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A final word from some of our trainees...
Tim Edwards
Having worked in the Horticulture industry for five years and managing retail nurseries I felt it was time for a new challenge and a change of career.
The public service appealed to me because of the job security, conditions, variety and flexibility to allow me to adopt the work/life balance that I want.
The DAFF traineeship has been a fantastic lead into work in the Australian Public Service and the department’s portfolio covers such a diverse range of topics that it is easy to find an area of interest for just about anyone.
My first rotation was in the Australian Government Natural Resource Management (AGNRM) section with the Envirofund, who provides grants to community groups and individuals who wish to undertake natural resource management projects.
Next I worked with Product Integrity Animal and Plant Health (PIAPH) with the National Residue Survey (NRS). This area is responsible for the monitoring of chemical residues in various crops and meat products that Australia consumes and exports.
Lastly, I experienced working in International Division where I gained a sound understanding of how the department interacts with its international counterparts and the challenges it faces to promote Australia’s product overseas.
The majority of work I did throughout the traineeship was primarily administrative support, but the program is really all about exposure to different areas of the department and developing working relationships.
The training provided during the program was of a huge benefit and the program managers would do everything possible to help you if you had a query.
The DAFF traineeship has provided me with a Certificate III in Government, an excellent understanding of the department, some training which assist my APS career, a heap of new skills and a great new job.
Steve Hughes
After leaving school in 1979 I embarked in varies areas of employment some of which were laboratory technician, bank clerk, landscape gardener, commercial painter, owner operator of a cleaning business and Police officer.
I joined the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry as a trainee in February 2007, I chose the department’s traineeship program as it afforded the opportunity for people with life experience a way to gain entry to the Australian Public Service and I certainly fitted that bill.
The traineeship offered 3 different rotations throughout the department which gave me the opportunity to understand the varied work covered by the department as well as developing a wide range of skills.
Throughout the traineeship I worked in the People Development Team, Human Resources, National Forest Policy, Forest Industries and Bureau of Rural Sciences Communications Team.
I worked on a range of administration work such as organising training courses, induction programs, catering, finances, coordination of the Bureau of Rural Sciences seminar series, research and analysis on pulp mills and logging industries, timber mill statistics and company profiles.
As part of the traineeship I also completed the Certificate III in Government and participated in numerous training courses.
I am currently working in the People Development Team, as a Human Resource administrator and have a helpful and supportive team who continually help in providing assistance towards my career path.
Ineka Laven
In 1975 I moved from Melbourne to Canberra where I commenced employment in the Forestry Branch of Primary Industries, as the department was known then. I worked for seven years as a Clerical Assistant Grade 5 before leaving to start a family and help in the family business. In the years after leaving the public service I had a wide and varied range of part time jobs some being, shop assistant, receptionist, canteen assistant, temporary work for other government departments and later owning a liquor store for ten years. As the family has now grown up and we are out of the family business, I decided it was time to begin another phase of my life and re-enter the public service. I commenced the traineeship in February 2007.
I was surprised at the diverse range of working experiences that are available in the traineeship. I worked in three very different areas of the department during my traineeship, including the Human Resources Branch - Recruitment Section, the Natural Resource Management Division - Envirofund Joint Team and in the Product Integrity Animal and Plant Health Division - National Residue Survey Section. All three rotations gave me the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and work experiences. The rotations have also given me a large network base which has been helpful in performing the duties in my current position of Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Human Resources Branch.
As part of the traineeship, I also completed the Certificate III in Government and participated in a variety of training courses including a two day visit to the AQIS facilities in Sydney. The support from my supervisors, the trainee co-ordinator, fellow trainees and the trainers was great.
I would recommend the traineeship to anyone wishing to enter or re-enter the Australian Public Service.
Kirsty Rogers
Throughout the traineeship year I worked in the Advancing Industries program, Rural Policy and Innovation Division, the Defeating the Weed Menace program, Natural Resource Management Division and in Recruitment Services, Management Services Division.
Each rotation gave me the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience working on a range of administrative tasks such as processing invoices, updating databases and filing. As my skills developed I was given opportunities to be involved in more challenging work including some policy development and program management tasks.
The program gave me the opportunity to participate in a number of training courses including: writing and presentation skills, financial framework and compliance, conflict resolution and job application and interview skills. I also attended a two day tour of the AQIS facilities in Sydney where I got to see the day-to-day operations of the quarantine and inspection areas. At the conclusion of the program I was presented with a Certificate III in Government. My supervisors, work colleagues, traineeship coordinators and trainers provided me with heaps of support and encouragement throughout my first year in the public service and made the experience more enjoyable.
I am currently working with a great group of people in the Weeds and Pest Animals section of the Natural Resource Management Division. I am learning a great deal in a short amount of time and hope to progress my career in the Public Service with the Department.