Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) Graduate Programs & Internships

The Australian Public Service Commission  (APSC) is central to the Government – we are part of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet portfolio and our work spans across the Australian Public Service (APS) to ensure the Australian people have a public service that is fit for purpose.

The APSC Graduate Program is your pathway into a rewarding career within the APS.  

The APSC is pleased to partner with other agencies to support streamlined and innovative approaches to recruit graduates.  By taking a collaborative approach we are able to provide graduate job seekers opportunities to explore a range of graduate roles, either within the APSC or in other participating agencies. 

If you are considering a graduate opportunity in 2021 then the APSC is a great place to start your career.  You can find out more about what we offer graduates by contacting people@apsc.gov.au or by calling the Graduate Co-ordinator on 02 6202 3807. 

Our Statutory responsibilities are detailed in the Public Service Act 1999 and include to:

• Develop, promote, review and evaluate APS employment policies and practices
• Contribute to learning and development and career management
• Contribute to and foster leadership in the APS
• Provide advice and assistance on public service matters to agencies
• Promote high standards of integrity and conduct in the APS

The APSC also provides policy and secretariat support to the Remuneration Tribunal and the Defence Force Remuneration Tribunal.

In line with our statutory responsibilities, we promote 4 key priorities within our corporate plan for 2020-2021. These priorities enable us to position the APS workforce for the future and are aimed at creating a more flexible and agile workforce. Whilst these priorities are externally facing and drive the delivery of our work, we embed these priorities internally.

Our strategic priorities are to:

• Modernise the employment framework
• Shape the APS workforce
• Build workforce capability
• Promote integrity

Our graduate program

The APSC Graduate Program offers a comprehensive learning and development experience providing graduates with the foundation skills to build a challenging, successful and mobile career in the APS. 

Your learning will be supported by a range of on the job opportunities and experiences, allowing you to develop your knowledge and skills across a range of areas within the APSC.  Your rotations will be designed to support your individual learning goals and areas of interest.  Your learning experiences will be underpinned by a workplace culture that supports team work, collaboration and innovation. 

Our program will open up opportunities for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to the lives of Australian’s.  You will have the chance to be involved in reforming and reshaping the APS by implementing recommendations from the APS Review.

The APSC will be recruiting from the following streams. You can apply through APSjobs, and choose the stream(s) of most interest to you:

• Generalist Stream 
• HR Stream
• Data Stream
• Indigenous Graduate Pathway

It is important to note that graduate roles in the APSC are located in Canberra. 

What strengths do we look for in our graduates?

We are looking for great communicators who are motivated to contribute their skills and knowledge to the work we do. You will need to have a strong interest in the work of the APSC and be ready to apply your knowledge, experience and qualifications to that work.

We need people who will:

• grasp new concepts and formulate ideas
• build relationships and collaborate with others
• be a team player 
• be open to feedback and apply what you learn
• influence and lead others
• commit to a goal and see it through
• step into new tasks ready to learn
• value diversity and contribute to an inclusive workplace
• be willing to invest effort to achieve

We value diversity and strive to have an inclusive culture along with a workforce that represents the diversity in our community.

The APSC is an inclusive workplace and encourage candidates from different backgrounds and people with disability to join our team.   We offer practical support such as making reasonable adjustments to ensure that people are able to participate equally in our workplace.

We actively support the recruitment, development and career progression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the APS by implementing the APS Indigenous Employment Strategy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also strongly encouraged to join us.

Who are we looking for?

We welcome graduates from any discipline. However, you will need to have a strong interest in the work of the Commission and be ready to apply your knowledge and experience to that work.
Our graduates need to:

• work collaboratively with others
• be prepared to challenge themselves
• be willing to participate in learning experiences in a challenging but supportive environment
• use their judgment and critical thinking skills to solve problems and innovate

Before you apply, you should go to our website to get a better understanding of the Commission’s purpose and the work we do. We encourage you to think about the type of work that will interest and motivate you to contribute your skills to our work.

We value and encourage a diverse and inclusive workplace and strive to have a workforce that reflects the diversity in our community.

We strongly encourage people with disability to apply and can offer practical support such as making reasonable adjustments to ensure that people are able to participate equally in the selection process.

We also strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.