The Victorian Public Service (VPS) supports the government of the day in serving the Victorian community. It does this by providing public services, supporting Ministers with policy and legislation, building and maintaining infrastructure, managing resources and administering state finances.
The Victorian public sector is made up of other public entities and the VPS combined. Its workforce includes 322,605 people (as of June 2020). That’s around 9% of the total Victorian labour force.
The VPS provides health, education, transport, emergency services and more. The community trusts the public sector to serve them effectively, help grow the economy and keep people safe.
The VPS is made up of high-performing leaders, and capable, engaged employees. It prides itself on safe workplaces and diverse, inclusive teams.
Read more about how we define the public sector or see the full list of public sector agencies.
Public Service employers and employees have a mutual responsibility to work together to create a safe and inclusive culture. The public sector embraces diversity in all its forms, looking to create a next generation workforce, more open and diverse that represents the community.
As part of their commitment, they offer streams tailored to what you studied at university and graduate pathways if you’re an applicant with disability or identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
The VPS has created a culture where working flexibly is business as usual. They value flexible working arrangements that give employees a level of control over when, where and how work is accomplished. It’s one of their key drivers of employee engagement, which is linked to higher productivity, creativity and motivation among the workforce.
As part of the public sector, you will do work that matters. The community trusts the VPS to deliver public services that help keep communities safe, grow the economy and find solutions to Victoria’s most complex social problems.
The VPS is looking for people who are creative, curious and have a drive to learn and live the public sector values of integrity, respect and human rights.
To be eligible for the Victorian Government graduate program, you must:
You can apply for round one or round two (not both) for the program stream of your choice.
Round 1 program streams:
Round 2 program streams will be announced mid-2021.
If you’re an applicant with disability or identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, then check out the application pathways you can opt into.
Online applications open 23 February and close 29 March 2021. The application form asks for information on who you are, what you’ve done, what stream you would like to apply to, and if you’d like to opt into the disability or Aboriginal pathway. If you opt into a pathway, the graduate team will be in touch to talk about any reasonable adjustments you already use or know you’ll need. Pathway applicants can access confidential support from the team at all stages of the process.
You will also need to provide your undergraduate academic results and a resume.
After applications close, you will need to complete an online assessment, record a video of yourself responding to a series of questions, take part in online activities and do an online interview.
The VPS offers a competitive salary with a starting salary of more than $60,000, which increases to $72,000 at the program’s end as you progress into your ongoing role.
Keep in mind working in the public sector will allow you to use your pre-tax income to top up your super, pay a novated lease or take out discounted private health insurance. The VPS also offers generous leave provisions with access to long service leave, paid parental leave and special leave.
As a graduate, you’ll:
The program will help you learn and grow with mentors, peer networks and training in general and specialist areas.
You’ll do real work that shapes the role of government and improves the lives of Victorians. You’ll also have access to future career opportunities, only available to people who work in the Victorian Public Service.
The VPS is a great place to start your career. It offers job security, plenty of opportunities for professional development, supportive managers, friendly colleagues, an attractive work-life balance and the satisfaction that comes with helping make the world a better place.
Graduate Job
Graduate Job