Starting a Public Service Career After Year 12
Career Starter Program:
The Career Starter Program is a 12-month, full-time career development initiative designed for students who have recently completed Year 12. It offers a structured pathway into the Australian Public Service (APS), combining on-the-job experience with formal training.
Key Features
•Permanent APS Employment: Participants start at the APS Level 1 with a competitive salary and benefits.
•Career Progression: Upon successful completion, participants may advance to APS Level 2.
•Formal Qualification: Earn a nationally recognised Certificate IV in Government or Human Resource Management.
•Professional Development: After completing the program, if you go Uni, TAFE, your agency could help in tution fee.
•Supportive Environment: Participants are matched with a “buddy” and have access to employee assistance programs.
Salary & Benefits
•Starting Salary: Approx. $56,297/year at APS Level 1
• Post-Program Salary: Up to $65,059/year at APS Level 2
•Superannuation: 15.4%
•Leave: Four weeks of paid annual leave plus Christmas shutdown
Eligibility
To apply, candidates must:
•Be an Australian citizen (or on track to become one by November prior to program start)
•Have completed Year 12 within the past two years
•Be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance
ATO School Leaver Program
The School Leaver Program is Designed for students who’ve recently completed Year 12. This 12-month full-time program offers hands-on experience, formal training, and a pathway into permanent employment at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Key Features
•Permanent APS Employment: Participants start at the APS Level 1 with a competitive salary and benefits.
•Career Progression: Upon successful completion, participants may advance to APS Level 2.
•Formal Qualification: Earn a nationally recognised Certificate III in Business or IT.
•Professional Development: Ongoing learning with more training opportunities when you complete the program, if you decide to go on to University, CIT, TAFE or another course the ATO could help pay for your tuition.
Salary & Benefits
•Starting Salary: Approx. $56,297/year at APS Level 1
• Post-Program Salary: Up to $65,059/year at APS Level 2
•Superannuation: 15.4%
•Leave: Four weeks of paid annual leave plus Christmas shutdown
Eligibility
To apply, candidates must:
•Be an Australian citizen (or on track to become one by November prior to program start)
•Have completed Year 12 within the past two years
•Be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance
Apply
Australian Government Apprenticeship Program
The Australian Government Apprenticeship Program (AGAP) is a fantastic entry-level pathway into the Australian Public Service (APS), especially for those looking to kickstart their career, re-enter the workforce, or make a career change.
🎓 What the Program Offers:
•Duration: 12 months
•Qualification: You’ll complete a nationally recognised Diploma of Government
•Employment: Full-time permanent APS3 role from day one, with progression to APS4 upon successful completion
•Salary: Starting from $71,255 + 15.4% superannuation, increasing to $85,923 + super after graduation
•Support: Structured learning, mentoring, coaching, and peer support
Flexibility: Work-study balance with arrangements to support your development