Graduate Careers

Customs manages the security and integrity of Australia’s borders. It works with other border agencies to assist movement of people and cargo across the border with a high priority on detecting and deterring the unlawful movement of goods or people.

The agency is a national organisation employing all around Australia and overseas, with its central office in Canberra.  The vision of Customs is to be a world leader in customs administration, delivering high quality service to the community, industry and commerce.

The Customs Graduate Trainee Program
Key features of our program are:

• a 12 month comprehensive training and development program leading to a nationally recognised qualification, a Certificate IV in Government;
• three different work placements, including one in a region;
• the opportunity to contribute to the review and development of policy;
• exposure to Customs operational activity;
• a team-based research project that is presented to senior management; and
• a mentor at Senior Executive level.
  

Graduates are working in areas as diverse as cargo and trade, border intelligence and passengers, ministerial liaison, strategic intelligence, Coastwatch, human resources, and corporate communication.

Degree disciplines
Customs has no preferred disciplines for graduates. We are looking for recent graduates with qualifications that demonstrate high-level research, analytical, strategic thinking and communication skills.

The minimum requirement is a three-year Bachelor level degree.

Qualities we seek
We look for recent graduates who can make an immediate and positive contribution to Customs policies and programs.

The characteristics we seek include:

• high standards of probity, ethics and accountability; 
• leadership and skills potential;
• strong goal orientation and commitment to continuous improvement; and
• sound communication and interpersonal skills.

Employment conditions
The conditions of employment include:

• a training salary within the range $41,162-$46,561 superannuation inclusive (as at Jan 2006)
• generous employer superannuation contributions;
• salary advancement based on individual performance; 
• four weeks annual leave; and
• a range of family-friendly practices including flex-time and carer’s leave.

On successful completion of the program graduates are allocated a Customs Level 2 (Senior Customs Officer) positions with a salary of $49,875(as at Oct 2006).

More information
For more information on the Customs Graduate Trainee Program and details on when to apply visit our website at http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4252