Public Servant - State Government (NSW)

Public Servant - State Government (NSW/ACT)

Education and Training:

To become a public servant in the ACT and NSW governments you usually have to complete Year 10 or your HSC/ACT Year 12, depending on the entry position. Your employment prospects may be improved if you have qualifications such as basic skills in computing, data entry and administration. Training is also given on the job and assistance for work-related study may be available once you are employed within the ACT or NSW governments.

The principle of merit in recruitment and promotion means that the person whose skills, knowledge and experience best match the job requirements will be selected. In addition, each position in the ACT and NSW governments has specific requirements, which job applicants need to demonstrate that they meet by responding to set selection criteria.

You can also become a public servant through a traineeship in Government or in other specialised areas such as business and office administration, information technology and financial services. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

Graduate positions in the ACT and NSW governments require completion of a degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry to these courses usually requires you to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12.

Additional Information:

People interested in joining the ACT or NSW public sector should check www.jobs.nsw.gov.au, www.jobs.act.gov.au and advertisements in newspapers and the ACT or NSW Government Gazette to find out about vacancies. You should also contact individual departments and employment agencies. A guide can be found at www.nsw.gov.au to assist you in applying for jobs with the NSW Government, including information on how to write a good application, address the selection criteria and prepare for interviews.

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Public Sector (or other) 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.

Employment Opportunities:

Competition for graduate positions remains strong. Promotion and transfers within the public sector may be available, although advancement depends upon an officer's ambitions, qualifications, skills and abilities. Middle-level positions require ability or experience in more complex processing, investigation or supervision. More senior positions involve policy formulation, leadership and management skills.

NSW Government departments and agencies are located in the central business district and in metropolitan and country areas, while ACT Government departments are located in Canberra.

Australian citizenship is no longer a prerequisite to apply.