Graduate Trainees
What training will I receive?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade operates in a complex environment shaped by globalisation, a challenging international security environment, the internationalisation of the Australian economy, and increasing numbers of Australians travelling internationally.
Our staff need to be able to respond to those challenges and achieve the best possible outcomes for Australia. The training we provide is designed to help you do that.
Graduate Trainees undertake a comprehensive two-year professional development program in Canberra, combining four work placements with training modules and projects. Work placements will be in a variety of areas, and new recruits can expect to help develop and implement policies on political, economic, trade, legal, consular, management or security issues. We also provide intensive academic training to recruits with no previous exposure to areas such as international law and economics.
All graduates are expected to begin work as a group in February the year following their application. If you are unable to begin work in February along with the rest of the intake, you would be required to withdraw from the program. You would be able to re-apply in later years.
Training programs are expected to be completed on a full-time basis. The department is committed to making part-time work available, and does have a number of employees working on a part-time basis, but not during training.
Once they have completed the training program, Graduate Trainees are eligible for their first overseas posting, to one of more than 80 Australian Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates-General, Consulates, and Missions around the world. In addition to analysing and developing policy, our staff overseas are also required to represent Australia in a formal capacity. The job can be very demanding, but is highly rewarding for the right people.
Take a look at what some of our recent graduates have to say.
More information on the Department
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