Australian Submarine Agency Graduate Programs & Internships

Pre-application 

Before starting the application process, applicants need to complete the following:

• Read the Eligibility requirements page
• Have photographic identification and other relevant personal details readily available
• Provide academic verification (if degree has already been completed). Applicants completing their degree during the application process must verify degree completion prior to entering the program.

Stage 1 - Application

Once you have checked your eligibility, applicants will need to submit an online application through the ASA application portal.

Application information will need to include:

• personal details
• details of 2 referees
• a CV including key academic and professional achievements as well as extra-curricular interests and work experience.

The selection committee will review applications and shortlisted candidates will progress to the next stage.

Stage 2 - Online assessment

Applicants who satisfy the eligibility and application requirements will be invited via email to complete an online capability/cognitive assessment.

*There may be more than one online assessment activity to complete.

Stage 3 - Virtual online assessment centre

Based on outcomes of the cognitive assessment, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a virtual assessment centre. Applicants will receive an email invitation to book a preferred time and date. 

The virtual assessment centres are scheduled to run from the beginning of May and consist of group exercise and a panel interview.

Stage 4 - Referee reports

Referee reports help the selection committee verify information shared in the application and during the assessments activities. These will be collected online, through email or via our recruitment portal.

Stage 5 - Merit pool 

If you are found to be a suitable candidate for the Nuclear Graduate program, you will be placed in a merit pool.  This does not necessarily mean that you will be offered a role, just that you will then be considered for one of our places for the 2025 intake. 

Candidates on our merit pool may be considered for similar Nuclear focused Graduate programs within other Australian Government Nuclear Agencies if indicated at the time of application.

A merit pool is a group of candidates for a vacancy who have been assessed as being equally suitable. As these candidates are not ranked, any candidate can be selected to fill the vacancy or a similar vacancy.

*All selections are based on merit. More information about merit selection can be found on the Australian Public Service Merit principle webpage

Stage 6 - Organisational suitability 

Those candidates being further considered for a place on our graduate program will be asked to undergo an ASA Nuclear Mindset Suitability Assessment. 

Due to the sensitive work undertaken by the Australian Submarine Agency, applicants must successfully complete and pass stage 6 before a formal offer of employment can be provided . 

Stage 7 - Letter of offer

Based on the outcomes of the ASA nuclear Mindset Suitability Assessment, successful applicants will be provided with a formal offer of employment.

This may take 4-6 weeks after you complete stage 6. 

Offers will be issued in rounds. 

Applicants will have 2 weeks to accept the formal offer of employment.

Unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email.

For those applicants who are successful will be required to complete the Agency's mandatory security clearance application.

Stage 8 - Security clearance 

All employees are required to undergo comprehensive security clearance processing prior to commencement with the Agency.

The security clearance process consists of multiple steps and can take several months to complete. It is encouraged to complete the security clearance application promptly as delays can hold up official starting dates with the Agency.

If a preferred candidate is not successful in obtaining a security clearance, their recommendation for engagement with the agency will be withdrawn. Once a person has been appointed to the agency, loss of a security clearance at any time will result in the termination of the person's employment

If you are currently employed, ASA advises to not resigning from current employment until a formal written offer has been received and a security clearance has been received.

Each rotation will fully integrate graduates into nuclear agencies and multiple disciplinary streams to help graduates meet their full potential, identify a preferred nuclear career pathway and provide unique learning and career progression opportunities.

The ASA Nuclear Graduate Program includes:

• a dedicated ASA Nuclear Graduate team to support you while on the program
• opportunities to make an impact and do meaningful work from day one
• opportunities to undertake post-graduate studies in either the US or UK
• exposure to a unique organisation while working alongside a diverse group of highly skilled people dedicated to protecting Australia’s national interests
• a tailored learning program, including experimental, social and foundational learning
• access to highly skilled and engaging Mentors, and other leading experts in your field
• visits to Defence bases and shipyards, submarine tours, and Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) visits
• payment for membership of, and certification by, accredited professional associations where required by your job roles
• flexible working arrangements to support work/life balance, including competitive salaries, leave entitlements and superannuation schemes
• access to employee networks and social events.

Graduates will commence the program on an APS 4 classification $73,343 (plus 15.4% super). Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be automatically promoted to the next level (APS5) $83,706 to $89,659 (plus 15.4% super), to jump start their new career.

Relocations

Graduate opportunities are available across Canberra, Melbourne and Adelaide. When applying to the graduate program, applicants should note they may be required to relocate.

If successful through the application process and relocation is required to commence the program, graduates will engage with ASA to receive organisational and financial support when relocating.

ASA offer a generous relocation package that includes:

• 20 days in serviced accommodation
• financial reimbursement costs for relocation cost.