Ability Apprenticeship Program
Do you want to start a rewarding career in the Australian Public Service where your efforts make a difference for everyday Australians?
Would you like to be part of helping improve the wellbeing of individuals, families and vulnerable members of Australian communities?
Are you looking for an inclusive workplace environment where you can make meaningful contributions with skill and career development opportunities?
The Ability Apprenticeship Program is a pathway for people with disability into secure, ongoing employment within our department and the Australian Public Service (APS) and a start to a long-term career. The Department of Social Services offers an introduction to working in government and being part of the Australian Government’s social policy agenda.
As well as employment with the Department of Social Services, applicants placed in the merit pool* at the end of the recruitment process may be offered similar employment in another APS department. *Placement in the merit pool is not a guarantee of employment.
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are now open.
Contact us: AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
Eligibility requirements
- the positions in this program are specifically for people with disability
- you must be an Australian citizen
- you must be at least 18 years old
- you will need to undergo and maintain a Police Records Check and Security Clearance – you will be need to disclose all relevant and required information for this.
About the program
- employment will start mid-2025
- the program is for 12 months
- positions will be located mostly in our National Office, Canberra, and maybe in our state and territory offices in, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide, Darwin and Perth
- positions include administration, policy development, program and service delivery and support roles
- positions are full-time with part-time subject to availability
- participants start employment at the APS Level 3.1 and may advance to APS Level 4.1 classification upon successful completion of all program requirements at the end of the program
- the department provides reasonable workplace adjustments to support individuals to perform at their full capability
- starting salary of $69,553 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation contributions for full-time employment
- 18 days of personal leave per year per full-time employment (pro-rata for part-time)
- 20 days annual leave per year per full-time employment (pro-rata for part-time)
- the department supports a strong wellbeing culture for staff.
Who are we looking for?
- people committed to their own ongoing learning and professional development
- people who can contribute to new and innovative ideas and solutions
- team players who collaborate and work well with others
- individuals who ask questions, put forward new ideas and views
- have good judgement and decision-making skills
- individuals with career experience
- people with a positive attitude, who are willing to take on challenges
- those who can adhere to the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct (links to external website).
We’re looking for people with the best potential, if this is you, do not hesitate, to apply for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program!
Contact us
For enquiries about the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program, email us at AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
If you meet all eligibility criteria, and you are interested in this employment opportunity we encourage to you to apply for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program.
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are now open.
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.
This recruitment process will fill current and future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies. A merit pool of suitable applicants will 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 / agency.
What does the workplace look like?
Here are some photos and a video to show you what our workplace looks like and where you could be working.
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