If you are seeking a career with purpose, you will find it at Defence.
As a graduate in the Department of Defence, you will enjoy experiences that, as a civilian, you simply wouldn't find with any other organisation.
Our four pathways; Technical, Intelligence, Research and Innovation, Policy and Corporate, are tailored to provide excellent learning, development and career progression opportunities to propel you into your future Defence career with confidence. You will work with a diverse group of men and women who are dedicated to protecting Australian interests.
Learning and development
Targeted, rotation specific training. Tailored learning and development.
Career opportunities
A Dedicated Graduate Management team to help you achieve your career goals. A permanent position in Defence upon completion.
Work with purpose
Support the Australian Defence Force and contribute to Defence's mission of defending Australia and its National interests.
Ongoing development
Further sponsored study encouraged upon completion.
An inclusive culture
Work-life balance, generous leave entitlements and champions of diversity and inclusion.
Relocation
Generous financial package to meet the costs involved with relocation.
The Department of Defence is committed to developing a workforce that represents the diversity in Australian culture. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Australians and people with a disability.
Candidates must be Australian citizens to be eligible for employment for the Department of Defence graduate program.
There are five stages to the Defence application process;
Upon registering your details through Defence's online recruitment portal you will be asked to complete personal information and asked questions which relate to eligibility for the program such as citizenship and completion of the degree prior to program commencement.
After submitting your pre-application you will be invited to undertake a short online test, which will be utilised to assess both cognitive and analytical ability. This test takes only 20-30mins. You will be given two days to complete this.
After completing the online Revelian Cognify assessment, you will be advised via email which Graduate Pathways you meet the eligibility requirements for and will be asked to address selection criteria and provide details of academic results, relevant skills, qualifications, current and previous employment.
If invited to submit your application, you will have until 11:30 PM (AEST) 11 April 2021 to complete responses to selection criteria and submit your application. In addition to selecting your graduate Pathway preferences (you may select up to two) and responding to selection criteria, you will also be asked to enter your degree results (i.e. each subject [Australian degrees only]) and list work experience/employment details.
Applicants who are found to be competitive on the basis of their Revelian Coginify testing and written application will be invited to attend the further screening and assessment processes.
Assessment processes will vary depending upon the career Pathway you have applied and are being assessed against. Screening and Assessment Centres are held digitally and run in Pathway groupings.
If selected to attend an Assessment Centre, you will be invited to spend half a day online with assessors from Defence. We use a range of activities and exercises to assess competency for a graduate position with the Department.
If successful, a member of the Defence Graduate and Entry Level Programs Office will make contact via telephone with an offer of employment between July and November, depending upon the Graduate Pathway for which you are being offered employment. Unsuccessful applicants will be advised via e-mail before the end of November.
Defence is part of the Australian Public Service and, as such, you will be working in an environment where work-life balance is important, salaries are competitive with the industry, and your career options are endless. All of this, plus generous personal leave entitlements and a superannuation scheme that contributes to the overall package
Graduates in Defence will commence on APS / ASD 4: $69,811 pa + 15.4% superannuation. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will advance to APS / ASD 4: $77,739 pa + 15.4% superannuation.
Employees are employed under the Defence Enterprise Agreement, which provides a range of generous benefits and entitlements. Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) employees are employed under ASD's Employment Agreement.
The transition from study to career can be a challenging one. For many of you, it may also be the first time you have lived away from home, with most Defence graduates moving interstate. We work hard to make the whole process as easy as possible for you, and we offer a generous package, including covering your removal and relocation expenses, to provide assistance with relocation. We also provide you with 20 days of temporary accommodation in serviced apartments to allow you time to find a home at your new location.