Our apprenticeship program is for people looking for a career change or finishing year 12, with no degree required.
We are currently accepting applications for digital apprentices in Darwin and Townsville.
We are looking for problem solvers with a passion for digital technology. If you enjoy pulling apart or building PCs, setting up home networks, building apps, finding trends in data or simply problem solving and making things simple, then you should consider applying.
On this page:
About the program
The Digital Apprenticeship Program is for Australian citizens who are passionate about digital technology. We place people who are looking to start their digital or technical career in government. Roles are available across Government, and changes depending on the participating agencies.
Apprenticeship locations vary each year. Past participants have been placed in the following locations:
- Canberra
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Perth
You may be eligible for relocation assistance if you need to move to another city for an apprenticeship.
Benefits of the program
In this program you’ll get:
- industry experience while you study
- vocational qualification in digital technology for government
- support from supervisors
- competitive salary and super
- permanent government employment.
You’ll work full time and complete a Certificate IV or diploma in a digital or technology-related field. Your studies will be fully paid, and you'll have permanent employment when you finish your course.
Mentoring and support
- You will have support from your supervisor and a dedicated career liaison officer to give you the best chance of success.
- Your supervisor will provide support and feedback on day-to-day work and help you understand how your work is contributing to the agency’s goals.
- Your career liaison officer will offer guidance throughout your program, offering valuable support where required.
- You will also get to network with other participants and develop professional relationships that will support you throughout your career.
Digital roles
Past apprentices have worked in the following areas:
- cyber security
- user research
- programming
- interactive media
- software engineering
- big data
- networking
- systems analysis and design
- web development
- data analytics
- systems testing
- infrastructure support
- networking
- help desk
- applications development
Government agencies have many different digital and technical roles. These roles support the core functions of each agency and are always changing.
Applying for the program
All applications will need these documents:
- proof of Australian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate or passport)
- passport-size photo
- a resume
- year 12 certificate (if you're a current student, you will require written confirmation of completion date from your school) or
- Certificate III (3), Certificate IV (4) or Diploma from an Australian vocational institution.
Selection process
There are the 3 stages of the selection process. At all times, we will notify you of the outcome, whether successful or not.
Step 1: Submit your application online. We will review your responses and work-related qualities. If found suitable, we will shortlist you for the next round.
Step 2: Attend an online interview. You will be asked behavioural and scenario-base questions to demonstrate skills and abilities. If found suitable, you will be placed in the merit pool. You may then be invited at a later stage to the speed matching round.
Step 3: Attend the speed matching round. This is a short online session with staff from all participating agencies. It’s an opportunity to showcase your skills and find out more about the agencies and what they are looking for. This is also an opportunity for agencies to review your skills and interests.
At the final stage, you will be asked to preference agencies you would like to be an apprentice in. Agencies will also preference candidates they would like to hire. We will review all preferences and work with agencies to assist them make offers for roles.
Often there are more candidates than available apprentice positions with agencies. If you are not matched with an agency you will be placed in a merit pool for future consideration, which will remain open for 18 months.
The complete application assessment process usually takes around 6 months from the time applications close.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about starting a digital career with the Australian Government you can email emergingtalent@apsc.gov.au. Make sure you follow Digital Emerging Talent Programs on Facebook for all program updates.