DPS Apprenticeship Program

The Department of Parliamentary Services Apprenticeship Programs is an exciting opportunity to kick-start your career at Australian Parliament House (APH).

We currently have a range of apprenticeship roles, including electrical, horticulture and turf management, plumbing, cabinet maker, fitter/machinist, hairdressing and commercial cooking and patisserie.

Every year, up to one million people visit Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building's architecture, art collections, events, tours, and dining experiences - all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.

Working within the Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), you will contribute to the daily operation and maintenance of essential services at APH by delivering high-quality projects that assist parliamentarians, building occupants, and all visitors to Parliament House.

Our Maintenance Services team has a range of trade roles which focus on the maintenance of APH and the management of equipment, building fabrics and landscape services.

Sourcing fine local produce, the Catering and Events Team delivers high quality food and beverage services to building occupants and visitors. Our services are delivered through a range of retail outlets, and function and fine dining venues that make APH a destination of choice.

Our Hair and Nails Salon offer the quality and finesse of high-end salons that is across current trends and the latest styling techniques.

The Apprenticeship Program offers successful candidates the opportunity to build specialist trade skills within a unique and diverse work environment. You will receive ongoing support as you work, train and study toward achieving a nationally recognised trade qualification.

Applications for the 2023 apprenticeship program are now closed. 

Eligibility requirements

Employment opportunities at the DPS are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999, which include:

  • Australian citizenship
  • the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
  • the successful completion of a police check, and
  • a pre-employment medical assessment.

Selection process

The application process for DPS Apprenticeship Program 2023 consist of the following stages:

  1. Application
  2. Resume Assessment
  3. Interviews
  4. Reference Checks

Successful applicants will be contacted by phone and email.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who are eager to learn new skills and work in a collaborative team environment. Apprentices must have:

  • strong communication skills
  • the ability to work as part of a team
  • enthusiasm and initiative
  • the ability to thrive under pressure, and
  • a passion or interest in learning new skills and mastering a trade.

We acknowledge the value of diversity. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds, people with diverse gender identities and people with disability.

Hear from our tradespeople and find out what they like about working in Parliament House.

What we offer

You will be supported over the life of your apprenticeship as you build technical skills and shape your career.

Benefits will have as part of your role include:

  • full time employment
  • competitive salary and 15.4% super
  • paid training to achieve a nationally recognised trade qualification
  • dedicated supervisors and mentors to support you through your apprenticeship
  • access to the Women in Leadership program for female apprentices
  • a workplace committed to ensuring the health and safety of its employees
  • free onsite parking
  • access to free onsite gym and swimming pool facilities, and
  • relocation assistance for interstate candidates.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship program may lead to ongoing employment with the department.

Salary and engagement

An apprentice salary will be determined by applying the relevant percentage (dependent on age and progression) against the PSL2 salary level. The percentage to be applied is specified in clauses 47.1 and 47.7 of the DPS Enterprise Agreement 2017.

For further information please contact the recruitment team by email or phone (02) 6277 5200.