First Nations Gap Year Program

About the program

The department recognises the importance of strengthening employment pathways for First Nations People in the department. The First Nations Gap Year Program provides Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples with the opportunity to explore a range of jobs across the department and build their capability for future employment opportunities.

Participants are employed full time on an 18-month entry level employment contract and undertake a structured learning and development program while gaining valuable on-the-job skills and experience.

The program is designed for Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have completed Year 12 and are aged 18-25 years old on commencement of the program.

The development program runs over three blocks over the 18-month period and is designed to develop knowledge and experience of workplaces and build business capabilities. Development workshops include time management, office etiquette, writing skills, and career planning. These workshops are supplemented by technical and on-the-job training provided by business units.

Who can apply?

This program will be right for you if you:

• have graduated year 12 and are aged between 18 and 25 years old at the start of the program in February 2025.
• have the legal right to work in Australia.
• can confirm you are of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.

No work experience is needed to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact the recruitment team at careerpathways@des.qld.gov.au and we’ll call you for a yarn.