Graduate Program

About the PM&C Graduate Program

Our 12-month graduate program offers a range of experiences supporting the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, portfolio ministers and assistant ministers, our Secretary and our senior leaders to improve the lives of all Australians through high-quality support and advice to the government.

Based in Canberra, you will gain practical experience and exposure to a wide range of government activities, policy advice and development, and program delivery. You will contribute to PM&C's unique role at the centre of government. Working in partnership with agencies across the APS and stakeholders across national and international jurisdictions, you will deliver outcomes and respond to emerging government priorities that improve the wellbeing of all Australians, advance Australia's interests and keep our country safe and prosperous.

Our unique program design tailored for you

Your will complete multiple rotations over the 12-month program. Through developing connections with peers and mentors, you will learn about the breadth of work the department delivers.

Areas available for rotation include:

• Domestic policy: creating and coordinating policy solutions to Australia's key economic, social and environmental issues.
• Government: encouraging consistency across government and coordinating public ceremonies and national honours.
• International policy: contributing to decision making related to overseas trade, foreign aid and development, and international security.
• National security: providing advice on initiatives for border protection, defence, counter-terrorism and crisis management.
• Office for Women: working across government to advance the Australian Government's commitment to achieve gender equality and improve the lives of people in Australia.
• Regulation: ensuring the proper functioning of society and the economy which includes any laws or other government-endorsed 'rules' where there is an expectation of compliance.
• Public data: improving the way public data is managed, shared and published for the benefit of everyone in Australia.
• Corporate: supporting the internal function of PM&C through ministerial support, technology and business services, finance and shared services, human resources and governance, performance and audit.
• Social policy: putting the needs and aspirations of Australians at the centre of policy development and service delivery. The focus is on increasing the opportunities, contribution, independence and wellbeing of vulnerable people and communities

Our program invests in you so you can rapidly grow your skills through immersive experiences in your rotations across PM&C's core areas and priority Australian Government taskforces, exposure to experienced leaders and networking, and continued formal learning. You will be supported to push yourself out of your comfort zone at your preferred pace.

Nervous? Don't be. We will support you to develop the foundational and specialist skills, knowledge, behaviours and networks that you need to contribute at PM&C and in the APS to launch and progress your career.

Graduates grow through our program together as a well-connected peer group. We will partner you with a buddy and senior mentor to guide you. You will also work closely with your local supervisor and team in each rotation.

The overall aim is to build your confidence and skills and tap into your fresh and diverse thinking so that we can deliver the best outcomes for all Australians.