Graduate Opportunities

The Defence Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a Canberra-based public service graduate program.

The mission of the Department of Defence is to Defend Australia and its National Interests. We have approximately 20,000 public servants located across Australia, with the highest percentage based in Canberra. We have military members and public servants (civilians) working together in a uniquely integrated environment, involved in areas from science to policy, engineering to finance, and human resources to intelligence, just to name a few.

The Graduate Program

The ten-month Graduate Development Program is a carefully managed period designed to introduce you to the diverse nature of Defence. You will undertake three varied work rotations across the Department that will assist you in building the skills, knowledge and networks vital for a successful career with Defence and the wider public service.  You will undertake a variety of training and professional and personal development modules over the course of the GDP. Graduates also attend a week-long familiarisation tour of Defence establishments, providing an introduction to the operational side of Defence not usually experienced by the public.

We believe that people generate results and we create a workplace where people are valued for their input. This, in turn, creates an environment that supports Australian Defence Force capability and the mission of the Department.

Conditions / employee benefits

Starting salary is $47,484 progressing to $53,622 on completion of the program. Benefits include:

• Standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Flextime – to help balance work and personal life
• Generous superannuation
• Further personal and professional career development opportunities
• Access to Studybank and leave for further education
• Free use of gyms in most locations
• Assistance with relocation to Canberra
• Mentoring scheme and buddy system 
• Guaranteed position when you complete the Program (in your domain for specialist streams)