Career Starter Program

Australian Department of Finance; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid leave

Superannuation

Certificate IV study support

Job summary

Australian Department of Finance – Cairns QLD is offering the 2027 Career Starter Program intake. This 12-month, full-time APS1 role is designed for school leavers who graduated Year 12 in 2025 or will graduate in 2026, with paid leave and superannuation.

Participants work in a government department, study toward a Certificate IV in Government or a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management while you work, with supervision and networking events, and the potential to progress to the APS2 level

Qualifications

• Year 12 or equivalent completed in the current or previous year.
• Australian citizenship and security/police checks are required.
• Participants will complete a Certificate IV in Government while working.
• Roles include Government and Human Resources streams with real work experience.

Responsibilities

• Support in customer service, responding to inquiries and public engagement.
• Assist in programs and policy tasks, calendar management and correspondence.
• Provide IT infrastructure support and supplier communications within teams.
• Coordinate recruitment processes and governance support in HR functions.

Skills

Customer service

Programs and policy

Technical support

HR initiatives

Education

Year 12 or equivalent

Job description

Australian Department of Finance – Cairns QLD

Applications for the 2027 Career Starter Program intake are open now! If you have graduated year 12 in 2025 or will be graduating in 2026.

TheAustralian Government Career Starter Program is a 12-month program that helps you start your career in government.

You work full-time in a permanent role and earn a competitive salary. You also receive paid leave and superannuation.

You gain hands on experience while working in an Australian Government department and agency. The program is well-established and builds strong skills for your future career.

What the program offers

work full-time in a permanent APS1 role in a participating department or agency

study towards a Certificate IV in Government or a Certificate IV in Human Resource Management while you work

receive support from a dedicated supervisor and team

attend networking events with other Career Starters across government

have the opportunity to advance to the APS2 level after you complete the program successfully.

Who can apply

To be eligible, you must:

have completed Year 12 or equivalent qualification in the current or previous year

be an Australian citizen

undergo security and police checks.

You only need to submit one application. You can be considered for one of two work streams:

Government roles

In a generalist government role, you may work in areas such as:

• Customer service: Respond to enquiries, support facilities, and engage with the public.
• Programs and policy: Help manage training calendars, handle correspondence, and support executive functions.
• Technical support: Assist with IT infrastructure, procurement, and communication with suppliers.

While working, you will complete a Certificate IV in Government. This qualification builds your understanding of public sector operations, ethics, and legislation.

Human Resources roles

In a Human Resources role, you support key HR functions across the Australian Public Service. These roles help you build strong foundational skills. You may assist with:

• HR initiatives: Support learning and development, wellbeing programs, and policy communication.
• HR policy and procedures: Respond to basic enquiries and follow established HR processes.
• Recruitment and governance: Help coordinate interviews, support committees, and prepare documents.
• Administration tasks: Complete corporate data entry, manage inboxes, and maintain records.

You will also complete aCertificate IV in Human Resource Management. This helps you learn about recruitment, performance management, and employee relations.

Diversity and inclusion

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We value the different skills and perspectives that people bring.

We strongly encourage applications from:

people with disability

If you need adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Participating agencies

• Department of Education
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources
• Australian Centre for Disease Control
• Australian Public Service Commission
• Treasury
• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Department of Social ServicesAustralian Taxation Office
• Department of Defence
• Department of Finance

Contact us

If you have questions about the Career Starter Program, contact the program team on 02 6215 1*** or email***************@finance.gov.au