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Helen Graduate Program

Graduate program

If you are a university graduate, you can apply for a Government graduate programs.

There are three program options available:

Aboriginal Graduate Pathway Program

The Chief Minister and Cabinet (CM&C) 2025 Aboriginal Graduate Pathway Program provides one year of full-time employment for Aboriginal university graduates.  As an Aboriginal graduate, you will rotate through CM&C work units and projects that are relevant to your field of study, experience and interests.

The project is part of CM&C’s workforce planning and Aboriginal Employment and Career Development strategies. It is designed to enhance the research, analytical and administrative skills you have learnt at university and through prior work experience.

As a new graduate, you have the opportunity to begin your career with the NT Public Service (NTPS) in a supportive workplace where the focus is on your professional development and training.

You will have many opportunities to broaden your knowledge and understanding of government decision making, policy development, service design and delivery, and operations.

You will also be supported in developing high level work skills by undertaking project work. Joining the NTPS as part of the Program will enable you to:

  • Build on your academic success and expand your professional options
  • Acquire the practical skills required to work in government
  • Develop long-term goals and interests across a diverse range of policy and program initiatives
  • Build personal and professional networks across the Territory.

As a key central agency, CM&C offers professional development and work experience that can fast-track your career. The Program is specifically designed for tertiary graduates and involves:

  • Formal training and practical courses on how government works
  • Exposure to how decisions are made on key policies and major government projects * Work placements within various business units across the agency
  • Mentoring by a senior executive staff member
  • Guidance and support by an assigned supervisor with regular performance feedback throughout each placement.

There are graduate opportunities across a range of disciplines and functions within CM&C. Areas of focus could include:

  • Regional development and coordination
  • Aboriginal affairs and Treaty
  • Local Government
  • Social, Economic and Environment Policy
  • Strategic Coordination and National Reform
  • Communications and Engagement
  • Security and Emergency Recovery
  • Major projects and investment.

During the 12-month program, you will work towards achieving competencies against measurable learning outcomes identified when each work placement commences.

You will receive feedback during the placement from your immediate supervisor and senior executive mentor through advice and progress reports. These progress reports help to understand your strengths and aptitudes, and prepare you for advancement.

After successful completion of the program, you may be offered ongoing employment with the NT Government.

The NTPS values diversity and aims to employ a workforce that is representative of the community we serve.

An eligible applicant must:

  • Be Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
  • Be an Australian citizen or hold Australian permanent residency.
  • Have completed in the past three years (or be due to complete in 2023) an Australian tertiary degree or be able to produce documented evidence confirming qualifications attained overseas are recognised in Australia.

Note: Where applicants hold more than one degree, that is, undergraduate (Bachelor) and postgraduate (i.e. Masters), both must be in line with the undergraduate discipline.

There may be a requirement for applicants to undergo security checks or submit a conflict-of-interest declaration, as part of the selection process.

We require graduates to have a grade point average of credit or above.

Graduates must be well-rounded, show potential as future leaders and have:

  • Demonstrated conceptual, analytical and research skills
  • Ability to apply academic knowledge and concepts to practical situations
  • Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work as part of a team and organise their own workload to meet deadlines
  • Ability to prepare concise and accurate reports with attention to detail
  • Willingness to learn from feedback and take responsibility for their actions.

The cover letter of your application should talk about these qualities and show how you meet them.

Please submit the following documents as part of your application:

  • Graduate Application Details Form Cover Letter –
  • One page summary Resume with two referees
  • Copy of degree/s or University Transcript
  • Confirmation of Aboriginality and statutory declaration of eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
  • Copy of your birth certificate or passport

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