Graduate program

Join the Department of Housing and Public Works (HPW) and start your extraordinary career through our 2-year graduate program.

Designed to blend practical experience with professional development, our program serves as your springboard to success within the Queensland public sector.

Learn more about who we are and what we do.

Key dates
  • Applications open end of June 2025
  • Applications close mid-July 2025
  • Program starts early February 2026

Why you should choose our program

Our program is more than a job – it's a growth opportunity!

As an HPW graduate, you'll play a vital role in delivering a range of services that make a real difference to the lives of Queenslanders.

This includes:

  • supporting the Queensland Government’s vision for a fair and sustainable housing system
  • supporting Queensland’s construction sector in building government infrastructure projects in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032
  • empowering young Queenslanders for a bright future.

We welcome graduates from a wide range of disciplines:

  • Architecture and engineering
  • Communication
  • Construction management
  • Data analytics
  • Environmental science and sustainability
  • Finance and accounting
  • Human resources
  • Legal and policy development
  • Procurement
  • Project management
  • Town planning and urban development

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification (equivalent of a level 7 qualification or higher, including graduate certificate, master's degree or PhD) between 1 January 2023 and 31 January 2026
  • be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or have unlimited work rights to work in Australia.

Benefits

You'll receive great employee benefits, including:

  • a great starting salary of $76,217 per annum
  • 12.75% employer superannuation contribution
  • flexible work arrangements
  • generous leave entitlements
  • salary packaging options
  • programs that support a healthy work environment
  • employment security
  • opportunities for professional development, networking and career progression.

You 'll also get:

  • hands-on experience through challenging projects and rotational assignments, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios
  • coaching and guidance from someone who guides and supports you through your journey, as well as helps you navigate challenges and reach your full potential
  • professional and personal development training sessions, workshops and seminars that will increase your technical and leadership skills
  • networking opportunities with colleagues and stakeholders both inside and outside the department.

Find out more about why you should join Queensland Government.

We encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, as spots are competitive.

How to apply

When applications open, follow these steps:

  1. Visit SmartJobs.
  2. Search for 'Department of Housing and Public Works Graduate Program'
  3. Review the requirements and prepare your application (read the eligibility and job requirements).
  4. Submit your application online before the deadline.

Additional information for international students

You are eligible to apply if you:

  • can provide evidence of your unlimited work rights to work in Australia prior to starting employment with us; visit the Department of Home Affairs to obtain your Visa Entitlements Verification Online (VEVO) check and submit this with your application. Right to work must be maintained through employment)
  • have obtained overseas qualification recognition (if you received your degree outside of Australia).

Our inclusive approach

As Queensland’s largest employer, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels safe, respected and included.

We strongly encourage applicants from all life experiences and backgrounds to apply.

Let the contact person know of any supportive adjustments you need for the recruitment process, such as:

  • interpreting services
  • physical requirements
  • assistive technologies.

If you have any questions, email graduates@housing.qld.gov.au.

Make a difference

If you’re driven to innovate, learn and contribute to a better Queensland, mark 30 June 2025 in your calendar – we can't wait to receive your application!

Get in touch or express your interest at graduates@housing.qld.gov.au.

You can also stay informed about other Queensland government graduate programs.

A graduate’s perspective

Meet Gen – she joined QBuild as a graduate construction manager through the Department of Housing and Public Works Graduate Program.

As part of the program, Gen will spend one year with QBuild and another with the Major Projects team.

'I’m really happy with my decision so far to take on this new challenge!' Gen says.

She was drawn to the role after completing her architecture degree, because it offered:

  • hands-on learning across a variety of construction sites
  • the opportunity to connect with a diverse team
  • the chance to broaden her perspective through the lens of construction
  • the opportunity to complete multiple rotations in different areas across the public sector.

'My degree in architecture has given me an important foundation for understanding and appreciating good design,' Gen says, 'but there's nothing like seeing something being built first-hand.'

Since starting with QBuild earlier this year, Gen has spent time with the Modern Methods of Construction design team learning all about how the program is delivering more and better-quality homes in less time to support Queensland’s housing needs across the state.

More recently, she got the chance to travel to Stradbroke Island to see the installation of a prototype modular home that will soon be rolled out across the Torres Strait Islands.

'Any job is vastly better when there are great people supporting you.

'I've met many wonderful people at QBuild who have invested their time and knowledge into helping me succeed,' Gen says.

'Construction sites can seem intimidating when you don’t have on-site experience, so it has been wonderful to have the support of my supervisor to get as much experience as possible.'

See you soon!

We look forward to having you in our team, where together we can make a difference for Queenslanders and our communities.