Frequently asked questions
Graduate program
On this page:
- What makes the AFP special?
- When would I be expected to commence?
- When do applications close?
- What are the minimum requirements for the AFP Graduate Program?
- Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work with the AFP?
- I have a security clearance from another department/organisation. Will this assist me with my application?
- I have an extensive driving/legal history can I apply?
- I have a Diploma/Advanced Diploma from CIT/TAFE am I eligible?
- Where are the positions located?
- What will I be paid?
- What salary band will I be on upon successful completion of the program?
- What happens at the end of the program?
- What areas are taking on Graduates?
- What will the program involve?
- How will the rotation system work?
- What does the recruitment process entail?
What makes the AFP special?
The nature of the AFP, and what is required of it, has changed significantly in recent years. The AFP has responded to a rapidly changing environment, and this has required a greater focus on national and international operations.
The new challenges the AFP faces include counter terrorism, human trafficking and sexual servitude, cyber-crime, peace operations, protection and other transnational crimes.
To help meet these challenges, the AFP has implemented a new organisational structure which focuses on its main operational areas and provides a higher level of national coordination and support to these areas.
The objectives of the new structure are to achieve better results by:
- improving the management structure and methodologies to better reflect the AFP's national and international focus
- providing an improved management framework which is better able to meet the national expectations of government, client and partner agencies
- providing a stronger accountability framework to the government
- ensuring the organisation is acting in a corporately consistent manner and that resources are being aligned to meet corporate priorities
- providing a stronger management framework to develop and implement corporate strategy and policy
- improving our strategic position and management capabilities to proactively identify and manage new demands and emerging crime and security threats, and
- Providing opportunities for staff development in managerial roles.
When would I be expected to commence?
The Graduate program for 2009 will commence in February 2009.
When do applications close?
Applications will be open from 15th May 2008 to 15th June 2008.
What are the minimum requirements for the AFP Graduate Program?
- Be an Australian Citizen
- By February of the year of engagement have completed a 3 year minimum Bachelor degree, completed at an Australian University, OR have completed a degree that has been recognized by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).
- Prior to engagement, successful applicants will be required to undergo a security clearance, a standard medical clearance/examination and undertake a test for illicit drugs in accordance with the AFP's Illicit Drug Free Work Force Policy. Applicants who do not undertake a test or who do not satisfy the requirements of the test cannot be engaged by the AFP.
- Be willing to relocate to Canberra at own expense
Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work with the AFP?
To be engaged as an AFP employee, you need to be an Australian citizen. If you are not an Australian citizen, you may apply but will need citizenship before you commence with the AFP. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Commissioner consider engaging a person who is not an Australian citizen. Please note that the AFP does not offer sponsorship for non citizens.
I have a security clearance from another department/organisation. Will this assist me with my application?
The AFP will still conduct its own security checks. If, however, you are able to furnish the relevant details/documentation, please do so.
I have an extensive driving/legal history can I apply?
Each application is assessed on a case by case situation. We will look at your whole application to make a decision. You will be required to supply a driving history if you are successful and progress to the security clearance stage. These can be accessed from your local police station.
I have a Diploma/Advanced Diploma from CIT/TAFE am I eligible?
No, to be eligible you must have a 3 year minimum Bachelor degree, completed at an Australian University, OR have completed a degree that has been recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).
Where are the positions located?
All positions are located in Canberra. You will need to be prepared to relocate to Canberra at your own expense if you are successful in gaining a position with the AFP.
What will I be paid?
On commencement with the AFP Graduate Program you will be placed on a 12 month non-ongoing contract at the AFP Band 3.1. $49,286
What salary band will I be on upon successful completion of the program?
Permanent Band 3.2 $53,342
What happens at the end of the program?
At the successful completion of the Graduate Program, your name will be placed in a Band 3 Pool and will be advised of any suitable positions as they become available.
Please note: You may be offered positions in other business area’s to the one that you completed your graduate program in. You are also eligible to apply for other advertised AFP roles while on this program.
What areas are taking on Graduates?
- Finance
- Legal
- High Tech Crime
What will the program involve?
The AFP Graduate program for 2009 will commence in February 2009 for a 12 month period. The AFP Graduate program will involve three 4 month rotations within the following business areas:
- Finance;
- Legal; and
- High Tech Crime.
The AFP Graduate Program will comprise of the following components:
- Induction Program;
- Graduate Mentorship Program;
- Monthly Discussion Groups;
- Access to the Graduate Network; and
- Learning and Development.
As an AFP Graduate you will be tasked with various project work, working within a team on each rotation. This is done to enable you to gain a better understanding of the organisation and the tasks that each section/area is responsible for.
How will the rotation system work?
You will rotate to various business areas within the portfolio that you have applied for, for example If you are successful for a position within the Finance portfolio, you will rotate to areas within Finance such as Budgets, Procurements and Contracts and Building and Accommodation. Note: This is just a sample rotation.
What does the recruitment process entail?
Please keep in mind that due to the thoroughness of the recruitment process for any positions with the AFP it can be a lengthy process.
- Application: Applicant applies online through the web site
- Online testing: All applicants will receive a link to perform on line aptitude testing to be done at home.
- Short listing: Once on line testing has been successfully completed the application will progress to short listing for attendance to an assessment centre
- Assessment Centre: The assessment centre will involve the following:
- Verification of your on line aptitude test. This will involve another test on line to make sure the person who is attending the assessment centre is the same person who did the on line test at home.
- Group Discussion
- Written test
- Interview
- Notification: You will receive notification telling you whether you have been successful or unsuccessful at the assessment centre via email.
- Final short listing and Letter of Offer: Successful applicants will go through another short listing process before being offered a position in the graduate program, pending successful completion of the following:
- Security Clearance
- Medical Clearance
- Drug testing
- Instrument of Engagement: Once all these have been completed and cleared you will be given an Instrument of Engagement, which will outline all your benefits and position with the AFP.