On the job training

One of the main attractions of the Graduate Recruitment and Development (GRAD) Scheme is the variety of learning experiences it offers throughout your graduate year.

Rotations
Department learning teams
Executive mentoring
Professional development plans

Rotations

Most graduates undertake three rotations during their graduate year: the first four-month rotation is with your ‘home’ or employing department. You then rotate through two other departments for four months at a time.

These rotations:

• expose you to a variety of work, leadership styles, organisational cultures and development opportunities
• build an understanding of the role and function of each department or agency
• develop your ability to be flexible and to deal with change.

Placements are made taking into account your preferences and interest areas, departmental needs, and the need for all graduates to be suitably placed.

Department learning teams

Learning teams give graduates the freedom to tailor and manage a part of their own learning and development to suit their needs. You will work in a small group with other graduates from your home department on a project chosen by the group. This allows you to:

• gain a greater understanding of your home department
• learn more about working in a small team
• strengthen your project skills, including managing timelines and budget.

Your team will regularly report to your home department, and the department coordinator will monitor your team’s progress.

Executive mentoring

The executive mentoring program gives graduates (in small groups) access to professional support from senior public servants. Participating senior staff are interested in the development of graduates and volunteer their experience and knowledge.

Your group will organise regular meetings with your mentor (around four to six times during the year).

The mentoring program is also an alternative forum for you to discuss areas of interest and get high-level guidance on how to approach your work in the Victorian Public Service.

Your mentor might:

• facilitate discussions of organisational or other matters raised in training sessions
• guide you in analysing public sector issues
• help you to integrate the experience and knowledge you’ve gained from placements
• give insights into how the Victorian Government works
• offer career guidance.

Professional development plans

Professional development plans are a way to plan and track the skills and knowledge you acquire on the job. You will have a new professional development plan for each of your three rotations.

Together with your supervisor, you will develop the plan at the start of each placement. The plan will:

• outline performance targets appropriate for the role and suitable for the timeframe (four months)
• use the Victorian Public Service (VPS) Capability Framework. These capabilities determine the skills and knowledge you need to develop.