About us
Graduate Program structure
Induction and training
Graduates will participate in a Department of Water and Energy induction program involving an introduction to the Department and their specific branch.
Graduates will also participate in a number of government-specific training sessions which include Public Sector Fundamentals (ethics, accountability, diversity, workplace safety etc.), ministerial and policy writing, and understanding the machinery of government.
Rotations
A range of graduate opportunities are offered for 12-24 months. During the program, graduates can expect to work with different sections within the Department in both metropolitan and regional areas. There may also be opportunities for short-term placements with some of our major stakeholders.
Learning and development
Much of the learning that will be done during the program will be on-the-job training. Graduates projects are aimed to provide them with excellent experience.
Graduates will have opportunities to participate in in-house and external courses to increase their skills in each discipline.
Mentoring and sponsorship
The Department will assign mentors in each work area (in addition to line managers) to assist the graduates assimilate into their new work environment. These mentors will assist on both a technical and general work basis.
What happens at the end of the Graduate Program?
Graduates are not guaranteed a permanent position at the end of the two year program. Graduates will be encouraged to apply for further employment opportunities with the Department during and on completion of the Graduate Program. These positions are won on merit and graduates who accept another position leave the program.
Working at the Department also provides a great springboard into positions elsewhere in government or in the electricity, gas, water and sustainability industries.
More information
For more information on each of the three Streams, email: GradInfo@dwe.nsw.gov.au
Recent Graduates
Jane – Graduate Policy Officer
"I joined the Department of Water and Energy after being attracted to the position offered within the Energy Industry Strategy section. I completed a Bachelor of Business and Graduate Certificate in Sustainability and my interest in energy and sustainability was what drew me to the department.
"I joined the Energy Modelling and Analysis team and have had the opportunity to work on many varied and interesting projects in the last year.
"I have found the people at the Department to be very warm and approachable and always ready to share their ideas and work collaboratively. Work life balance is a good aspect of working at the Department with flexible hours providing a way to plan other activities around your work. The Department has also offered many opportunities for training and development and is supportive of postgraduate study where relevant to the department’s activities.
"The combination of varied and interesting work with talented colleagues, flexibility and opportunity make coming to work each day a rewarding experience."
Daniel – Human Resources Officer
"I started with the Department of Water and Energy after completing a Bachelor of Business (IR/HRM) and have had an excellent start to my career both in Human Resources and in the Public Service in general.
"The Department has provided me with wonderful opportunities across a wide variety of projects as well as the chance to attend training courses in everything from Policy Writing to Capital Project Finance.
"The Department lends itself to allowing the more junior staff to become involved with higher level projects, not just in an assistance capacity, but also being able to contribute to the process and influence the outcomes. I have worked on a number of key projects, including a departmental reorganisation, contributing to the strategic plan and Graduate Program.
"Working in the Public Sector also has some major advantages, including providing extensive networking and learning opportunities. I have had the chance to be involved with a whole-of-government recruitment review and planning for the workforce of the future."
James – Graduate Policy Officer
"I completed a degree in Social Science and Policy and then began working at the Department of Water and Energy. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, it is the people I work with that have provided me with the most positive experience. Their expertise in a wide range of policy areas has helped to foster innovative policies in relation to Energy, Water and the Environment".
"The Department has such a wide range of policy areas that there is always something genuinely interesting to participate in. Work colleagues come from such varied backgrounds that they can provide you with many different perspectives on situations, from how market based abatement schemes effect electricity generation to the planning and regulations involved in gas pipelines."