Who are we? What do we offer graduates? Who do we recruit? FAQ's

The Victorian Government Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme

The Victorian Government provides a diverse range of services to the people of Victoria - it covers everything from schools, hospitals, transport, parks, police, tourism, the environment and more.

 

The Victorian Government Graduate Program

The Victorian Public Service employs over 33,000 across 11 departments and various agencies. Our staff work across the State in a range of challenging and interesting jobs, at all levels.

Our Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme (GRADS) is a 12 month scheme which operates across a wide variety of government departments and agencies including the following:

  • Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
  • Department of Health
  • Department of Human Services
  • Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
  • Department of Justice
  • Department of Planning and Community Development
  • Department of Premier and Cabinet
  • Department of Primary Industries
  • Department of Sustainability and Environment
  • Department of Transport
  • Department of Treasury and Finance
  • Environment Protection Authority
  • Essential Services Commission
  • Victoria Police
  • Victorian Auditor General's Office
  • State Services Authority

 

Learning and Development

The Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme (GRADS) incorporates a structured learning and development program throughout the year. This covers:

  • Knowledge of government structures and processes
  • Policy development skills
  • Project management skills
  • Communications

If you are an accounting, finance or economics graduate, you also have access to specialist training to address your specific technical and developmental needs.

Rotations

Graduates go through three four month placements across different departments/agencies before returning to their first department on an ongoing basis. Graduates are able to provide input into which areas they would like to be placed.

Streams

In 2010, approximately 100 graduates will be accepted across three streams:

Generalist: The Generalist stream is open to graduates from any academic discipline.

Accounting and Finance: The Accounting and Finance stream is open to graduates with a minimum of 30% accounting subjects in their degree. In addition to the GRADS learning and development program, graduates have access to specialised training (CA, CPA or FINSIA).

Economics: The Economist stream is open to graduates with an economics major or degree. In addition to the GRADS learning and development program, graduates have access to specialised economic training courses.

What do we look for in our graduate recruits?

We recruit outstanding, motivated graduates who want to contribute to Victoria’s future.

We are interested in graduates with a Bachelor level degree minimum and apart from your academic record, we consider the whole person when assessing applicants: your values, work experience, involvement in extra-curricular activities (for example, in sport or as a volunteer), and other community interests.

We are looking for graduates with the following values:

  • Responsiveness
  • Integrity
  • Impartiality
  • Accountability
  • Respect
  • Leadership
  • Human rights

We are looking for graduates that can demonstrate the following qualities:

  • Strong analytical and conceptual abilities
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Initiative and accountability
  • An interest in public policy

We are looking for graduates from the following disciplines:

  • Accounting and Finance
  • Arts and humanities
  • Business and commerce
  • Economics
  • Environmental Science
  • Human Resources
  • Law
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Maths
  • Planning
  • Public Policy
  • Statistics

Eligibility to work in government

To gain employment with the Victorian Government you need to be an:

  • Australian citizen: a birth certificate, citizenship certificate or current passport is proof of eligibility
  • Australian permanent resident
  • New Zealand citizen who has entered Australia on a valid passport and has unrestricted rights to employment.

Victorian Government Graduate Program FAQ's

What happens once the Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme finishes?

Once the program finishes, you return to your original (home) department on an ongoing basis and you also receive a promotion, subject to performance.

I don't know much about government - is it still worth applying?

Yes, not all positions depend on a sound knowledge of how government works. This is covered in graduate training.

I don't know which department I'd like to work for - is this a problem?

No. The way the recruitment process works means that you'll be matched to an area which suits your skills and interests.

I have a double degree/Masters/Doctorate - am I still able to apply?

Anyone with a Bachelor level degree or higher is eligible to apply.

Do you employ Arts graduates?

Yes. We employ Arts graduates right across government as their transferable skills are highly valued.

I applied last year but was unsuccessful. Can I apply again?

Yes.

I have been employed in a completely different industry - is it worth applying?

Yes. We employ graduates from a range of backgrounds. Many of our graduates enter GRADS with no public service experience. Given the variety of opportunity we have, there is probably an area which matches your skills and interests.I finished my degree five years ago - can I still apply?
Yes. It's not necessary to be a recent graduate.

When would I start work if I was offered a position on the Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme?

Generally, our graduates start in late January/ early February.

I don't have any work experience. Will this count against me?

No. we understand that as a graduate you may have had limited opportunities in the workplace. If you don't have any work experience, we will be looking at other kinds of experience you have to determine the skills, knowledge and attributes you have to offer.

Can mature age graduates apply?

Yes.

Are there part time positions within the Graduate Recruitment and Development Scheme?

Not at this stage.

I really want to work for a particular department - how can I let this be known?

Let us know during the recruitment process.

 

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