About Our Graduate Program
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The Graduate Program runs for 18 months. Initial employment is on a fixed-term contract, with a provision for permanent appointment following successful completion of the first 12 months.
The program offers a number of rotational placements across the departments; Mines and Petroleum, State Development, Commerce, and Regional Development and Lands, with the possibility to work in other Government departments. Graduates also have the opportunity to undertake research, policy and project activities which lead to an attainment of corporate knowledge and professional expertise to support and enhance business activities.
The rotations are individualised and designed to provide exposure to each department’s diverse operations, while also providing an opportunity to develop valuable skills and experience. During rotations, graduates report to a manager who will provide them with necessary information to undertake tasks and feedback on their performance.
Graduates undergo a comprehensive induction process which includes meetings with Corporate Support representatives, and information sessions from various operational groups.
Graduates are employed under the Public Service and Government Officers General Agreement at Level 3, which in 2011 is $58,010 per annum plus 9 per cent superannuation. Salary increases are reviewed regularly and increments paid annually until the end of the increment range.
A performance management process is a key component of the Graduate Program and outlines the objectives in each placement for the graduate to achieve, as well as an evaluation on the skills developed. Graduates also undertake a feedback session on each of their placements with the Human Resources Branch.
The program is centrally coordinated and monitored by the Human Resources Branch in the Department of Mines and Petroleum and decisions regarding the Graduate Program are made through a Steering Committee with representation from each of the departments.
Training
Comprehensive training is also offered enabling graduates to regularly attend a program of approved courses delivered by various external and in-house training providers.
Graduates will have the opportunity to participate in the Public Sector Commissions program, Public Sector in Focus. The program offers graduates a great opportunity to understand the business of Government and learn about Government policy, current strategic issues and future developments in public policy and public sector management. Graduates have the opportunity to connect with public sector leaders and experts in their fields, as well as fellow graduates from across the public sector.
Home Department
Graduates are engaged by a home division within a department where they will start their employment before beginning rotations.
At the end of the program, graduates will return to a position in their home department. Each home department provides a senior manager as the graduates sponsor. The role of a sponsor is to serve as a reference point for the graduate, and to ensure placements provide suitable work and opportunities to develop new skills.
Graduates are also provided with a graduate mentor who is an additional form of support and information to further enhance the graduate’s career aspirations and goals.
Graduates are encouraged to develop and maintain their own networks as well as communicate with each other during the program. This includes group meetings, attending monthly information sessions with a representative of the senior executive group, and access to a group email address.
