Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Graduate Development Program (Jan 2026)
Online/remote, Remote work
Opportunity details
- Graduate Job or Program
- AUD 75,886 - 83,460 / Year
- 40-60 vacancies
- Apply by 14 Apr 2025
- Start date 28 Jan 2026 - 12 Feb 2026
About the Department
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources and our broader portfolio are integral to the Australian Government’s economic agenda. Our purpose is to help the government build a better future for all Australians through enabling a productive, resilient and sustainable economy, enriched by science and technology. We do this by:
- Growing innovative & competitive businesses, industries and regions
- Investing in science and technology
- Strengthening the resources sector.
The opportunity - About our Graduate Development Program
The Graduate Development Program gives you an opportunity to build and embed the skills you have gained during university through work that directly benefits Australians.
During our program you will experience:
- soft and technical skills training
- on-the-job learning
- the opportunity to collaborate with other graduates on a major project tackling, real-life policy issues.
We accept all disciplines of study and have many opportunities available to use your skills, knowledge and experience.
What’s in it for you?
Program benefits
- a structured 12-month training and development program
- the opportunity to contribute to creating a better future for the community the APS serves
- competitive remuneration with 37.5-hour work week
- access to flexible work arrangements
- multiple work placements to experience diverse roles and responsibilities across the department
- commencement as an APS 4 with a starting salary of $75,886 plus 15.4% superannuation
- advancement to APS 5 (current salary of $83,460 plus 15.4% superannuation) once you successfully complete the program
- tailored graduate support
- exclusive networking events
- relocation assistance for eligible graduates.
Hiring criteria
- No experience required
- Australian Citizen
- Business & Management +more
- Bachelor or higher
Reviews
As a graduate I've had 3 rotations. Each rotation was different. My first rotation was a laboratory based role which varied day to day. The things I were doing consisted of preparing to do tests and analysis in the laboratory, calculating results and writing up reports. Some days I would also be preparing for student engagements and participating in external stakeholder meetings. My second rotation looked into developing promotional material for the laboratory, highlighting new services that we can provide during our stakeholder meetings. My final rotation looked more into how policy and government work within the department. Focusing more on development of useful documents, drafting up documents for managers, and being involved in meetings concerning the work that I was undertaking. During the program I would also sporadically work on the Graduate Major Project that is assigned yearly for graduates to work on an emerging policy area. My tasks consisted of desktop researching, stakeholder engagements, weekly meetings with my project team and reporting writing.
A lot of pretty straight forward draft advice type work
I am a Graduate so my role is to support my supervisor and team achieve policy outcomes. I do a lot of desk top research, inbox monitoring, drafting policy documents and attending team meetings
About the employer
Department of Industry, Science and Resources
3.9
1,000 - 50,000 employees
Government & Public Service
The Graduate Development Program offers an opportunity to work in a department that supports economic growth and job creation for all Australians.
Pros and cons of working at Department of Industry, Science and Resources
Pros
Every team I've been a part of have been very friendly - there is a culture of wanting to care and support each other, especially new people.
Working at DISR is a unique opportunity to learn how government functions in a practical and meaningful manner, engaging with stakeholders and getting real world experience.
There is a lot of focus on trying to produce really good science and research in Australia.
The areas of the Department do genuinely value and appreciate grads - I've found them to be welcoming, helpful, understanding, and kind.
The diversity of portfolios in the department allows me to have a look a variety of areas that Government can look over. Colleagues are friendly and supportive in my self-development journey.
Cons
Currently hugely under resourced, with people moving in and out of teams. Workloads are higher and people are more stressed at the moment, meaning there's been a drop in the quality of work.
Lack of communication, particularly in the graduate program.
Training can sometimes be late, unapplicable to work or provide little value.
Pay and lack of guidance.
The division I'm working in doesn't feel like it is a part of the department, so I often feel like there is a whole social connection missing between the technical work of the laboratory and the corporate office.