If you have recently finished school and have limited work experience or education, the youth to work program is for you. As a youth to work participant you will be employed for up to eighteen months in an entry level role and you will undertake a range of administrative tasks such as:

• processing client data, including data entry
• conducting basic research
• receiving and processing correspondence from within your business area
• assisting taxpayers and their representatives
• participating in team processes, including meetings, training and goal setting
• other general administrative tasks, as required.

Our youth to work teams provide administrative support to the Operations Sub-plan. They are currently located at the following sites:

• Melbourne CBD
• Adelaide
• Parramatta
• Albury
• Penrith.

If you are successful in getting a job with us you will start work at the Australian Public Service (APS) 1 level. You will work on a range of administrative tasks, get the chance to build on your skills and get valuable work experience in a supportive environment.

The employment contract will be for up to 18 months.

The youth to work program is designed to provide opportunities to people who:

• are recent secondary school leavers with limited workforce experience
• have some work experience through traineeships or development programs.

You must be an Australian citizen at the time you start work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

You also need to be medically fit to do the job and be of good character. Before you start work, you will need to complete a pre-employment integrity check, including a police clearance.

Candidates will be engaged for a specified period of up to 18 months as a non-ongoing APS 1 employee.

All our jobs are filled on merit. This means we assess the suitability of applicants to undertake the duties of the job using a competitive selection process.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted about the next phase of the selection process.

When shortlisting applicants we consider:

• enthusiasm and attitude
• applicants values
• demonstrated potential for development.

An order of merit may be formed from this recruitment and selection process and may be used to fill similar vacancies, should they arise. The order of merit may be used for up to 12 months from when this job was advertised.

We fully consider the claim of all applicants, using all available and relevant information.

Selection criteria

These are the types of skills and attributes we are looking for:

Client relationship management 

• Demonstrated client service skills, including the ability to build and sustain positive relationships and communicate effectively

Ability to acquire and apply knowledge 

• Demonstrated ability to acquire, understand and apply knowledge, policy and procedures

Work qualities 

• Demonstrated qualities related to working effectively in a team-based environment, including professionalism, reliability and flexibility

Computer skills 

• The ability to use a computer in a Windows-based environment, including Microsoft Word and web-based applications

People policies and workplace practices 

• Apply and promote ATO and APS policy and legislation, including workplace relations, equity and diversity, occupation health and safety, the Taxpayers’ Charter, access and equity, and the secrecy and privacy provisions in the workplace.

You will undertake some workforce readiness activities throughout your employment in the ATO and you will be offered mentoring by a senior staff member.

If you choose to be mentored, you will be matched with a more senior employee based on your mutual experience and interests. Your mentor can provide you with ongoing career support and development, and help you prepare and apply for roles either in the ATO or elsewhere.

Youth to work program vacancies are advertised at different times throughout the year. You can check the ATO's career site e-Recruitment(external link) for current vacancies. You can set job alerts(external link) to notify you of vacancies as they arise for this program or other employment opportunities that may interest you.

Alison Bonavia

I had just completed year 12 VCE and was unsure on what career path I wanted to take. I completed two courses at TAFE but I decided they were not for me. I was also working part time at a large supermarket when I noticed the advertisement for a youth to work officer position and thought it would be a great opportunity to get my foot in the door at the ATO.

I began my journey in the team as one of the first recruits at the World Trade Centre. I was located there for most of the first year and enjoyed working as part of the team.

I have gained lots of knowledge and experience. I was selected to assist in the expansion of the youth to work teams in Parramatta and Melbourne by assisting in the recruitment process. I am still unsure as to my future career aspirations but I do know that I really enjoy working in the Debt business area and hope to grow within this business area.

My best memory working at the ATO would be learning about the ATO, working in the youth to work team, our achievements, and meeting new people.

The youth to work program is a really good opportunity to work in the ATO; it’s a great place to start your career, as you learn many things. It's a great environment to work in.

The most valuable thing I will take away from working in the youth to work team would be the knowledge I have obtained; learning what clients want or what they are asking for and to be able to assist them.

David Curtis

Both of my parents work at the ATO. I was studying a commerce degree and working casually in hospitality. I decided that university was not for me. My parents told me that if I wasn’t going to study I would have to get myself a full time position to begin a career. A youth to work position became available at the ATO, which was an entry level position as an APS 1. I applied for the position and was successful.

I entered the ATO through the youth to work program. I didn’t know much about either the ATO and the career opportunities available in so many different areas. Now I have gained lots of skills and knowledge of the ATO through various work types. I will be able to use these skills anywhere within the ATO or even external to the ATO. The ATO is a recognised organisation which is great for my resume for any future positions that I may ascertain.

My best memory working here would be all the friendships I have made with other youth to work APS1s; we socialised outside the workplace.

Youth to work is a great avenue for youth; it’s a great launch pad for youths to progress their career in a professional environment.

The most valuable thing I would take away are the great friendships I have gained and the skills, knowledge, and customer services skills I have obtained. The great thing is that this is recognised work experience, working at the ATO.

Christine Amidjovski

I joined the community programs, youth to work teams at the ATO in June 2008. I saw the position advertised on SEEK, and knew that working for a government agency would provide me with stability, and assist me to move towards achieving a long term career.

Prior to working at the ATO I had studied event management for two years, and more recently was working as a receptionist and personal assistant at a fashion school. I love working in event management, however it is a challenging industry to get into. I hope that I can combine event management with project work one day. I have joined the social club to help arrange events, and have had the opportunity to help arrange the Operations leadership conference.

My most memorable experience working at the ATO was being nominated by the Chief Operating Officer, Raelene Vivian to help arrange the Operational leadership conference, as she remembered that I had studied event management. Having a special mention in front of everyone at the conference was unexpected and embarrassing, but it was great to be recognised.

Working in the youth to work teams has given me the opportunity to be skilled in various work types within the ATO. It has opened up many avenues, giving me the opportunity to move around to different areas, learn new skills, and network with other people in the ATO. The most valuable thing that I will take away from working in the youth to work team would be all the skills and knowledge I have gained from working in different areas.

I would definitely recommend the youth to work program. It is a fantastic opportunity to get your foot in the door. You have full support from your team leader, mentor and team. It’s a great and fun environment to work in. I would like to suggest to the new recruits to apply for everything, even if it’s only for practice; it helps build up your skills and experience, and network a lot with others.

Frequently asked questions – application process

Where can I find out more information 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?

Yes, to be eligible for employment in the ATO, you must be an Australian citizen at the time you commence with the ATO.

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, your statement detailing your claims to the positions or your site preferences (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 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.