The Ability Apprenticeship Program
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
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 closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
Who is eligible
The positions in this program are specifically for people with disability(Opens in a new tab/window).
You must also be:
- an Australian citizen.
- at least 18 years old.
You will need to undergo and maintain a police records check and security clearance. You will 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(Opens in a new tab/window) 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 we are looking for
We’re looking for people who:
- are committed to their own ongoing learning and professional development
- can contribute to new and innovative ideas and solutions
- collaborate and work well with others
- ask questions, put forward new ideas and views
- have good judgement and decision-making skills
- have career experience
- have a positive attitude, who are willing to take on challenges
- can adhere to the APS Values, Employment Principles and Code of Conduct(Opens in a new tab/window).
We’re looking for people with the best potential. If this is you, do not hesitate to apply for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program!
How to apply
Applications for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program are closed. This page will be updated with details of the next program in the future.
Contact us
If you have questions about the program or need more information, email us at AbilityProgram@dss.gov.au
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 or agency.
The workplace environment
Here are some photos and a video to show you what our workplace looks like and where you could be working.
Photos of our workplace
Video of our workplace
[Slide] Know what to expect when you come to work in our department.
[Upbeat music plays.]
Exterior of Department of Social Services, Canberra premises - Enid Lyons building.
Central void of Enid Lyons building
Kitchen facilities.
Rooftop area with tables and benches.
Meeting room with videoconference screens.
A work station with a desk, chair, computer screens, keyboard and telephone.
Changing Places bathroom with accessible shower and toilet.
[Slide] Apply for the 2025 Ability Apprenticeship Program today.