Indigenous Cadetship Program

The Department's Indigenous Cadetship Program (ICP) is a sponsorship program that provides Indigenous undergraduate students with financial assistance during their studies and practical work experience during their summer breaks. The practical work experience normally involves a placement in the Department's head office in Canberra. Upon successful completion of their studies, cadets are offered a permanent position in the Department.

The Department's ICP is offered in conjunction with the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) National Indigenous Cadetship Support Program (NICS) and the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC).

Who can apply?

Individuals who are identified, recognised and accepted as Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and are currently studying for their first undergraduate degree at an Australian tertiary educational institution are eligible to apply. Preference is given to applicants who have successfully completed at least one year of their undergraduate degree. The DFAT Indigenous Cadetship Program assists only those Indigenous undergraduate students who are studying for their first degree.

Eligibility

Applicants must be:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Undertaking full time studies towards their first undergraduate degree
• Eligible in accordance to DEEWR's Indigenous Cadetship Support (ICS) requirements and registered on the ICS database.

Verification of Aboriginality and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage

Applicants to this position must be able to provide confirmation of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage. This is commonly a letter or form obtained from an incorporated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation such as an Aboriginal Land Council or similar Indigenous community organisation.

The Department cannot accept statutory declarations or statements made from non-Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

What salary will I receive?

Indigenous cadets are employed as (probationary) ongoing APS Level 2.1 DFAT employees during the cadetship. During the study period (usually approximately 40 weeks from March to November each year) cadets are paid at 50% of the APS Level 2.1 rate. See DFAT Enterprise Agreement 2011-2014 (PDF 502 KB) | (Word 515 KB) for rates. Cadets are paid the full APS Level 2.1 rate while performing practical, on-the-job training during the summer vacation (usually December to February). Cadets who successfully complete their studies and work experience will be offered a position at the DFAT APS 3.1 Level.

What other assistance is available?

The Department provides an allowance for textbooks and may cover the HECS costs for units successfully completed and travel and accommodation costs associated with Canberra-based summer work experience.

In addition to the guidance provided by individual work areas, the Department has a strong Indigenous Employee Network (IEN) whose Indigenous employee members are available to assist and mentor new Indigenous employees.

What opportunities exist for career development?

As ongoing departmental employees, ICP graduates will have many options for personal development and career advancement including promotions and overseas postings. Cadets are encouraged to apply for the Department's graduate trainee programs during the final year of their degree. They are also eligible to apply for the Administrative Officer Development Program.

How do I apply?

1. The first step in applying for a cadetship is to register with DEEWR. This can be done online via the DEEWR ICS website. The DEEWR registration form allows you to nominate DFAT as your preferred employer. It is advisable to provide as much information as possible in your application.

2. The second step is to complete the Australian Public Service Commission's Indigenous Cadetship Program application form available online or from your university Indigenous student centre.

Successful candidates will be required to attend APS assessment sessions in Canberra. The Commission will arrange travel and accommodation for candidates where required.

Successful candidates will need to provide the following information at the assessment centre

• A recent academic transcript
• Verification of Aboriginality and/ or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

Where do I get more information?

Further information is available from:

Michelle Campbell
Candle ICT
Michelle Campbell
Phone: (02) 6260 7533
Email: mcampbell@candlerecruit.com
Website: www.candle.com

Executive Officer
Workplace Diversity Unit
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Phone: (02) 6261 2826
Email: workplacediversity@dfat.gov.au