Practise and develop your skills while you’re still studying. When you graduate, you're all set for a successful digital or technical career with the Australian Government.
Our program aims to attract digital talent to work in the Australian Government by supporting their studies and giving them practical skills. We provide a rare opportunity for participants to experience a wide range of digital roles and disciplines, and help them decide on their digital career path.
On this page:
About the program
The Digital Cadet Program is for Australian citizens who are currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a digital or technology-related field. We place people who are looking to start their digital or technical career in government. Roles are available across government and vary depending on the participating agencies.
Applicants must have completed at least the 1st year (or equivalent) of their degree by January 2024. If you’re currently studying one of the listed degrees then you should consider applying.
Double and honours degrees in these fields are also accepted. If your degree is not listed but you believe you should be considered, please get in touch to discuss your options.
We recruit for digital talent across many Australian states and territories, however the majority of positions are located in Canberra, ACT.
Where could I work?
The program offers a range of roles across a number of government departments and agencies.
Your application will be considered for all participating agencies and your preferences taken into account. Successful applicants will be placed with an agency that suits their skills, experience and career aspirations.
Digital cadets could work in one of these exciting Government organisations:
- Attorney Generals Department
- Department of Finance
- Department of Defence
- Department of Home Affairs
- Services Australia
- Australian Taxation Office
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
- Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.
Benefits of the program
- complete the program over 1 to 3 years (dependent on when you graduate from your undergraduate or postgraduate degree)
- work flexibly around your study commitments
- receive an academic allowance for successfully completed units ($800 per unit up to 4 units per semester)
- enjoy guaranteed fulltime employment when you finish your degree
- on the job support, career guidance and professional development.
You’ll work a minimum of 2 days per week around your university classes while you complete your degree.
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 cadets have worked in the following areas:
- cyber security
- software engineering
- user research
- product management
- delivery management
- interaction design
- service design
- content design
- performance analysis
- systems testing, analysis and design
- digital media
- programming
- big data and data analytics
- networking
- web development
- infrastructure support
- applications support.
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
Applications for the 2024 Digital Cadet Program have now closed.
All applications will need these documents:
- proof of Australian citizenship (birth certificate or citizenship certificate or passport)
- a resume
- proof of university attendance or admission in digital studies (current transcript, enrolment letter or digital record from university portal).
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 aptitude/motivational testing and interview. If found suitable, you will be placed in the merit pool for consideration by participating Government departments and agencies.
Step 3: Digital Cadets are matched with Government departments and agencies, based on qualifications and positions available.
Unmatched candidates will remain in the merit pool for future consideration for up to 18 months from the date the job was advertised.
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.