The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) is the lead agency for the Data and Digital Cadet Program, in partnership with the APS Data Profession, APS Digital Profession and APSC Career Pathways to recruit, support and develop data and digital cadets.
The Data and Digital Cadet Program is an Australian government initiative designed to offer supported study to work pathways for data and digital cadets looking to kick start a career, while still at university. It is a fresh approach to providing the public service with a pipeline of university educated, skilled and capable data and digital talent. The program aims to grow emerging data and digital professionals by providing practical experience and on the job learning to supplement university studies.
Data and digital cadets play a key role in assisting the Australian Public Service (APS) address the critical data and digital skills shortage, build essential data and digital capability and boost employment opportunities in these streams.
We recruit for data and digital cadets across all Australian states and territories, with the majority of positions primarily located in Canberra. However, there are some locations worth a special mention as they are located in the APS Academy Campuses in Townsville and Newcastle. Located on site at the University of Newcastle and James Cook University, undergraduates and postgraduates currently studying at either of these universities are strongly encouraged to apply for the Data and Digital Cadet Program in these locations.
About
The Data and Digital Cadet Program is for Australian citizens who are currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a data or digital related field. They’ll have already completed 1 year of data or digital studies at an Australian university, with (at least) one year remaining.
Data and digital cadets are employed by the government, supported to complete current studies and explore different data or digital careers. They get to make use of their degree and interests while gaining valuable industry experience, solving problems and making a difference to the Australian community. The Data and Digital Cadet Program gives flexibility to balance study and work by integrating education and professional development through dedicated days for work responsibilities and study commitments.
Benefits
The Data and Digital Cadet Program provides hands on experience and specialised learning for an exciting career pathway in government. Career coaching and networks provide data and digital cadets to mix with specialists both academically and professionally.
The Data and Digital Cadet Program offers:
- Meaningful work that makes a positive impact in people’s lives
- Pathway into a diverse and engaging career with government
- Permanent part-time employment while studying and full time employment on completion of degree
- Competitive starting salary and excellent employment conditions
- Flexibly to complete the program over 1 to 3 years (depending degree length)
- Academic allowance for successfully completed units ($800 per unit up to 4 units per semester)
- Membership to peak industry bodies the Australian Computer Society (ACS) or Data Management Association (DAMA).
Eligibility
We’re looking for people who have a curiosity, aptitude and interest in data or digital and technical disciplines, with a desire to build upon your skills. Data and digital cadets should have an interest in serving the Australian community and contribute to a professional, respectful and positive workplace.
To be eligible to apply for the Data and Digital Cadet Program, applicants need to:
- Be an Australian citizenship (at the time of application)
- Have completed at least the 1st year (or equivalent) of an eligible data or digital degree by January 2025.
We are looking for current university students who are studying in data and digital fields and accept a wide range of degrees. Here are some of the degrees that we recommend suitable for the Data and Digital Cadet Program:
Data
- Actuarial studies
- Analytics
- Computer Science
- Data science and mining
- Engineering
- Economics
- Econometrics
- Finance
- Geography
- Mathematics (modelling)
- Psychology
- Physics
- Social Science
- Sociology
- Statistics
Digital
You can check out the full list of suitable digital degrees here.
We know that many university degrees can include both data and digital components and know we may not have captured them all. If your degree isn’t listed and you think it should be eligible, please get in touch with us so we can discuss your study and options.
Applying
Applications for the 2025 Data and Digital Cadet Program are closed.
Selection Process
There are the 4 main stages of the selection process:
Step 1: Submit your application online.
Step 2: Attend aptitude/motivational testing and interview. If found suitable, we will shortlist you for the next stage.
Step 3: We will review your degree, written responses and work-related qualities. If found suitable, you will progress and attend a video interview. Suitable candidates are placed in the merit pool for consideration by participating government organisations.
Step 3: Suitable candidates will be matched with government departments and agencies, based on qualifications and positions available. Unmatched candidates will remain in the merit pool for future consideration for up to 18 months from the date the job was advertised.
Get in touch
For more information on the Data and Digital Cadet Program, eligibility requirements and to submit an application, please check out APSJOBS Career Pathways.
If you have any questions about starting a data or digital career with the Australian Government, you can email emergingtalent@apsc.gov.au.