Career Prospects at Department of Defence - Civilian Engineer Development Program (Navy)

There is a clear end goal with the program in progressing to the next APS level

There are a lot of opportunities for promotion and career progression on the grad program. Upon completion of the program, graduates get a promotion to a higher pay scale. Many graduates also often find positions early and promote off the grad program within two years.

I have a guaranteed APS 6 position at the end of my graduate program, which is really nice. To move anywhere above that I would need to take on management responsibility along with the engineering job.

There are unlimited promotion possibilities within the greater APS and directorate of navy engineering. Due to the rotational nature of the program you have an understanding of different areas of work within the Navy. Every area requires more engineers so it's simple a matter of time within the program to move up and finish the program to work as a full time engineer (not a grad within 1-3 years, as the full length of the program is just a rough estimate, you can be promoted at any stage)

Within Defence, there are clear cut paygrades, I am currently APS4 (trainee), at the end of my program I will be APS6, it signifies some seniority as an engineer, a specialist who can be consulted for issues in their field. Beyond this is management, which I think is unfortunately the standard within most companies, that the higher you go in the company ladder, the less actual engineering you do and the more of an email job you work. I think that the pay and progression beyond APS6 is quite mediocre, but the external (contracting) progression is very nice. Promotion in Defence (government more broadly) requires you to interview for a position, even if you are basically already filling in for that position. You cannot be simply handed a position. I have already been invited to interview for an upcoming APS6 job, so I don't really think it takes all that much to move up in the ranks (at least to APS6).

There are plenty of senior positions available to fill after the graduate program is done.

Annual performance agreement provides a good framework for development and pay progression Can be promoted by applying for positions available within the company from listed job availabilities

Can move up APS ranks, all outlines very clearly and publicly.

Program is very supportive with leaving the program if we are offered a higher job. We are encouraged to apply for jobs in Defence to get experience