National Indigenous Cadetship Program (NICP)

As part of its commitment to achieve a more representative number of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory Public Sector (NTPS) workforce, the NTPS is offering Cadetships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The aim is to assist them in gaining tertiary qualifications and ongoing employment in the NTPS

The NICP is a career development program which offers, both during and after completion of their tertiary studies, opportunities for Indigenous people to be employed in the NTPS. Current NTPS Indigenous employees are also eligible to apply for this cadetship.

The Cadetship program involves students studying full-time and working in the respective agencies during the major semester breaks as part of the on-the-job component of the program. Cadets are also provided with a mentor throughout the duration of the Cadetship. Applicants who successfully complete their studies are offered ongoing employment within the NTPS.

The Employment Programs Unit offers support by providing a consultative role including assistance with recruitment. The agency is responsible for the interviewing and selection of candidates.

Responsibilities of the Cadets include:

• Successfully undertaking full time study at Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree level,
• Undertaking 12 weeks annual on-the-job training with the employing agency.

Responsibilities of the employing agency includes:

• Providing on-the-job training for Cadets during academic breaks at a AO2 level for 12 weeks annual work experience,
• Providing a mentor for the Cadet.

Reimbursement available:

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides agencies with an up-front payment of $15,400 annually for each Cadet. This payment assists agencies in providing support to the Cadet to cover study-related expenses, which include HECS, university fees, a fortnightly living allowance and book allowance.

Applications are now closed and will reopen in late 2008.