2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program - frequently asked questions
About the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program
I have a disability. Can I apply for this program?
Yes. The program is only for people with disability. For employment purposes in the Australian Public Service (APS), persons are considered to have a disability if they have a limitation, restriction or impairment, which has lasted, or is likely to last, for at least 6 months and restricts everyday activities.
You must also be:
- an Australian citizen
- over 18 years old.
What level are the program positions?
Positions are at the APS Level 3.1 classification. Visit the Australian Public Service Commission website for more information about classification levels in the Work Level Standards(Opens in a new tab/window).
What happens at the end of the program?
On successful completion of all requirements, at the end of the program, you may advance to APS Level 4.1 classification.
What is the pay?
The starting salary of an APS Level 3.1 is $69,553 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation contributions for full-time employment.
When is employment in the program expected to start and how long is it for?
The program will start in mid-2025 and last for 12 months.
Will I be a permanent employee?
Yes. New employees joining the Department of Social Services Ability Apprenticeship program will become a permanent (ongoing) employee with a 12-month probation period for this program.
Where are the positions located?
Positions will mostly be available within our National Office in Canberra. Some positions may be available in our Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth offices.
Do you provide any relocation support if I am required to move to take a position in the program?
Yes. Relocation assistance is available and provided on a case-by-case basis.
Is it full-time for all positions in the program?
The positions in the program are full-time, with part-time employment opportunities subject to availability. The working hours for full-time employees are 7.5 hours per day which is 37.5 hours per week.
Who can I contact for more information about the program?
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
What to expect as a program participant
The positions in the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program will be in different work areas of the Department of Social Services, such as administration, policy, program and corporate support.
What sort of work will I do?
As an APS Level 3, you usually do straightforward tasks. There may be some complexity with the work. You will work under supervision and direction, with set priorities and processes.
You can expect to
- use computer/software applications such as:
- Microsoft Office - Outlook email, Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams (MS Teams)
- records management systems
- some data entry work
- follow set processes and procedures for your work
- work with confidential and sensitive information
- work with others in person, by video conferencing and by telephone
- read, research and use information as part of your job
- work as a member of a team
- take part in feedback and performance discussions.
What is the work environment like?
Our department’s national office is located in Canberra. Working in our office environment you can expect:
- an open plan office space (with general workplace chatter and noises)
- may work at a different desk from time to time
- work at a desk most of the time, (sitting or standing) doing computer/screen-based work
- work in a large building with other people
- may attend meetings and training in large rooms with other people
- will have regular interactions with others in your team and workplace
- inclusive and supportive work environments
- an inclusive culture that celebrates differences.
What skills, abilities and qualities do I need to have?
Skills, abilities and qualities include:
- ability to work with others in a team
- have good judgement and decision-making skills
- ability to manage different work priorities
- have good communication skills
- good attention to detail and the ability to follow processes
- work with confidential information
- have a commitment to your ongoing learning
- willing to actively participate in seeking and applying feedback
- ability to follow the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct.
What training and career development will I receive during the program?
The Ability Apprenticeship Program offers flexible training, learning and development, while you gain experience working on the job. You will take part in training, learning and development activities to build your skills and support your professional growth during the program.
During the program you will receive an introduction to the department and to the APS.
Will I have a point of contact to help me during the program?
Yes. A Program Coordinator will be your main point of contact. They will provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the program.
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
The recruitment process
What are the recruitment stages?
Stage 1 – Online application
To complete your application online you will need to:
- provide your personal details
- provide your response to the selection question/your pitch to the application
- attach your current resume
- attach your evidence of disability.
We recommend you read all available information about the program. A job pack with useful details to help you to complete your application is available online with the application form.
If your application is suitable, you will move to the next stage.
Stage 2 – Online work activity assessment
For stage 2, you will participate in an online work activity assessment. We will send you instructions of what you will need to do. This activity is for you to demonstrate the core skills needed to work well at the APS 3 level.
You will be asked about any reasonable adjustments you may need to enable you to complete this activity.
If your work activity assessment is suitable, you will move to the next stage, an interview.
Stage 3 – Online interview with a selection panel
If selected for an interview, you will be told when this will take place and what to expect. Interviews will take place online through MS Teams between you and a selection panel. Suitable reasonable adjustments will be discussed with you before the interview to support you taking part in the interview.
Stage 4 – Referee check
Referee checks confirm the information about you. You will be asked to provide details about referees as part of your job application in Stage 1. We may contact your referees after your interview.
Stage 5 – Merit pool and job matching
Applicants who successfully complete stages 1 to 4 will be placed into the program merit pool. The merit pool will have more people in it than available jobs. We use the merit pool to match the available jobs to the right people. Placement in the merit pool is not a guarantee of employment.
If you are matched to a job, we will contact you with a verbal offer of employment. This employment offer is conditional until you complete the required police check and baseline security clearance.
Can I resign from my current job if I receive a verbal employment offer?
If offered employment in the program, we recommend waiting to resign from any current job you may have, until you have passed all the required pre-employment checks and you have a formal offer of employment in writing.
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
Completing your application
What should I include in my application?
You will complete an application form online. In your application you should tell us about:
- why you want to be in this program
- your work skills and abilities that you would use in this job
- include examples you may have from work, school, University or TAFE, sporting groups or volunteer work.
You will also need to attach your current resume and evidence of disability(Opens in a new tab/window) to complete your application online.
To help you prepare your application, we suggest you visit applying with us.
Will I be told of the outcome of my application?
Yes. All applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application throughout each of the recruitment stages. Feedback will be available to all applicants.
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
Reasonable adjustments, inclusion and diversity support
Our department provides a range of supports based on individual needs and provides suitable reasonable adjustments so that you can fully participate in this recruitment process. The Ability Program team will contact applicants about their adjustment needs as they pass through each stage.
If offered employment, reasonable workplace adjustments will be individually discussed before you start work. Workplace adjustments are available to help you do your work effectively, safely, productively, so that you can perform to your fullest potential.
Disability employment (Affirmative measure vacancy)
The Ability Apprenticeship Program is open only to people with disability. The filling of positions through this program constitutes an affirmative measure under Section 33 of the Australian Public Service Commissioner's Directions 2022(Opens in a new tab/window).
This recruitment process will fill current and future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies. A merit pool of suitable applicants will be used to fill future vacancies should they become available over the next 18 months. Non-ongoing vacancies will be offered for a period of up to 18 months with the possibility of extension (up to a total period of 3 years). Some non-ongoing vacancies may become ongoing in the next 18 months.
As well as employment with the Department of Social Services, successful applicants may be offered a similar employment opportunity in another APS department or agency.
Contact us
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au