The Indigenous cadetship program is a two to three year development program which combines university study with practical work placements, and an offer of a guaranteed job with us upon completion of your degree. Overall you are expected to work 75 days within the office with 15 of these days dedicated to training. We provide you with 12 month rotations to different areas within the office, to give you a taste of the different work that we do. Some of the rotational areas can include Serious Non-compliance, Law, Human Resources, Client Account Services, Superannuation, and Income Tax. These rotations will utilise the skills you are learning at university such as communication, writing, research and analytical skills. As we have a strong national presence we have various office locations, which have a variety of business lines and work.

To be eligible for the Indigenous cadetship program you must:

• be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
• identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• be accepted as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in the community in which you live or have lived
• be an Australian citizen (section 22 of the Public Service Act 1999 requires APS employees to be Australian citizens)
• be currently undertaking an undergraduate degree or double degree in business, law, human resources, finance, accounting or another related degree at the time of application.

We recruit for our Indigenous cadetship program through the APSC’s Indigenous cadetship recruitment process.

You can access the application form through the ASPC website(external link) where you are able to lodge a single application and be considered for employment in over 40 Australian government agencies, including the ATO. Once your application has been received it is assessed and you may be asked to attend an assessment centre and interview. All participating APS agencies are present at the assessment centre and interview, and you are given the opportunity to speak with representatives from these agencies about their specific programs.

We will provide you with 15 dedicated training days each year. Within this time you will undertake a Certificate IV in Government, along with specific workplace training.

You can apply through the APSC website(external link). Applications open in April/May, regularly check the APSC website to find out when they open and when they are due as late applications may not be accepted.

Nerita Waight - Indigenous cadet

I applied for the national Indigenous cadetship project in 2007 which is a program provided by DEEWR to provide financial support to Indigenous university students with financial support while they study. In late 2007 I commenced a cadetship with the Tax Office. My main reason for accepting their offer was that the Tax Office offered excellent training and development opportunities which would be invaluable in my future career path.

Throughout my cadetship I have received ongoing technical and corporate training in a broad range of taxation areas, while still being able to comfortably complete my required university units. The Tax Office recognises and respects our study need as well as our need to maintain a work life balance. The Tax Office has also provided dedicated trainers who are ready and willing to help when needed.

The program offers cadets with various rotations and has provided me with the opportunity to work within different areas and develop different capabilities and skills which would ordinarily not be gained just from my university studies. It also provides an opportunity to utilise my university knowledge such as interpreting case laws and legislation, and the auditing of financial statements and records. I have received enumerable support from each team leader I have had.

Cadets are supported as much as possible by their cadet managers. They are there to assist in matters such as rotation choice, any issues with training as well as other matters. I highly recommend the national Indigenous cadetship program to those that are motivated and wish to work in a challenging environment with numerous opportunities to develop themselves.

Frequently asked questions – Application process

Where can I find out more about the ATO?

For more information see the About us section or go to the ATO website(external link).

Do I have to be an Australian citizen to work for the ATO?

To be eligible for employment in the ATO, you must be an Australian citizen at the time you commence or a current ongoing APS employee.

Can I lodge a late application?

Late applications may not be considered.

What's involved in a criminal history records check?

It is a condition of employment in the ATO that you agree to have a criminal history records check. You’ll be asked to provide information about yourself and to give the ATO the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police.