As Australia’s largest employer, NSW Government includes many departments and agencies who work together to develop policy and deliver important services such as health, education, housing, justice, transport and infrastructure across our state.
As a proud employer who values diversity, NSW Government is committed to reflecting the community we serve by creating an inclusive workplace for all. Whether you are delivering services or designing policies, there is a place for everyone, inclusive of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and personal commitments.
We are looking for talented and passionate graduates to build on this work and become leaders of tomorrow. In our program, graduates complete three unique rotations based on their functional areas of interest and desired location. Our graduates also have access to unique networking and development opportunities.
The NSW Government Graduate Program gives graduates an opportunity to shape and change the future of NSW. The program offers a primary stream, which is open to all degrees and disciplines, and degree-specific streams designed for graduates looking to transition into specific occupations.
With three six-month rotations across government agencies, the 18-month program offers an incredibly diverse experience that allows you to explore opportunities and build your own career in the primary stream, or work towards a specific career path in the degree-specific streams.
From day one, you will play an integral role in exciting and important projects, allowing you to build a strong foundation of skills for your career. You will also have a personal mentor and executive sponsor, and many opportunities to engage with your cohort and develop your professional network. Graduates who successfully complete the program are offered a permanent position with the NSW Government.
To learn more, please visit our website.
Primary Stream
Are you interested in gaining broad experience across a range of roles in NSW Government?
Graduates in the primary stream can work in a range of areas, from analytics or human resources to policy and projects, and more. When applying to the primary stream, you can nominate functional areas of interest to try roles in.
The primary stream is open to all university degrees.
In the primary stream, you’ll complete learning and development modules, which will help to ease your transition from university to work life and provide foundational government knowledge.
Legal Stream
Are you interested in working on legislative instruments, learning about criminal prosecution, or conducting reviews of Policies and Acts?
If you want to work as a lawyer in NSW Government, the legal stream offers you experience such as litigation, providing legal advice and developing policy.
In the legal stream, you will study towards a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, so you can be admitted as a solicitor in NSW. To be eligible for this stream, you will have recently completed a law degree (in the last two years) and be willing to study towards a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Digital Stream
Are you interested in harnessing emerging technology such as virtual reality, blockchain and sensors to develop innovative and citizen-centric digital solutions?
In the digital stream, you'll play a part in defining how the people of NSW interact with digital government services. From identifying cyber security risks to designing and delivering products and services, you will work across critical areas such as health, housing, customer service and transport.
In the digital stream, you'll receive tailored development which includes targeted courses that are aligned to your career aspirations. You will also attend workshops with your cohort so that you have a foundational knowledge of government and how government works.
Engineering Stream
Are you interested in applying your knowledge of science and mathematics to find effective solutions to problems?
The engineering stream will provide you with invaluable experience in analysing and addressing problems and coming up with practical ways to change things so they perform better. You will gain exposure and contribute to critical high-profile initiatives that impact the citizens of NSW. You could be working on a wide range of different projects, from health, and infrastructure, to transport.
In the engineering stream, you’ll receive tailored development from Engineers Australia which will focus on your personal development, project management, and professional skills.
Social Work Stream
Are you interested in working with children, young people and their families and carers to bring about support, protection, and safety?
In the social workstream, you’ll play a part in transforming the lives of vulnerable children. You’ll apply your knowledge and skills to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and communities who often experience disadvantages and live in varied and challenging circumstances. The social workstream provides a pathway to becoming a caseworker.
In the social workstream, you will learn about how child protection works across systems, policies and practices. You will also complete tailored caseworker development training and attend workshops with your cohort so that you have a foundational knowledge of government and how government works. You will undertake group supervision so you can make the best possible decisions about children and their families.
Key Dates
Take note of these key dates for the 2025 NSW Government Graduate Program:
There are five stages to the recruitment process, which you can read all about on our website
Graduates receive a competitive remuneration package of approximately $84,351. This includes a salary of $75,992, employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.