Department of Education, Skills and Employment (DESE) Reviews

Depends on the area you are in, but generally it appears that there are often many opportunities to 'act up' in the department.

People in the department are encouraged to have corporate contributions, such as contributing to charities or working on the different employee networks.

Inclusive and diverse culture, conditions for staff are very good.

We have a number of diversity networks which are there to celebrate and support people from all backgrounds. The department has a good flexible working arrangement policy and people are supported to take maternity leave etc.

My first rotation was my diverse. Currently my day-to-day work is largely admin focused and I do not have a large amount of autonomy. But good team environment.

Varies by area and individual.

Good facilities, some offices are shrinking, will see how that turns out.

An online application with several selection criteria, an online automated interview where specific questions are asked, an online Skype interview with people from the Department asking occupational related questions. I applied for a specific stream, so I was asked questions related to my field of study. Really identify what your strengths and weaknesses are as an individual, don't be afraid to acknowledge you have some things to work on, use examples when you explain your strengths or abilities relating to occupational skills.

Graduates are paid quite well in my department and there's quite quick career progression so it's easy to move up a few levels in a short space of time after finishing the program. Moving expenses were covered, the APS has a high super contribution, and sometimes there are opportunities for travel.

The grad program training has been fantastic. 90% of our training had been really worth-while. We have done formal training in: innovation and strategy, communication skills, presentation skills, policy development, decision-making, writing and briefing skills and many others. There are also good opportunities for non-grads to attend presentations, session, workshops etc and work on their professional development.

Very flexible. I am able to work less when there is less work and work more when there is more work, to an extent. This varies across areas and managers but in the areas I have worked everyone is flexible and understanding. They know you are putting in the work even if you do not stay until 7pm every day.

I'm not sure about specific initiatives but lights automatically turn off and the building is quite new so I think it's quite energy efficient.