Public Servant - State Government (VIC)

State/Territory Specific Information

Education and Training:

To become a public servant in the Victorian Government you usually have to complete Year 10 or your VCE, 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.

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 entry into the Victorian Government requires completion of a degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry to these courses usually requires you to gain your VCE.

Additional Information:

People interested in joining the Victorian public sector should check www.careers.vic.gov.au and advertisements in newspapers to find out about vacancies. You should also contact individual departments and employment agencies. Several departments also offer graduate recruitment programs for graduate entrants. See www.graduates.vic.gov.au for details.

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.

  1. Establish and Maintain Strategic Networks (PSP Unit)
  2. Certificate II in Government
  3. Certificate III in Government *
  4. Certificate IV in Government *
  5. Certificate IV in Government - Revenue Administration
  6. Certificate IV in Government - Statutory Compliance *
  7. Diploma of Government
  8. Diploma of Justice *
  9. Advanced Diploma of Justice *
  10. Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws *
  11. Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Commerce
  12. Bachelor of Social Science - Community Health
  13. Bachelor of Social Science - Criminal Justice

Employment Opportunities:

Competition for graduate positions remains strong. Promotion and transfers to other departments are available through an internal process, 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 and management skills.

Government departments are located in the central business district and in metropolitan and country areas.

Australian citizenship is no longer a prerequisite to apply.

For Further Information:

Careers with the Victorian Government

Community and Public Sector Union

(03) 9639 1822

Information for other states and territories: