Graduate program - frequently asked questions
What can Australian Customs and Border Protection Services offer you
Will I become a permanent employee with the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service?
Upon successful completion of the Graduate Trainee program including probation, you will become a permanent CL 2, Senior Customs Officer (APS 5 equivalent). No further interview process will be required of you.
What training does Australian Customs and Border Protection Service provide?
A variety of training courses are provided to Graduate Trainees Including:
- Project Management;
- Legislation and APS decision-making;
- Policy formulation and advice;
- Advanced writing skills;
- Presentation skills and other courses; and
- Specific training relevant to your placement.
Will Australian Customs and Border Protection Service offer regional placements during 2014?
Regional placements are explored based on operational requirements and the budget position of each work area.
Do I have to move to Canberra permanently?
Yes. The majority of positions available at the end of the Graduate Trainee program are located in Central Office which is located in Canberra. Opportunity for permanent placements in other locations outside of Canberra will depend on operational requirements and the skill set of the employee.
Will I get to work at the airport or on the boats?
Positions based within Airport Operations and the Marine Unit are Operational focused and very different to the opportunity available to Graduate Trainees. If you are interested in Operational positions within Australian Customs and Border Protection Service please view the Trainee and Marine Unit recruitment campaigns to assist you with your career decision.
Selection Process
Do I need to be an Australian citizen?
Yes. Section 22 (8), Engagement of APS employees, in the Public Service Act 1999 details ‘An Agency Head must not engage, as an APS employee, a person who is not an Australian Citizen, unless the Agency Head considers it appropriate to do so’.
The Agency head of Customs and Border Protection has advised it is not appropriate to engage non Australian Citizens for Graduate Trainee positions.
Is Australian Customs and Border Protection Service looking for specific degrees?
For the 2014 Graduate Trainee program, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service are seeking Graduate Trainees with the following disciplines:
- International Relations;
- Business Degrees;
- Commerce with major in Accounting;
- Law; and
- Other disciplines with the above mentioned traits.
How do I respond to the Selection Criteria?
Your statement of claims should be prepared keeping in mind the particular expectations outlined in the selection criteria and the job description. You should cite examples of situations you have faced and describe in detail your actual involvement. Your examples of past behaviour should reflect your knowledge, skills, experience and qualifications.
The key to preparing your statement of claims is to:
- demonstrate capability by providing evidence of how you meet the selection criteria;
- provide specific details; and
- where possible, include an indicator of success or a result
An easy way to do this is to use the CAR approach wherever possible - that is:
C (Circumstance) |
What was the situation? |
A (Action) |
What did you do? |
R (Result) |
What was the end result? |
What is Psychometric Testing?
Psychometric assessments are used to measure psychological functioning under standardised conditions in line with a particular role.
There are many different types of assessment; all with the aim of helping Australian Customs and Border Protection Service build an overall profile of you and, importantly, how you would fit within our organisation.
Assessments will include a combination of abilities testing and an emotional intelligence inventory. These assessments will be administered at different stages of the process, both online and under supervision as part of the shortlisting and assessment centre components.
Results of successful applicants only will be supplied to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, other results will be kept confidential and destroyed by DFP recruitment once offers have been made and accepted.
What will the Assessment Centre involve?
All Assessment Centres will be held in Canberra.
Applicants who cannot attend the Assessment Centre are not able to be considered further for the 2014 Graduate Trainee program as this is a critical part of the selection process.
The Assessment Centre will run for approximately half a day and consists of a variety of activities and exercises that assess the applicant's competency levels against the selection criteria.
During the Assessment Centre you will receive information about the Graduate Trainee program, undergo a group exercise, complete a personal interview and meet with a security advisor to discuss your security documentation. You will have ample opportunity to ask questions about Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and ascertain if we are the best organistion for you to progress your career.
All of the information collected about you throughout the selection process with be assessed for suitability in line with the APS Merit Values.
What does the security clearance involve?
If you are a successful applicant you will be required to undergo an Organisational Suitability Assessment conducted by Customs and Border Protection as well as obtain a Negative Vet 1 Security Clearance which is granted by the AGSVA (Australian Government Security Vetting Agency).
What does the medical examination involve?
This is a standard government medical. You will undergo an eye examination, a general health and fitness check up, a urine test and asked general questions about your ability to perform your role by the examining Doctor.
Contact with Customs and Border Protection
How and when will I know if I have been successful?
Upon completion of each short listed stage unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. Due to the high number of applications received for the Graduate Trainee Program, individual feedback will not be available for unsuccessful applicants prior to the Assessment Centre.
Successful applicants will be notified by phone and or writing once all assessment has been evaluated and reference checks have been conducted. Offers for the Graduate Trainee program will be based on the successful applicants obtaining an Organisational Suitability Assessment, conducted by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, as well as a Negative Vet 1 Security Clearance processed by AGSVA (Australian Government Security Vetting Agency) and a clear medical result.
Will Australian Customs and Border Protection Service help me move to Canberra?
Upon Australian Customs and Border Protection Service receiving the successful applicant’s formal acceptance to join the Graduate Trainee program, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service will provide assistance for relocation to Canberra. This will include:
- Flights from your home port and your motor vehicle relocated to Canberra OR a motor vehicle allowance for you to drive your car from your home port to Canberra
- Relocation of your personal and household items
- Short-term, temporary accommodation whilst settling in to Canberra
- Meals allowance whilst in short-term, temporary accommodation
Who can I speak to for more information?
If after reading the information available to you on this website you still have questions, please contact DFP Recruitment on 1300 558 870 or via email graduate trainee program.