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FAQ: APS Indigenous cadetships

What are the eligibility requirements?

Please note that this Program is an initiative of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) and therefore is run in conjunction with their Indigenous Cadetship Support Program (ICS). ICS is the approving body for all Cadetships through this Program; therefore you will need to register as a student on the ICS database. For more information on ICS, please visit: www.ics.deewr.gov.au

To be eligible for ICS, a student must:

  • be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent;
  • identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
  • be accepted as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in the community
  • in which he/she lives, or has lived;
  • be enrolled for full-time study occurring on campus at a university located in Australia;
  • be enrolled for his or her first undergraduate degree course; and
  • be an Australian resident.

A student may also be eligible for an ICS Cadetship if he or she satisfies the criteria set out above and:

  • is undertaking his or her first combined undergraduate degree course (Example: Bachelor of Arts/Law or Bachelor of Science/Economics); or
  • is undertaking an Honours/Masters year as part of his or her first undergraduate degree.

A student may not be eligible* for an ICS Cadetship if he or she:

  • has previously completed an ICS Cadetship
  • had a previous Cadetship terminated
  • resigned from a previous Cadetship
  • is studying for less than 12 months, unless he or she is in the final year of his or her study
  • is undertaking study overseas
  • is proposing to defer any part of his or her study
  • · take longer to complete a degree than normal
  • enrolled in a block release arrangement, or
  • enrolled in a distance learning study arrangement (off campus).

Please note that DEEWR reserves the right to consider applications for cadetships that do not meet the eligibility criteria on a case by case basis.

*If in doubt about whether you are eligible for a cadetship, please contact ICS through:

Email: ics@deewr.gov.au ; or

Phone: 1802 102 (toll free from a fixed line phone);

It is mandatory to provide evidence to satisfy the eligibility requirements.

We strongly recommend that you arrange the following documentation in preparation of completing your online application:

  • Your confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage document;
  • Your most recent academic transcript OR University enrollment letter;
  • Resume; and
  • A scanned copy of your photographic identification.

What is a ‘confirmation’ document and how do I apply for one?

As per subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 these positions are restricted to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. When completing your application, you must attach evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage otherwise your application will not be accepted.

Acceptable evidence includes:

  • A letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that you are recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, OR
  • A confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent form executed by an Indigenous organisation

The following organisations may be able to assist you with obtaining this evidence:

When does the application process start?

Applications are accepted online and open Friday, 1 March 2013

When do applications close?

Applications close at 11:30 pm AEST on Thursday 30 May 2013.

What does APS Indigenous Cadetship Program look for in its cadets?

To be successful in gaining a cadet position in the Australian Public Service (APS), we need you to demonstrate a number of key competencies during the assessment process. These are based on the APS Integrated Leadership System (ILS). The ILS is a document that describes the qualities and behaviours expected across the different classifications of the APS. For the purpose of the Cadet Program, selection criteria answers will be assessed against the APS 2 classification.

We strongly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the Integrated Leadership System (link below) to assist you in addressing the selection criteria. Keeping in mind, that your answers are the first opportunity you have to provide evidence of your current skills and experiences against the expected capabilities.

Find out about the Integrated Leadership System.

Is the APS cadet salary competitive?

Remuneration for APS Cadet/training classifications varies between APS departments and agencies. A good resource to find information about what’s on offer is to research entitlements under the agency’s Enterprise Agreement, which can be found on the respective agency website. A full list of Australian Government departments and agencies can be found at Australia.gov.au.

Where are the cadet positions located?

There are a number of agencies that have regional offices around Australia, so you may be able to negotiate a placement in the same location as you are studying. Some positions are located in Canberra, and most agencies will assist with the cost of undertaking your work placements, however the amount of assistance will vary.

What sort of training will I receive?

If you are successful in getting a Cadetship with an APS agency, you will undertake an annual 60 day work placement with the respective agency, designed to complement your studies and develop your understanding of an agency’s overall business. Each agency has its own cadet program which is specific to their portfolio and business activities. In addition to this, the Commission will also provide an APS Induction as soon as possible after your commencement date. This course has been designed to give you a general understanding of the APS and your responsibilities as an APS employee.

How many positions are available?

The Commission coordinates this recruitment campaign on behalf of a number of APS departments and agencies; therefore the number of participating agencies and positions available can vary from year to year according to individual agency workforce requirements.

For the most up to day list, keep an eye on the participating agencies throughout the recruitment process.

If I am successful in getting a Cadetship, when do I commence employment?

Cadetship commencement dates vary amongst agencies and can start as early as November 2013. Generally, they will coincide with the start of the next academic year; however you will need to negotiate how you complete the required 12 weeks’ work placements per year with the employing agency.

What are my career prospects after the Program?

Most agencies provide ongoing employment on completion of your cadetship, and/or encourage cadets to join their graduate program. The terms and conditions of cadetships can, however, vary from agency to agency, so you should check individual Enterprise Agreements and the employment contract that you sign before commencement.

After your application has been submitted

I have applied for an APS Indigenous Cadetship—what happens next?

If your application is submitted correctly using the Commission’s online application system, you should receive an automatically-generated email to let you know that it has been received.

The Commission will then conduct the shortlisting process, after the specified closing date, whereby written applications are assessed. We will send you an email notification within two weeks as to whether you have been selected to progress onto further assessment.

If your application has been shortlisted, you will be required to complete a written assessment online before being invited to attend a panel interview. The venue for your interview will be held in your closest capital city; Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane, Cairns or Perth. For applicants that live in remote areas outside of these cities and require lengthy travel, the Commission will organise the necessary flight and transport to the interview venue.

What does the written assessment involve?

If your application is shortlisted, you will be contacted (through the email you provided on your application), and requested to select the most appropriate date and time to complete a written exercise online.

The written task will involve you analysing some information to produce a draft work plan. All the necessary information will be provided to you on the day. Please be aware that the Commission will not progress your application any further until you have completed the written task.

What happens at the Panel interview?

The panel interview will involve answering behavioural based questions, similar to those asked on your application. Your answers will be assessed against the capabilities listed in the ILS expected at the APS 2 level.

Employing agency information

You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled interview. Upon arrival, a member of the Indigenous Employment Team will conduct a quick registration process which will involve citing originals of documents you have uploaded with your online application as well as providing you with an “Employing Agencies” booklet. The booklet will include information on participating employers, including the type of work you could be doing, salary you will be entitled to and employment conditions.

When will I know if I am successful in gaining a cadet position with the APS?

Once assessment activities are completed, a report will be prepared detailing your feedback from the assessment activities. This report will be provided to employing agencies, who will then contact you directly if they are considering offering you a cadet position. This provides employers with a chance to see if you are a good fit for their organisation and establish whether your interests match the position/s they are seeking to fill. Once we have received written confirmation of an Agency’s intention of make you a formal offer, we will then email you immediately. For this reason,, it is imperative that you keep the Commission informed of any changes to your contact details, especially email and phone number.

Please keep in mind that during this offers stage, you may receive a number of calls during peak activities either at study, work and/or home. It is in your best interest to take calls and return phone messages if you want the best possible employment outcome.

Further, in order to commence a cadet position within some agencies, you may be required to obtain a security clearance. However this information will be specified by the employing agency in their discussions with you during the offers process. Security clearances can greatly delay your start date so it is essential that, if requested to, you complete the necessary paperwork correctly and in a timely manner to expedite the process.

More information on Security Clearances: http://www.defence.gov.au/agsva/

Who do I contact if I need to withdraw my application?

Please notify a member of the APSC’s Indigenous Employment Team immediately if you would like to withdraw your application.

What if I have a question that isn't answered here?

If you have any questions or concerns during the process, please phone or email the APSC’s Indigenous Employment Team:

Phone: 1300 656 009

Email: indigenous@apsc.gov.au

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