The NSW Government is creating jobs and supporting career pathways for talented graduates in the state’s most in-demand professions through its Government Graduate Program.
In response to labour shortages and the needs of government agencies, the program is expanding to offer engineering graduates the opportunity to work on high-visibility and large-scale infrastructure projects across Greater Sydney and regional NSW.
Roles are available across government agencies such as Transport for NSW, Health Infrastructure, School Infrastructure, Landcom and Regional NSW.
This adds to the existing primary, digital, legal and social work streams which continue to expand across metropolitan and regional locations.
Dannielle Burke of Umina Beach is one Coastie who came through the program last August and is now working for the Department of Customer Service (DCS) as a Graduate in the Business Operations and Strategic Support team in the Licensing and Funds branch of the Better Regulation Division.
“The team is focused on driving the successful implementation of new business and legislation projects across licensing and funds,” Burke, 28, said.
“I initially applied for the program after beginning a career in the publishing industry following my completion of a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree with First Class Honours at the University of Newcastle.
“After two years in the job and having to also work at my local supermarket to keep afloat, I realised I had dwindling job security with the pandemic hitting.”
With graduates eligible for the program for only up to two years after completing their degree, Burke decided to apply while she was still able.
“I loved the idea of going through three six-month rotations within different NSW Government departments,” she said.
“It was a great opportunity to gain varied job experiences, while allowing me to adapt to new work environments quickly with the chance to push myself and discover new skills I never would have thought myself capable of.”
While happy with her present job, Burke said she was eager to develop her skillset.
“With so many new opportunities coming up regularly within DCS, it is impossible to say where I will end up,” she said.
“Career progression is a big part of the Graduate program and DCS, so I look forward to discovering where my interests will lead me.
“Right now, I am just having fun discovering new aspects of my work ethic and interests every day.
“This program has given me so much more than a job.
“Working for the NSW Government I can maintain a work life balance, the ability to work where I live, the chance to push myself and develop new skills, take advantage of networking opportunities for career progression, gain new friends and get a better understanding of government.
“Ultimately though, I have been offered job security, which is all I ever wanted in first place.”
More than 300 roles are available across the entire program in 2023 – the biggest intake in the program’s history.
Since it began in 2016, the 18-month program has been a career start for over 1,000 graduates.
NSW Public Service Commissioner, Kathrina Lo, said that the success of program participants demonstrates the rich opportunities the public sector provides its employees.
“Our graduates do meaningful work that they can tailor to their skills and interests,” she said.
“Whether you want to specialise in your area of study or try something new, the diverse nature of our work for the NSW community means there is something for everyone.”
Applications for the 2023 NSW Government Graduate Program are open until August 8.
For more information and to apply, visit iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/graduate-program.
Terry Collins
So proud of my baby girl love Dad