Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander careers and training
Your work can make a difference to the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.
Your skills and cultural knowledge can help the department become a better human service agency by improving the way we deliver our policies, services and programs to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The department offers a number of specialised positions such as identified or specified positions that require the applicant to have an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander cultures and societies.
Identified positions
Identified positions require the applicant to have knowledge and an understanding of the local clan/family/kinship system within specific communities. This skill assists the department to work and deliver services in a culturally appropriate and sensitive manner within these unique systems.
For communities with a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander client base it can be necessary to have Aboriginality as a criteria requirement.
Specified positions
Specified positions require the applicant to have knowledge and a sound understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander cultures and societies. This skill is required to help the applicant to communicate and provide services in a sensitive and culturally appropriate manner.
The applicant must nominate an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who is recognised and accepted in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as a referee to support their ability to meet the relevant criteria.
Graduate opportunities
We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply for the graduate positions that are on offer each year in September, with commencement in early January.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education to Employment Scheme
The scheme is a Queensland Government initiative that offers scholarship placements to Indigenous students attending Years 10, 11 and 12. The scheme provides financial assistance and practical support to successful applicants.
The Department of Main Roads sends out applications each year in March to all high schools in Queensland.
National Indigenous Cadetship Project
The National Indigenous Cadetship Project (NICP) coordinated by the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and aims improve the professional employment prospects for Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous students gain valuable work experience in a field relevant to their degree and financial support for their studies.
Cultural leave
We are committed to cultural diversity and support our Indigenous staff through cultural leave. Cultural leave allows Indigenous staff to take special leave to celebrate religious or cultural observations such as NAIDOC.
For more information contact the People and Workforce Capability on (07) 3006 4151.
Last reviewed: 18 August 2009