Public Servant - Australian Public Service (SA)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

The requirements to become a public servant in the APS differ depending on the position.

There are no standard qualifications to become a Trainee Administrative Service Officer. However, departments and agencies generally require Year 10. Different departments or agencies may have their own specific requirements and should be contacted directly for further information.

Graduate entry into the APS requires completion of a degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry to these courses usually requires you to gain your SACE.

To become an information technology officer or professional and technical officer usually requires completion of a diploma, degree or trade qualification, or extensive work experience in the relevant field, depending on the position.

On-the-job training and in-house courses are provided at all levels to develop and broaden work skills. Public servants may be required to undertake further part-time study.

Additional Information:

The actual tasks and duties carried out by the various job levels differ between departments and agencies. For specific task descriptions and training requirements you will need to speak to the recruitment officers of the different departments.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Public Sector Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within the public service.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

  1. Establish and Maintain Strategic Networks (PSP Unit)
  2. Management Strategic Contracts (PSP Unit)
  3. Certificate II in Government
  4. Certificate III in Government
  5. Certificate IV in Government
  6. Certificate IV in Government - Injury Claims Administration
  7. Certificate IV in Government - Injury Rehabilitation Management
  8. Certificate IV in Government - Investigation
  9. Certificate IV in Government - Project Management
  10. Certificate IV in Government - Statutory Compliance
  11. Diploma of Government
  12. Diploma of Government - Injury Management
  13. Diploma of Government - Investigation
  14. Diploma of Government - Management
  15. Diploma of Government - Project Management
  16. Advanced Diploma of Government
  17. Advanced Diploma of Government - Management
  18. Certificate in Public Policy (Professional)
  19. Bachelor of Government and Public Management
  20. Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Social Sciences

Employment Opportunities:

Australian public servants work in every state and territory in Australia. Many positions are in the capital cities or larger cities and towns. There are limited opportunities for overseas postings. Many graduate entry positions are based in Canberra.

Recruitment and testing services are conducted by the individual Commonwealth Government departments and agencies. Contact your chosen department or agency for full details. Department and agency contact details are available in the White Pages or through the Federal Government website at http://australia.gov.au.

Some jobs are advertised in local or national newspapers. Vacancies for permanent APS positions are also advertised on the Australian Public Service website at www.apsjobs.gov.au. Most jobs advertised on the website are open to all Australians, not just those already in the APS.

For Indigenous Australians, opportunities for employment while studying are available under the Indigenous Cadetship Support initiative. This employment program aims to assist Indigenous jobseekers to gain professional positions in both the private and public sectors. Contact the Indigenous Employment Line on 1802 102 (FREECALL) or visit www.ics.deewr.gov.au for more information.

Competition for positions in the APS is very strong.

For Further Information:

Contact your chosen government department for further information regarding this occupation.

Information for other states and territories: