The Australian Tax Office building in Civic: openings for school leavers. Photo: Cushman & Wakefield.
The Australian Taxation Office is casting its recruitment net wider by pitching to school leavers, particularly in the in-demand area of computer skills.
It’s been a long time since the Australian Public Service (APS) offered regular entry tests for school leavers as part of its recruitment regime, relying on graduates to fill its intake.
But the APS has again started to embrace school leavers as an acknowledgement of the competitive jobs market and the skills shortages faced by agencies in recruiting staff to meet their needs.
The Tax Office says its School Leaver program can give young people without a university degree a unique opportunity to get a “foot in the door” of the APS, as well as a formal qualification and on-the-job training.
It is offering 2021 and 2022 school leavers positions in its Canberra, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Traralgon, Gosford and Newcastle offices, on a starting salary of $50,977 plus super at APS 1 level, with the chance of moving to APS 2 on completion of the program.
It’s not the first time the Tax Office has looked to school leavers. Last year, it offered positions in its regional offices.
Those who fit the bill will start a 12-month program that combines work experience and formal training, leading to a certificate and permanent, full-time job.
ATO Assistant Commissioner Kristy Dam said the program offered school leavers an excellent pathway to kick off their careers, while gaining a qualification and learning valuable skills in a hands-on and supportive environment.
“The ATO is a big organisation with so many interesting potential career paths,” she said.
“If you’re not sure where your career may be heading or you’re not currently planning to go to uni, the ATO is a great option. We’re a diverse organisation where you can make big things happen.”
Ms Dam said the Tax Office was looking for resilient, flexible and independent team players, willing to learn and embrace new challenges.
Roles include administration, client engagement, data and analytics, and information technology.
Previous program participant Caleb (surname withheld) said he learnt new and interesting skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
“I have worked with a large and professional group of colleagues who have assisted me in every step of the way,” he said.
“This has helped me develop my knowledge and understanding of the ATO and has provided me with a strengthened structure for my future career.”
Applications close on 5 September, 2022; eligible applicants must have completed Year 12 in 2021 or will complete Year 12 in 2022, be an Australian citizen, and will need to pass an integrity check.
To learn more visit the ATO website.
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