Career Starter Program

Finishing Year 12 and looking to get a head start on your career?

Applications for the 2026 Career Starter Program will open Monday 4 August 2025

The Australian Government Career Starter Program is a 12-month career development program. It’s a full-time, permanent role with a competitive salary, paid holidays and superannuation.

You’ll build skills on the job at one of the many Australian Government departments and agencies participating in the program This well-established program builds on the success of key elements that have been recognised in previous years.

This well-established program builds on the success of key elements that have been recognised in previous years.

What is the program?

• If you’re successful, you’ll have a permanent, full-time role at the APS1 level in one of the participating government departments and agencies
• While you’re working, you’ll study for a Certificate IV in Government or Cert IV in Human Resource Management
• You’ll be part of a supportive team and have a dedicated supervisor
• There’ll be regular networking events with other career starters from across our participating departments and agencies, and
• On successful completion of your program year, you’ll have the opportunity to advance to the APS2 level.

Who’s eligible?

You will need to:

• have completed a Year 12 certificate (or equivalent) in the current or previous year
• be an Australian citizen
• undergo security and police checks.

With one application you can apply for a job in one of these two different work types:

Explore Your Career Path in Government or Human Resources

As a Career Starter, you will be placed in a generalist government role or a Human Resources (HR) role, with opportunities tailored to your interests and strengths.

Government Roles

Gain experience across diverse areas such as:

• Customer Service: Respond to enquiries, support facilities, and engage with the public.
• Programs & Policy: Manage training calendars, handle correspondence, and support executive functions.
• Technical Support: Assist with IT infrastructure, procurement, and supplier communications.

While working, you’ll study a Certificate IV in Government, enhancing your understanding of public sector operations, ethics, and legislation.

Human Resources Roles

HR Career Starters gain experience through a variety of entry level roles that support the broader HR function. These roles are designed to build foundational skills and provide exposure to key areas of HR across the Australian Public Service (APS), with opportunities including:

• Progressing HR Initiatives: Assist with learning and development, wellbeing programs, and policy communication.
• Enabling HR Policy and Procedure: Answer straightforward queries and follow HR procedures and process.
• Recruitment and Governance Support: Help coordinate interviews, committees and prepare documentation.
• Admin & Clerical Tasks: Corporate data entry, inbox management, and record keeping.

You’ll also complete a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management, building your awareness of strategic and operational HR elements such as recruitment, performance management, and employee relations

Diversity and Inclusion - Affirmative Measures

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workforce and value the unique perspectives that each person brings.

We strongly encourage applications from First Nations people and individuals with disability.

For more information or if you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Participating agencies

The following is a list of agencies who are participating in the 2026 program. If you are interested to understand more about the type of work the agency or department is responsible for, feel free to visit their respective websites. This can help you to build a better understanding of whether the Australian Government is the right fit for you.

• Australian Taxation Office
• Australian Public Service Commission
• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Department of Defence
• Department of Education
• Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
• Department of Finance
• Department of Health, Disability & Ageing
• Department of Home Affairs
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources
• Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Department of the Treasury
• Department of Veterans' Affairs 

More questions?

Come to an information session over Microsoft Teams in August: