Graduate Program
Our Graduate Program
Information about our Graduate Development Program.
What we offer?
The Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a 12 month full time program, with the following core components:
- a comprehensive induction program;
- a minimum of three diverse workplace rotations throughout different areas of the Department;
- on-the-job training; and
- a comprehensive training and development package to develop core APS skills.
Graduates will be allocated to their rotations depending on the business needs of each division.
As a graduate at the Department of Health and Aging, you will contribute to the development and implementation of health programs; managing funding agreements to maintain the running of health programs; conducting research and analysis; and preparing documents which will be used to develop health policy. You will play a meaningful role in serving the Australian public and work on issues that touch the lives of every-day Australians.
After successful completion of the program, you will have a permanent role within the Department of Health and Ageing and will advance from a Graduate APS to an
APS 4, which means a pay rise to launch your new career. Our graduates are competitively placed at the end of the program to build a career within the Australian Public Service.
The majority of graduate positions are located at the Departments Central Office in Canberra. Positions in State Office and TGA are limited and restricted to the demands of the Department. Graduates who are selected for a home division at TGA are required to complete two out of three rotations within TGA in accordance to the TGA guidelines.
The benefits
There are many benefits to being a graduate with the Department of Health and Ageing. Some of these benefits are:- A variety of challenging work
- Opportunities for career progression
- Buddy and mentoring opportunities
- Leadership and people management training available
- Access to elective training courses to aid your further development
- Flexible work conditions
- Annual Leave
- Personal Leave
- Friendly and diverse work environment
- Great work-life balance and social networking opportunities
- A competitive remuneration package (see Working Conditions)
- Relocation assistance
- Gym membership discounts
What do grads get to do?
Our graduates get to undertake a variety of interesting work which may include:- Supporting program management and policy development
- Analysing and evaluating policy
- Applying legislation
- Supporting project and contract management
- Conducting research and analysis for reports
- Participating in Health Reform Taskforces
- Preparing briefing material for conferences and ministerial visits
- Working on briefings, speeches, reports, letters, ministerials and minutes
- Liaising with state and territory offices and ministers offices
- Working with graduates to organise events and networking opportunities
- Corporate support (e.g. human resources, IT, financial management and legal services)
More information about the divisions within the department and what type of work they do, please visit the 'Divisions' page on the Health website.
What Training and Development opportunities are available?
Our comprehensive training and development program will teach you how government works, and to develop your skills for a successful career in the Australian Public Service.Graduates must attend all compulsory internal training in order to successfully complete the GDP and be advanced to an APS4.
A list of elective in-house training courses is available for you to further develop the core capabilities and to help you gain any specific skills required for your role.
In addition to in-house training, our graduates have the opportunity to attend the whole of APS sessions for graduates run by the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC). These sessions include an introduction to government, The Great Graduate Debate and advice from high profile and Senior Executive staff who were once graduates themselves.
What additional support is available?
Your Graduate Coordinator will be your “go to” person for anything to do with the GDP, though you will also be supported by your supervisors, buddies and through the Graduate meetings.Each graduate will be allocated a buddy, which they will meet at Induction Week. Your buddy is someone you can approach for advice while you are settling in, for example, where you can find a good mechanic, doctor, gym, area to rent etc. Concerns with your work or colleagues should be addressed to your supervisor or the Graduate Coordinator.
Graduates are also encouraged to seek mentors from within the department. Mentors are Executive Level staff who
Graduate meetings are organised by the GDP Coordinator. These sessions are important as they:
- facilitate networking;
- enable graduates to become increasingly aware of the business of the Department through interaction with guest speakers;
- communicate upcoming graduate events and message relevant to all graduates; and
- provide graduates with an opportunity to catch up with the GDP Coordinator and discuss any arising questions and concerns.
