Indigenous Cadetship Program
Applications are invited for the 2009 Indigenous Cadetship Program. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2008.
DFAT's Indigenous Cadetship Program (ICP)
The Department's Indigenous Cadetship Program is a sponsorship program that provides Indigenous students with assistance during their studies and practical work experience in the long summer break. The practical work experience normally involves a placement in the Department's head office in Canberra. Cadets are ongoing departmental employees on probation. Once they have successfully completed their studies, cadets will graduate from the ICP and be offered a permanent position with the Department.
What type of employee do we need? What type of degree?
We need high quality employees who are talented, flexible and resourceful. We are interested in undergraduates from all academic disciplines, and seek people who are talented, highly motivated and committed to acquiring the skills, knowledge and abilities to contribute to the department's work in advancing Australia's national interests. We have a preference for students studying for three or four year degrees. See our duty statement and selection criteria for further details.
What salary will I receive during the cadetship? And after the cadetship?
Indigenous cadets are employed as ongoing DFAT employees and paid at the APS Level 2.1 rate (from 1 July 2008, $42,920 per annum, gross). During the study period (usually March to November, approximately 40 weeks each year) cadets are paid at 50% of the APS Level 2.1 rate ($21,460 per annum, gross). Cadets are paid the full APS Level 2.1 rate while performing practical, on-the-job training during the long vacation in the academic year (usually December to February). Cadet employees who complete the cadetship and take up a permanent position are paid at DFAT's APS Level 3.1 rate, currently $48,638 annually.
What other assistance is available?
We will pay HECS on units you successfully complete. In addition to this, you will be paid an allowance of $500 per semester to offset costs such as textbooks, student union fees and compulsory course fees. Travel and accommodation costs are also paid when you come to Canberra to undertake your practical work experience.
The Department also has a strong Indigenous employee network (IEN) and members of the IEN assist and mentor new Indigenous employees.
Who can apply?
You are an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student (undergraduate) who is now studying, or will be studying next year for your first degree (e.g., bachelor degree) at an Australian tertiary educational institution (e.g., university) and you will complete your studies for your degree during next year or after. Preference is given to applicants who have successfully completed at least one year of academic study for their degree. For example, you are a first or second year undergraduate student in a three or four year degree course. The DFAT Indigenous Cadetship Program assists only those Indigenous undergraduate students who are studying for their first degree.
How do I apply?
Applications are invited for the 2009 Indigenous Cadetship Program. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2008
There are two ways to apply for a cadetship:
1. You can complete an application form on the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Department's (DEEWR) website by selecting the "Register with NICP" heading. You can nominate DFAT as your preferred employer. To enable us to assess your suitability for a cadetship, it is best to provide as much information as possible in your application.
After you have lodged your application, DEEWR will check it against the eligibility criteria for NICP and advise you whether your application has been approved.
Once your application has been approved it will be available for employers to view on line. If we consider you meet our requirements we will be in touch to arrange an interview.
Or
2. Complete the Indigenous Cadetship application form (rtf). These are also available from your university Indigenous Student Centre or directly from DFAT (phone (02) 6261 2826 to arrange for a form to be posted or emailed to you).
If you are selected for interview, we will be in touch with you to arrange a suitable date. Interviews will take place in the Department's head office in Canberra.
How are cadets selected?
Applicants are selected for an Indigenous cadetship based on merit. In assessing an applicant's merit for a cadetship, the key factors are academic achievement, demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills, good communication skills, effective working relationships and a capacity to take a professional attitude and approach to departmental responsibilities and work. Applicants' claims for cadetships are assessed first on written applications and referees' reports. Applicants who are assessed suitable to be offered a cadetship are interviewed in Canberra and a final order of merit decided.
What opportunities exist for career development?
As ongoing departmental employees, ICP graduates will have many options for career advancement through the normal processes of applying for different work assignments, including overseas postings, and for promotions. In addition to the usual career opportunities in a major Australian Government agency, cadets are also encouraged to apply for our Graduate Trainee programs. In the final year of their degree, cadets are eligible to apply for the Graduate Trainee Program and the Corporate Finance and Management Trainee Program as part of a competitive selection process. As employees, cadets are also eligible to apply for the Administrative Officer Development Program or other positions which may become available. See also the Department's Collective Agreement 2006-2009 (pdf).
The Graduate Trainee program is for graduates from all academic backgrounds and prepares you for a career as a generalist policy officer. Graduate Trainees undergo a comprehensive one to two-year professional development training program in Canberra, combining work placements with formal training modules. On completion, Graduate Trainees can expect to be posted into foreign and trade policy related positions overseas.
The Corporate and Financial Management Trainee Program is for those with a degree in commerce, economics or management which includes a minor or major sequence in accounting, and prepares trainees for a career managing the Department's assets, resources and programs. Trainees undertake a two-year professional development training program in Canberra, which combines work placements with training and further study. When serving overseas, our corporate officers have special responsibility for managing our embassies and consulates and providing consular assistance to Australian citizens.
Where do I get more information?
Further information on the DFAT Reconciliation Action Plan
More information is available from:
Contact Person
Indigenous Employees Network
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Telephone: (02) 6261 2826
Executive Officer
Workplace Diversity Unit
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Telephone: (02) 6261 2826
e-mail: workplacediversity@dfat.gov.au