Graduate program a cut above for Hayley

Australian Capital Territory media release
Tuesday, 20 April 2010

Former Canberra hairdresser Hayley Forster hasn’t looked back since accepting a position in Centrelink’s National Graduate Program.

Hayley, from Kaleen, kick started a career change when she began her graduate year in January 2009 after completing a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Canberra.

Now working in the Indigenous Communication team, Hayley says she never imagined she’d be able to work on such exciting projects during her first year in the job.

"I got the chance to organise a photo shoot that was used in a customer publication, which was challenging but very rewarding.

"One of the best opportunities I had as a graduate was to travel to Townsville for an outbound trip, where I visited a customer service centre and was able to see how the work I do directly affects customers."

Hayley says the chance to participate in a customised learning and development program, including completing a Diploma of Government, was also a highlight.

"It’s great to come out of university and have the chance to gain another qualification straight away, and be supported while you do it."

This year, graduates have the opportunity to participate in an expanded program, with Centrelink joining forces with the Department of Human Services and Medicare Australia to develop the new Department of Human Services National Graduate Program.

The new program provides graduates with the opportunity for greater experience and networking potential, with rotations offered in agencies across the portfolio and access to shared learning and development experiences.

In your application, you will be able to select which of the 3 portfolio areas you would like to begin your experience with. You only need to submit 1 application for the Department of Human Services National Graduate Program.

Applications close for the August 2010 and January/February 2011 intakes of the program on 27 April 2010.

To find out more about the Department of Human Services National Graduate Program, visit the Human Services Portfolio website, the Centrelink website or the Medicare Australia website.

For more information, telephone the relevant Centrelink media contact.