customs and border protection trainee - what to expect
Recruitment Process
Trainee positions will be advertised based on Operational requirements. As opportunities are identified they will be advertised on our website and on APSjobs at a minimum.
Due to the pre-employment requirements associated with Trainee recruitment you may find the process takes longer than you expect. Below is a link to an information guide outlining the timeframe expected with this recruitment process.
Please note this table is intended to be a guide only to help you establish a realistic expectation of the length of the recruitment process. Timeframes may change due to unforeseen circumstances.View Customs and Border Protection Trainee Recruitment Proposed Timeline.
Is a career in Customs and Border Protection for you?
The nature of Customs and Border Protection work suits some people more than others.
The following scenarios are a snapshot of five experiences of Customs and Border Protection Trainees (Trainees). They are insights into the different experiences and challenges you might face in your day-to-day activities as a Customs and Border Protection Officer.
- Trainees in training - what is that like?
- A day on shift at an international airport
- Conducting a ship search
- A day in a cargo
- A day in temporary imports
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q |
When do applications open? |
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A |
Recruitment will be conducted in various locations during the year as Operational demands are identified. You need to apply online for your application to be considered. We will be progressing people through the recruitment process at different times of the year based on the regional requirements. This will be highlighted on our website with a "Now Targeting" message alongside the location on the Positions Vacant page |
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Q |
How long will the recruitment process take? |
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A |
A timeline for recruitment activity is available on the ‘what to expect page’. When recruitment activity occurs in a location it can take over six months from the time your application is considered to an order of merit being finalised and an offer of engagement made. |
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Q |
How long is the training? |
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A |
The training program is 6 months long. Approximately 16 – 18 weeks within those 6 months will be full-time theoretical classroom training. The balance will be a mixture of part-time and full-time practical on-the-job training. Details of the full training program and roster for the on-the-job training will be provided during the initial weeks of the theoretical classroom training. |
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Q |
Where will the classroom training be held? |
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A |
Classroom training will be held at Customs House in the region you have been recruited into. You will be required to provide your own transport to all training locations. |
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Q |
What hours will the classroom training be? |
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A |
Full-time hours are 36.75 per week – standard hours are 0830 -1651 however, alternate start/finish times may apply if necessary for the course structure. The two week work area placements will also operate during these hours. |
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Classroom training will cover a total of 16 - 18 weeks spread over the 6 month training program. |
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Q |
What hours will the on-the-job training be? |
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A |
Shift work hours during the on-the-job segments of your training will be advised to you during the initial weeks of training. They may include early starts and late finishes as well as weekend work. You will be required to provide your own transport to the Airport outside of hours where public transport is available. |
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Q |
If I do not pass one or more of the assessments during training can I re-sit/ask for a review? |
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A |
Trainees complete a number of assessments throughout the program. This ranges from written and oral testing of theoretical understanding to formal workplace assessment. The formal written assessments are conducted during the blocks of formal training. For each written or practical assessment (i.e. examination) undertaken, trainees are given two opportunities to reach the required standard. Failure to meet the required standard at the second attempt for a particular assessment will generally result in termination of employment. |
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Q |
What is a Management Initiated Part Time (MIPT) position? |
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A |
Flight schedules create peaks and troughs in the number of flights and passenger arrivals and departures. During the peak periods a much larger number of officers are required to process the passengers. MIPT officer positions were created to help meet the processing need in the peak periods. MIPT officers are attached to teams and generally work shorter shifts then full-time staff through the roster cycle. With this flexibility MIPT officers are rostered to provide additional attendances for peak flights and passenger numbers. |
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Q |
How is my pay calculated for the different work stages – training full-time classroom, training on-the-job shift work and MIPT rostered shifts? |
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A |
The Trainee salary band is outlined below. During classroom components of your training you will be paid the applicable hourly rate multiplied by 36.75 hours per week gross. While undergoing the on-the-job shift work you will be paid salary for the average number of hours per week multiplied by the applicable hourly rate + penalties for actual shift hours worked – see next question for penalty rates. |
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Trainees annual salary |
$42,025 - $47, 379 |
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+ 15.4% superannuation |
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Trainees hourly rates |
$21.92 - $24.71 |
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Q |
When are shift penalties payable? |
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A |
Monday to Friday (15%) when any part of the shift falls between 1800 and 0630 hrs Monday to Friday Saturday (50%) for any shifts on a Saturday Sunday (100%) for any shifts on a Sunday Public holidays (150%) for any shifts on a Public Holiday |
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Q |
How and when will I know if I have been successful? |
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A |
Upon each short listed stage unsuccessful applicants will be notified in writing. Due to the high number of applications received for the Trainee positions, individual feedback will not be available for unsuccessful applicants prior to the Assessment Centre. Successful applicants will be notified by phone and or writing once all assessment has been evaluated and reference checks have been conducted. Offers will be based on the successful applicants obtaining an Organisational Suitability Assessment conducted by Customs and Border Protection as well as a Baseline security clearance processed by AGSVA (Australian Government Security Vetting Agency) and a clear medical result. |
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