Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find an answer to your question here please contact us.
- Where are the positions?
- What happens during the development year?
- Which area of Defence can I work in?
- What training and activities are offered during the program?
- Can you tell me something about the selection process?
- When will you be making offers to successful applicants?
- When does the next program commence?
- Are you looking for people with specific degrees?
- I graduated a while ago, am I eligible for the Graduate Development Program?
- Do you have age limits for applicants?
- Can I apply for more than one stream?
- How many positions are available on the Graduate Development Program?
- How many people usually apply?
- Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?
- What does a security clearance involve?
- What does a medical clearance involve?
- What's the starting salary?
- Can I apply for other positions in Defence, outside the Graduate Development Program?
- How can I find out more about living and working in Canberra?
- Is it possible to obtain voluntary/casual/vacation/work experience?
1. Where are the positions?
All positions will be in Canberra and you will be required to relocate. The Department of Defence will assist with the move. A limited number of regional rotations may be available in second and third rotations. These rotations are at selected Defence establishments across Australia. You will have the opportunity to nominate your choices for placements during second and third rotations.
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2. What happens during the development year?
Graduates are provided with three (3) diverse workplace rotations of approximately 3 months in duration. The focus is on skills development with variety as the key. Rotations are available in a wide range of functions and graduates are exposed to very different areas within the Department. Graduates develop holistic understanding and appreciation of the Department. During the GDP you will undertaken off the job training and go on study tour.
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3. Which area of Defence can I work in?
Graduates are offered a myriad of choices. During the GDP you are given a broad range of opportunities across all areas of the Department, ranging from policy development, intelligence, human resources to public affairs, working in both service and civilian environments. You may find yourself working in business management for a Navy ship project or education policy for Defence employees or systems management of Defence IT hardware.
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4. What training and activities are offered during the program?
Training and development activities undertaken by past graduate programs include:
- Strategy & policy,
- Presentation skills,
- Communication and Influencing skills,
- Winning a Defence job,
- Leadership and supervisory skills,
- Defence writing, and
- Ministerial writing.
Additional specific training is provided to the Finance Stream, Information Stream Infrastructure and People Stream graduates.
Job Specific training
Following your development year, further personal and professional development opportunities are actively encouraged. Defence can offer a variety of assistance, ranging from study leave to financial assistance.
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5. Can you tell me something about the selection process?
Applicants have to submit an online written application addressing specified selection criterion. The applications are then assessed against the selection criteria, ranked and shortlisted. An order of merit is then created from which you may be invited to attend a one day assessment centre. The assessment centres are held across Australia during June and July. The assessment centre is the final stage of the recruitment process before job offers are made.
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6. When will you be making offers to successful applicants?
It is anticipated that successful candidates will receive offers of employment by early August. Initially, you will be offered a position on the GDP via the telephone, and if you are still interested, a formal written offer is then sent to you. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via mail.
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7. When does the next program commence?
The GDP commences the first week of each February, generally on a Thursday to line up with APS pay schedules.
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8. Are you looking for people with specific degrees?
No, we are looking for graduates from ALL disciplines. For the People, Information, Infrastructure and Finance Stream of the GDP your degree must have a major component in relevant disciplines. For example, for the People Stream, we are seeking graduates with qualifications in Human Resource Management (HRM) or Human Resource Development (HRD), Education or Social Work and strong skills in communication, strategic thinking, problem solving and planning.
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9. I graduated a while ago, am I eligible for the Graduate Development Program?
Yes, to satisfy the eligibility requirements you must have completed your degree before you commence the Graduate Program in February.
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10. Do you have age limits for applicants?
No. All graduates are selected on their capabilities and demonstrated competence against the selection criteria. The GDP graduates come from a wide range of backgrounds – from newly graduated to people with many years of study and work experience.
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11. Can I apply for more than one stream?
Yes, if you meet the degree requirements for each specific stream.
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12. How many positions are available on the Graduate Development Program?
There is a total of 80 positions available on the GDP.
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13. How many people usually apply?
The GDP averages between 1200 and 1600 applications each year . This is shortlisted to 500 candidates who are invited to attend assessment centres around Australia.
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14. Can I apply if I'm not an Australian citizen?
To be eligible to apply for the GDP you must be an Australian citizen by November the preceding year to start. If you are currently a permanent resident, you will need to provide evidence of your citizenship three months before commencement on the Program.
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15. What does a security clearance involve?
It is a condition of employment in the Department of Defence that you obtain and maintain a security clearance. You will be asked to provide comprehensive information about yourself, your dependants and give the Department the right to check any information which you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police and financial institutions. Only the candidates who accept a position on the Program undergo a security clearance.
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16. What does a medical clearance involve?
A Commonwealth medical clearance is a standard condition of employment in the Australian Public Service. The medical clearance is designed to ensure that you are fit to work in the Department. Only the candidates successful in the final selection process undergo a medical check.
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17. What's the starting salary?
We provide you with a competitive salary and excellent working conditions. For the duration of the Graduate Development Program your salary is paid at the Australian Public Service level 2 (APS2). As at 1 Dec. 2009, the starting salary is $50,471.
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18. Can I apply for other positions in Defence, outside the Graduate Development Program?
Yes, there are other ways to join the Department - you can apply for positions advertised from time to time on the website, in the Commonwealth Gazette or newspapers.
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19. How can I find out more about living and working in Canberra?
Further information about living and working in Canberra can be found by clicking here.
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20. Is it possible to obtain voluntary/casual/vacation/work experience?
No, we do not offer a formal work experience/vacation program through the Graduate Program. However, a work experience program is available. Details can be found by emailing: Defence.WorkExperienceProgram@defence.gov.au