Applications close on 12 July for the first round of the Community and Social Services Graduate Program. This initiative, a collaboration between NDS, the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), and other sector peak bodies, aims to increase the number of graduates entering and staying employed within community and social services. 
 
The pilot graduate program is a pathway for employers looking for graduates with relevant diploma, bachelor or masters qualifications to start a rewarding career within their organisation. While we acknowledge these qualifications may not be relevant for support worker roles, graduates have the attributes to become team leaders, program coordinators and case managers. And graduates who go into policy and advocacy, project work, and service redesign are valuable in today’s reform environment. 
 
For each graduate, employers will get $8000, with other resources, to create a positive early-career experience that could convince graduates to stay in the sector and ease workforce demand. 
 
Organisations can take part in two ways:  

1. They can employ a newly qualified graduate starting their career in community services. New graduates are recruited through the Graduate Resource Centre (GRC), a specialist community services workforce function that makes it easier for graduates to get information and connect with community services careers. The GRC will help you find a graduate that is a good fit for your role and organisation. 
2. Or organisations can nominate an employee who meets the eligibility criteria and was employed by you within the past year. 

You can get more information, download information sheets and apply through the program’s website. 

Applications for the first round of grants close on Friday 12 July.