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.
We are currently accepting applications for digital cadets in Darwin and Townsville.
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 Cadetship 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 changes depending on the participating agencies.
Applicants must have completed at least the 1st year (or equivalent) of their degree by January 2023. 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.
Cadetship locations vary each year. Past participants were placed in the following locations:
- Canberra
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
You may be eligible for relocation assistance if you need to move to another city for a cadetship.
Benefits of the program
We are currently accepting applications for digital apprentices in Darwin, Townsville and Newcastle.
In this program you’ll get:
- industry experience while you finish studying
- competitive salary for flexible part-time hours around your class timetable
- reimbursement for your uni fees if you pass (up to $800 per subject)
- likely credit towards your degree
- permanent employment when you finish your degree.
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
- user research
- programming
- interactive media
- software engineering
- big data
- networking
- systems analysis and design
- web development
- data analytics
- systems testing
- infrastructure support
- networking
- 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
- proof of university attendance or admission (current transcript or 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 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 a cadet 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 cadet 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.