Why choose us
If uni’s not for you, come work with us! If you're a 2023 or 2024 Year 12 graduate ready to make big things happen, the ATO School Leaver Program is for you!
You'll receive:
- full-time work in a 12–month program with practical, hands-on work experience
- a competitive starting salary of $54,606, plus 15.4% super
- a pay rise to $61,749 plus 15.4% super on successful completion. As an APS 2 officer, you could earn up to $68,436, plus 15.4% super!
- formal training, including a Certificate III qualification in IT or business
- professional development and networking opportunities
- a supportive team environment
- an inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
- opportunities across Australia. Positions for our 2025 program are available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Parramatta, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney.
Build your career
Join us and be a part of something BIG! Combat crime and fraud, support the community, and protect the data of millions of people. Help fund critical services and infrastructure that make a real difference in the lives of all Australians.
Don't just take our word for it, hear from our recent participants in the videos below.
Hear from recent participants
Meet some recent participants and hear about their experiences in ATO School Leaver Program.
Mitchell
Hear from Mitchell about his experience as a HR ATO School Leaver.
'The ATO School Leaver Program is a great opportunity to gain a load of experience and get a head start on your career, with nothing more than a high school certificate.' – Mitchell
Media: ATO School Leaver Program Day in the Life – Mitchell
https://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bi9or7od7jhgpwExternal Link (Duration: 01:27)
Lillian
Hear from Lillian about her experience as an ATO School Leaver.
'I never thought I would have the chance to gain such valuable work experience so soon after finishing school. Thanks to the ATO School Leaver Program, I can't wait to see what the future holds, as I continue to grow and develop in my new role.' – Lillian
Media: ATO School Leaver Program Day in the Life – Lillian
https://tv.ato.gov.au/ato-tv/media?v=bi9or7od7jhn8iExternal Link (Duration: 1.43 minutes)
Who can apply
To be eligible for the program, you must:
- have completed Year 12 in 2023 or will complete Year 12 in 2024
- be an Australian citizen
- clear our pre-engagement integrity check.
Submit your application through our online recruitment systemExternal Link. Applications for the 2025 program are now closed.
What we're looking for in a candidate
Our ideal candidate for the program:
- has competent written and verbal communication skills
- has good computer skills and can operate in a Windows-based environment
- can work in a scheduled, phone-based environment
- is resilient, flexible and independent
- is a team player
- takes a proactive approach to their work and embraces challenges
- has a willingness to learn.
Roles
Not big on numbers? That’s no big deal. We’re not all accountants at the ATO!
We have a variety of jobs, including:
Administration officer
In this role, you will support and help organise our business areas.
You may:
- manage and maintain records and information
- work with our stakeholders
- compile and prepare documents and letters
- help with data management and reporting.
Client engagement officer
In this role, you will perform a range of customer service activities in an ATO call centre.
You may:
- resolve a broad range of customer enquiries
- provide technical advice on legislation, policy and procedures
- verify and update data
- record interactions in our business information systems.
Information Technology officer
In this role, you will perform a range of information technology related activities.
You may:
- respond to a broad range of enquiries
- participate in resolving internal information technology issues
- provide support to information technology projects and programs
- work with internal stakeholders to understand business needs.
Training and support
Starting a career straight out of high school might feel daunting, but we’ve got you covered.
We provide:
- formal training and development of your professional skills to get your career started
- healthy working hours, flexible arrangements, generous leave, and extensive support for your physical and mental wellbeing
How to apply
When applications open, you'll need to:
- submit your application
- provide a 200-word response to a pre-determined question.
If you have questions about the program, email ATOSLP@ato.gov.au
Assessment activities and timeline
|
Key stages |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Applications open |
7 August 2024 |
|
Applications close |
28 August 2024 |
|
Online skills assessment |
September 2024 |
|
Assessment centre |
October 2024 |
|
Availability and security checks |
Late October/November 2024 |
|
Program commences |
17 February 2025 |
Be prepared to perform your best! You'll need to do well in each assessment to progress to the next stage. Assessments include:
- a written response in your application
- an online skills assessment
- a video interview
- participating in a group activity.
You'll receive notification of the outcome of each stage, even if you're not successful.
Diversity at the ATO
We're committed to providing a culturally diverse and safe working environmentExternal Link. We want you to enjoy a full and varied career with us.
We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply to our ATO School Leaver Program. Some positions in the program will be filled using Affirmative Measures – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. They will only be open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We also encourage people with disability to apply to our ATO School Leaver Program. Some positions in the program will be filled using Affirmative Measures – Disability. They will only be open to people with disability.
RecruitAbility
RecruitAbilityExternal Link aims to attract and develop applicants with disability. We apply the RecruitAbilityExternal Link scheme to all advertised job vacancies.
When you select opt in to RecruitAbility in your application form, we'll progress you to the next stage of the assessment process if you:
- choose to opt in to the scheme
- declare you have a disability, and
- meet the minimum requirements of the role.