will give you the opportunity to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the Government's priorities, and experience the development and implementation of government policy and its effectiveness on the ground first hand.
What we offer
Training and support
As part of the Graduate Programme you will complete a range of on-the-job training, networking and mentoring opportunities, and tailored learning and development activities.
On commencement you will be teamed-up with a former Graduate to assist you with settling into the workplace, and complete a comprehensive induction. During your first 6 months on the programme you will be able to access training to develop your skills in the workplace, understand your responsibilities as an APS employee and become familiar with how government works.
During the remainder of the programme you will participate in a tailored development plan that meets your individual learning needs and goals, including structured training and a variety of formal and informal networking opportunities. You will also have access to senior PM&C employees to establish a mentoring relationship.
To ensure your success you will be closely supported by the Graduate Team, supervisors, former graduates and mentors. You will have the opportunity to work with strong, smart, visionary and experienced leaders who encourage and support you to develop your interests and expertise, and achieve your ambitions.
Salary and conditions
Our Graduates are engaged as full-time, permanent employees commencing at the APS3 level under the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014. On successful completion of the programme graduates will be assessed for advancement within the PM&C graduate band (APS3-APS5).
* The Department is currently negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement, until a new agreement is in place your employment terms and conditions are governed by the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Enterprise Agreement 2011 - 2014 or any subsequent workplace agreement.
In addition to an attractive salary and generous employer superannuation contributions, we also offer:
- flexible working hours
- 4 weeks of paid annual recreation leave
- cumulative paid sick leave
- relocation assistance
- a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Who are we looking for?
Variety of academic disciplines
We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines.
Motivation and interest in government
- You will be a motivated high achiever who wants to make a difference to the future of our country.
- You will have an interest in and understanding of Government, policy and/or the work of the Department.
Communication skills
- You speak confidently, clearly, fluently and expressively, and adapt your interpersonal communication style to suit different people or situations.
- You write simply, clearly and concisely in a well-structured and logical way.
- You can communicate opinions, information and key points convincingly to gain the agreement of others.
Relationship management skills and respect
- You can quickly develop a positive rapport with people at all levels in an organisation.
- You are able to build, maintain and use networks of contacts.
- You show respect and sensitivity towards cultural and religious differences.
Analytical ability
- You understand the relationship between issues and how they might be part of a larger complex problem.
- You can gather and analyse data from multiple sources of information, and probe for further information where required.
- You make rational and considered judgements and decisions.
Innovative thinking and commitment to learning
- You are able to quickly learn new technology, processes and information.
- You actively seek out opportunities for personal, professional and organisational improvement.
- You offer new ideas, approaches or insights, and approach problems creatively to find workable solutions.
Agility and resilience
- You demonstrate resilience in the workplace.
- You work productively in a high pressure environment.
- You adapt and respond well to change and ambiguity, and make the most of the opportunities it presents.
How can you apply?
If this sounds like what you are looking for, then we want to hear from you! To be eligible to apply you will need to:
- have completed a minimum 3 year undergraduate bachelor degree in the last 5 years. All degrees must be complete by 31 December 2017 (degree must be recognised in Australia)
- have maintained a credit (or equivalent) average throughout your degree
- be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance to a minimum of Negative Vetting Level 2
- be an Australian citizen or will be an Australian citizen by 30 June 2017. Evidence to verify impending citizenship must be provided.
Applications for the 2018 Graduate Programme will open on Monday 27 March 2017. To apply, submit an online application through the PM&C Careers Page by Monday 1 May at 11:30pm AEST. As part of your application you will need to provide:
- your resume, including the contact details of two referees
- a copy of your most recent academic transcript
- a ‘one page pitch’ telling us why you are the right person for the programme
Alternatively, you can join us through the following whole-of-government graduate programmes:
- Australian Government ICT Graduate Programme – Information Technology graduates
- APS Indigenous Graduate Programme – Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander graduates
What should you include in your resume?
The quality of your resume creates the vital first impression we have of you. As a minimum, you should ensure that you include the following elements:
- Personal details – include your name, contact email address and phone number.
- Education – provide details of any education and qualifications.
- Work experience – include all work experience and outline your main responsibilities and achievements. Organise your employment history in chronological order, starting with the most recent, and indicate actual dates of employment. Make sure to explain any gaps in time.
- Other experience – if relevant, mention any extra-curricular activities, interests or volunteer/community work that you participated in and highlight what you gained from that experience.
- References – include the name and contact details of two referees (professional or academic) who can validate and support your application.
What should you include in your one page pitch?
Your one page pitch is a chance to tell us about yourself. We want to know why you are interested in a graduate role at PM&C, what you can offer us, what your career goals are and how your skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications makes you the right person for the job. In a nutshell – why should we hire you?
Try not to duplicate information that can be found in your resume, but we recommend you highlight any specific examples or achievements that will demonstrate your ability or potential.
What happens after you submit your application?
After you submit your application you will be contacted within four weeks from the closing date to advise if you have been successful in making it through to the next stage in the assessment process.
We use a variety of techniques to assess and validate key knowledge areas, critical skills, motivation and fit for the role, including:
- Application shortlisting
- Online critical thinking/behavioural testing
- Interviews
- Written assessment
Your referees may also be contacted at any stage of the assessment process to validate your claims. For this reason it is important that you advise them you have applied our Graduate Programme, and that you feel confident they will be able to support your application.
Where can you get more information?
For more information on the PM&C Graduate Programme you can email us at careers@pmc.gov.au or call us on 02 6271 6000.
You can also find out more about the PM&C Graduate Programme by viewing our Working at the Department and Applying for the Programme videos.
