Our Indigenous school-based traineeship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary school students will allow you to combine your year 11 and 12 studies with a nationally accredited qualification, while undertaking paid work with us. Provided you successfully complete all program requirements you will be offered a permanent position with us upon completion.

To be eligible for the Indigenous school-based traineeship you must:

• be commencing year 11 studies in 2012 at a recognised secondary school
• 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 that APS employees must be Australian citizens).

To apply for an Indigenous school-based traineeship you will initially be asked to tell us in writing about any skills and experiences you have that may assist you with the job. One of our Indigenous staff members will then interview you to help determine your suitability for the job.

School-based trainees will undertake a national accredited qualification and receive a Certificate II in Business.

Recruitment for this program will commence shortly.  For more information contact the Indigenous Liaison Officer on (07) 3213 8676 or indigenousliaisonofficer@ato.gov.au.

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 with the ATO or a current ongoing APS employee.

Can I lodge a late application?

Late applications may not be considered.

I submitted my online application but have not received an acknowledgement?

You should first check if one was sent by logging on to e-Recruitment(external link), and clicking on ‘My Profile’ then ‘My Emails’. If your acknowledgement is not shown email the contact officer for your particular vacancy.

Can I make changes to my application after I lodge it?

You are able to log into e-Recruitment(external link) and update your personal details at any time. However, you cannot change other details in your application such as your employment and education history, or your statement detailing your claims to the position (if relevant to the vacancy in question). If there are significant issues that affect the information in your application, you should email the contact officer for your particular vacancy.

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 us the right to check any information you provide with relevant authorities such as the Australian Federal Police.