Updating Results

Department of Veterans' Affairs

  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Department of Veterans' Affairs Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Government & Public Service

What it does: Supports and commemorates those who’ve served their country
Staff stats: Around 2000
The good bits: Working for a good cause
The not so good bits: Media and political scrutiny
Hiring grads with degrees in:  Property & Built Environment; Sciences; Teaching, Education & Human Welfare; Engineering, Maths, IT & Computer Sciences; Finance, Accounting, Economics & Business Administration; Health & Medical Sciences; Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences; Law & Legal Studies. 

Department of Veterans’ Affairs story

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) was formed in 1976 as the successor to the Department of Repatriation. It’s responsible for delivering programs for war veterans, Australian Defence Force members, Australian Federal Police staff members and their dependants. The DVA is the administrator of payments and services under several legislative acts. It fulfils its functions by administering several agencies. These include the Australian War Memorial, Specialist Medical Review Council and Veterans’ Children Education Board.

The DVA often plays an important role in the lives of its clients, who include veterans and their widows and children. The department is headed by a Secretary. The Secretary reports to the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs.

The culture

The DVA believes “an inclusive workplace that is understanding and respectful of differences such as gender, race, disability or age” enhances “the department’s ability to drive creativity and think innovatively”.

The DVA recruits staff members with disabilities through its participation in the Australian Public Service’s RecruitAbility scheme. Its Gender Equality Action Plan promotes greater diversity and workplace flexibility with the aim of attracting, retaining and promoting more female employees.

The department also participates in the Australian Public Service’s Indigenous Graduate Recruitment Program.

Social contribution

Veterans and their families make significant sacrifices to help defend the nation. As a DVA staffer, you will have the opportunity to facilitate Australians repaying some of the debt they owe to those who’ve guaranteed their safety and freedom.  

The recruitment process

The Australian Government offers graduates job opportunities across multiple disciplines. Wherever you start your public service career as a graduate, you will do meaningful work from day one, be asked to contribute, be recognised for your perspective and see the impact you can make in the Australian community we serve.

DVA recruits a small intake of graduates each year, and coordinates graduate recruitment through the Australian Government Graduate Program in Generalist, Digital, and Data Streams. Applying to any of these streams means that with just one application process, you may be considered for graduate roles in multiple Australian Government departments, agencies and Commonwealth entities. If you wish to be considered for a DVA graduate role through one of these streams, you will need to apply via one of the below streams.

  • Generalist Stream
  • Digital Stream
  • Data Stream
  • 2022 Indigenous Graduate Pathway

Remuneration

Grads are graded at the first pay point of the APS4 classification, which translates to a salary of $73,074 in 2022. At the end of the program, you will progress to the top band of the APS4 classification. The DVA also offers 15.4 per cent superannuation, generous leave entitlements, salary sacrifice options, study assistance, a healthy lifestyle allowance and a relocation allowance.

Career prospects

The DVA aspires to give grads the best possible start to their careers. This includes the following learning & development opportunities:

  • Three business area rotations curated for your individual career development pathway
  • A year-long major project undertaken alongside your graduate cohort with senior leader sponsorship
  • Dedicated team to help shape your development and career path, including a previous graduate ‘buddy’, senior executive staff, and carefully selected supervisors trained in graduate needs
  • Opportunities to shadow senior executive and front line veteran support officers to gain a holistic understanding of DVA’s business
  • A customised induction; including cultural awareness training, a tour of the Australian War Memorial, and exclusive access to hear from senior leaders
  • Participation in culture initiatives such as Staff Reference Group and the Diversity & Inclusion Staff Network
  • Internal training opportunities, including courses on writing and financial management for government, leadership, APS values, data literacy and stakeholder engagement
  • Formal training opportunities aligned to organisational capability development throughout program

The vibe of the place

Located in the heart of Canberra, the DVA office is surrounded by cafes and shops. The DVA offers staff a good work-life balance, a positive and friendly workplace culture, accessible managers and the opportunity to get involved in diverse and meaningful projects.

From the Employer:

"At the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, our work makes a real difference in the lives of Australia’s veterans and their families. Our clients are diverse, ranging from young children, through contemporary veterans of operations in places like Afghanistan, to war widows of First World War servicemen. We meet them during some of their most difficult times, and are there to support their wellbeing throughout their lives.

We are looking for people who are as committed to service excellence, innovation and continuous improvement as we are.

Each year, we select a small number of graduates and take a genuine interest in their development and success. In our program, you will be highly visible.

You will also be challenged, undertaking three rotations across different parts of our business and completing a major team project as part of the Australian Public Service Commission’s whole-of-government graduate development program.

We offer great working conditions to assist you with a healthy work-life balance, a generous starting salary, the support of a former graduate ‘buddy’, and help you relocate if you need to. We also offer a career in a dynamic organisation, stepping forward to meet the challenge of client-focused, connected service delivery."

 

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Canberra
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
C
Creative Arts
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
P
Property & Built Environment
S
Sciences
T
Teaching & Education