Australian Customs Service

Australian Customs Service Graduate

• Name: David Bowen
• Position: Graduate
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts/Law
• Age: 23

David Bowen joined the Customs Graduate Trainee Program in February 2008 after completing an Arts/Law degree at ANU. David gained experience in the legal/policy unit of the Commonwealth Ombudsman in Canberra. more

Customs manages the security and integrity of Australia’s borders. It works with other border agencies to assist the 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 with employment opportunities across Australia and overseas. 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 the program are:

• a 12 month comprehensive training and development program leading to a nationally recognised qualification, a Certificate IV in Government
• three rotations available within the program with the possibility of working in a regional environment
• 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
• a senior mentor.

Graduates will have the opportunity to work in diverse areas such as cargo and trade, border intelligence and passengers, ministerial liaison, strategic intelligence,
Coastwatch, human resources, and corporate communication.

Degree disciplines

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 potential
• strong goal orientation and commitment to continuous improvement
• sound communication and interpersonal skills.

Employment conditions

The conditions of employment include:

• a starting salary within the range $49,785 – $56,522 superannuation inclusive (as at October 2009)
• generous employer superannuation contributions
• salary advancement based on individual performance
• four weeks annual leave
• 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) position with a salary of $65,117 superannuation inclusive (as at October 2009).

More information

For more information on the Customs Graduate Trainee Program visit www.customs.gov.au