Public Servant - Australian Public Service (VIC)

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 VCE.

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. Develop and Use Emotional Intelligence (PSP Unit)
  2. Certificate II in Government
  3. Certificate III in Government *
  4. Certificate IV in Business - Governance (07)
  5. Certificate IV in Government *
  6. Certificate IV in Government - Fraud Control
  7. Certificate IV in Government - Investigation
  8. Certificate IV in Government - Revenue Administration
  9. Certificate IV in Government - Statutory Compliance *
  10. Diploma of Government
  11. Diploma of Justice *
  12. Bachelor of Arts *
  13. Bachelor of Arts - Politics and Public Policy
  14. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws *
  15. Bachelor of Health Sciences / Bachelor of Arts
  16. Bachelor of International Studies *
  17. Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
  18. Bachelor of Social Science - Community Health
  19. Bachelor of Social Science - Politics and Public Policy

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: