If you’re looking to fast-track your career in the NSW Public Sector, the NSW Government Graduate Program through Transport for NSW offers one of the best pathways. With hands-on project work, structured professional development, and exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects, it’s a career-defining opportunity for recent graduates in engineering, environmental science, and related fields.
But competition is fierce. Crafting a strong application is crucial to stand out. This guide will help you understand the role, tailor your application, and give you expert advice to make your application count – including a detailed example graduate cover letter you can use to start writing your own.
If you’re new to public sector recruitment, check out this unofficial guide to NSW Public Sector recruitment for more insider tips and context.
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NSW Transport Graduate Salary and Overview
| Position Title | Career Accelerator Programs – Graduate 2025 |
|---|---|
| Organisation/Entity | Transport for NSW |
| Job Location | Sydney Region / Sydney City (Regional Roles Also Available) |
| Work Type | Graduate (Full-Time) |
| Base Pay | Starting at $83,684 – plus superannuation and leave loading |
| Closing Date | 25 May 2025 |
About the NSW Government Grad Program and Transport For NSW (TfNSW)
The NSW Government Graduate Program offers new graduates the chance to kick-start their careers with Transport for NSW, one of the largest public sector organisations in Australia. Graduates will rotate through different teams, gaining practical experience on real-world projects—from consulting on environmental plans to contributing to major infrastructure like the Sydney Metro.
Participants benefit from a structured learning and development program, dedicated mentors, employee networks, and the chance to make a real difference across communities in Sydney and surrounding regions. The program is designed to accelerate your growth while helping you build connections across the NSW public sector.
The program will challenge you to quickly adapt to diverse work environments, work collaboratively across multiple teams, and deliver outcomes that directly impact the public. Balancing project delivery with ongoing learning is key. You’ll need strong time management skills and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
Career Accelerator Program – Transport for NSW
The Career Accelerator Program at Transport for NSW offers an exciting pathway for students, recent graduates, and early career professionals to launch a meaningful career in the NSW public sector. Whether you’re in your final years of high school, completing an undergraduate degree, or about to graduate, there’s a program designed to support your next step.
As part of the Career Accelerator Program, you’ll join a workforce of over 28,000 people working across a range of metropolitan and regional locations in NSW. This is your chance to gain valuable real-world experience, build professional networks, and make a positive impact on communities across the state.
What Support Will You Receive?
From the start of the Career Accelerator Program, you’ll be paired with a dedicated Placement Manager and Program Associate. Together, they ensure you have a positive and supportive experience:
- Placement Manager: Assigns meaningful work, provides technical guidance, helps build workplace relationships, supports goal-setting, and signs off timesheets.
- Program Associate: Helps match you to suitable placement teams, organises mock interviews, answers program-related questions, and supports you when applying for permanent roles towards the end of your program.
Career Accelerator Program Options
Transport for NSW offers several streams within the Career Accelerator Program to cater to different career stages:
- Aboriginal HSC Scholarship Program: For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students entering Year 11 or 12.
- Aboriginal VET Cadet Program: For Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander individuals studying for a Certificate IV qualification.
- Cadet Program: For university undergraduate students seeking flexible, paid work experience alongside their studies.
- Graduate Program: For recent or soon-to-be university graduates, with graduate roles available across both metropolitan Sydney and regional NSW.
- Humanitarian Cadet Program: A one-year program offering paid Australian work experience for newly arrived refugees.
This blog post explains how to apply for the Graduate Program. Please note that applications are now open for both the Graduate Program and the Cadet Program across Sydney and regional NSW locations:
- Graduate Program – Sydney
- Graduate Program – Regional NSW
- Cadet Program – Sydney
- Cadet Program – Regional NSW
Why Apply for a NSW Government Graduate Program?
Graduates joining Transport for NSW will:
- Work on critical projects that improve infrastructure and environmental outcomes across NSW.
- Gain exposure to different disciplines such as civil engineering, systems engineering, environmental science, and more.
- Access award-winning flexible work arrangements and hybrid working options.
- Benefit from mentoring, structured learning pathways, and employee networks.
- Contribute to real change in communities and cities across NSW.
If you’re passionate about infrastructure, sustainability, or government service delivery, this program is the perfect launchpad for your career in the NSW Public Sector.
Transport for NSW’s Career Accelerator Program offers more than just work experience. It’s a structured opportunity to develop your skills, build confidence, and create a pathway into ongoing employment within the NSW Government. With personalised support, career coaching, and the chance to work on real projects that make a difference, this program helps you build a strong foundation for your future career.
Application Requirements for NSW Government Graduate Program With Transport
NSW Government Graduate Application Process
Applications must be submitted via the I Work for NSW website by 11:59pm, Sunday 25 May 2025. You’ll need to:
- Complete an online application form.
- Attach an up-to-date resume.
Essential Role Requirements
You must have completed your undergraduate qualification within two years of the program start date and be available to work full-time (35 hours per week) from mid-2025 or early 2026.
Eligible degrees include:
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Surveying
- Geotech and Telecommunications
What to Include in Your Cover Letter For Graduate Program Applications
While a cover letter is not mandatory for this graduate program application, I strongly recommend that you write one. A cover letter is a free and powerful way to stand out from other candidates and to frame how your skills and experiences make you the ideal fit for the role.
If a cover letter isn’t required, keep it concise — no more than one page — and make sure it is tightly aligned to the key requirements of the role.
Your cover letter should:
- Express your enthusiasm for joining Transport for NSW
- Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, ideally using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Show how you align with the organisation’s values and commitment to the community
A thoughtful cover letter can significantly boost your chances of making a great first impression. Download a free cover letter template here to get started.
Online Portal Questions for the NSW Government Graduate Program
Pro tip: Always log into the government job portal and preview the online application form before you start writing your application. This way, you’ll know exactly what information you need to provide and spot any extra requirements that may not be listed in the job ad.
For the NSW Government Graduate Program, you’ll be asked to complete standard information about your degree, and you’ll also need to respond to a targeted question:
“What excites you the most about joining our Career Accelerator Program? What skills and experience are you hoping to gain?”
I recommend drafting your answer to this question well before the closing date. Taking the time to prepare a thoughtful and compelling response will help your application stand out and show genuine interest in the program.
Addressing Focus Capabilities For Grad Programs
The NSW Capability Framework outlines the skills, behaviours, and attributes needed for public sector roles. Graduates should carefully review the NSW Capability Framework and ensure their applications reflect these competencies.
You will find capabilities listed for every government job. You can read this guide here on how to find the focus capabilities in your role description.
When preparing your cover letter and interview answers, use examples that demonstrate your capabilities—such as Deliver Results, Communicate Effectively, and Work Collaboratively. Tailor your application to address the unique challenges of the Career Accelerator Program.
Focus Capabilities for the NSW Government Graduate Program
| Capability Group/Sets | Capability Name | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Manage Self | Show drive and motivation, ability to self-reflect and commitment to learning | Intermediate |
| Communicate Effectively | Communicate clearly, actively listen to others, and respond with understanding and respect | Intermediate |
| Work Collaboratively | Collaborate with others and value their contribution | Intermediate |
| Deliver Results | Achieve results through efficient use of resources and commitment to quality outcomes | Foundational |
| Demonstrate Accountability | Be proactive and responsible for own actions, adhere to legislation, policy and guidelines | Intermediate |
| Technology | Understand and use available technologies to maximise efficiencies and effectiveness | Intermediate |
NSW Government Graduate Program Application Checklist
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Update Your Resume | Updated and tailored to graduate opportunities at Transport for NSW |
| Start Your Cover Letter | Written using this free template |
| Review Focus Capabilities & Write STAR examples | Understand the NSW Capability Framework requirements |
| Get Someone To Review Your Cover Letter | Get your cover letter reviewed for just $29 |
| Complete Online Application | Submit before 25 May 2025 |
NSW Government Graduate Candidate Profile
Meet Emily, a recent Civil Engineering graduate from the University of Sydney. Emily completed several internships with local councils working on transport infrastructure projects and developed a strong passion for sustainable urban development. She is applying to the NSW Government Graduate Program to work on iconic projects like the Sydney Metro and make a real difference through public service.
Example Cover Letter For NSW Government Graduate Program
Click here to download a free public sector cover letter word template.
Dear Recruitment Team,
I am excited to submit my application for the NSW Government Graduate Program at Transport for NSW.
As a recent Environmental Engineering graduate, I am eager to contribute to shaping sustainable infrastructure solutions while developing my professional skills within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
Throughout my studies, I consistently demonstrated my strong motivation and commitment to learning. During my capstone project, I adapted existing environmental analysis skills to address a complex real-world problem: assessing water quality impacts from major infrastructure works. Recognising my initial skill gaps, I proactively sought feedback from my academic supervisors and professional mentors, incorporating their advice to refine my methods. This experience strengthened my ability to self-reflect, seek continuous improvement, and ultimately deliver a high-quality project outcome,
Effective communication has been a core focus of my academic and practical work. In a recent internship with a regional council, I was tasked with presenting technical environmental reports to non-technical stakeholders. To achieve this, I focused on using plain English, distilling key points clearly, and monitoring audience feedback to adjust my explanations. Through active listening and respectful engagement, I ensured that community members felt heard and understood.
Working collaboratively has been central to my achievements. During my internship, I supported a multidisciplinary project team working on urban stormwater improvements. I proactively shared environmental risk insights with the civil engineering team and regularly engaged other teams to jointly solve emerging challenges. By valuing diverse contributions and creating an inclusive team environment, we delivered the project ahead of schedule with enhanced environmental outcomes.
I am committed to delivering results through efficient, quality-driven work. In my final year group project, I was responsible for conducting detailed site surveys. I consistently took the initiative to clarify tasks when needed, organised necessary equipment ahead of time, and completed all assigned surveys within the allocated timeframe and budget, ensuring our broader project timeline remained on track.
Demonstrating accountability has been a hallmark of my university and work experiences. During my council internship, I proactively flagged potential environmental compliance risks associated with a local development site. Acting within my delegation, I escalated the issue to senior staff and participated in implementing a monitoring plan. My proactive approach ensured the council remained compliant with environmental legislation.
I am also confident in leveraging technology to maximise work efficiency. For example, I led the adoption of new GIS mapping tools during my capstone project, improving the team’s ability to visualise complex environmental data. I supported team members in learning the system and helped integrate it into our final reporting, increasing both quality and efficiency.
I am deeply committed to building a career in public service that positively impacts communities and the environment. The NSW Government Graduate Program’s structured development opportunities, cross-disciplinary rotations, and strong mentoring culture make it an ideal pathway for my career goals.
I am eager to bring my drive, collaboration skills, and passion for public service to Transport for NSW.
Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Emily
How To Use The STAR Method For Graduate Program Applications
The STAR technique—Situation, Task, Action, and Result—is a proven method for structuring examples in public sector applications. Your cover letter and interview answers should include clear examples where you:
- Describe the Situation you faced
- Explain the Task you needed to accomplish
- Detail the Action you took
- Highlight the Result you achieved
For instance, in the cover letter example provided, Emily gives short but clear examples that show how she completed tasks using the STAR framework and aligned each example with the focus capabilities of the job. Structuring examples this way ensures clarity and demonstrates the competencies hiring panels are assessing.
How to Prepare for a NSW Graduate Program Interview
Government interviews for graduate programs focus heavily on behavioural capabilities. Here’s how to prepare:
- Review Focus Capabilities: Carefully study the NSW Capability Framework and the role description.
- Brainstorm Examples: Jot down real situations that showcase skills like collaboration, initiative, and problem-solving.
- Match to Indicators: Align your examples with the behavioural indicators.
- Use the STAR Method: Practice answering using clear STAR structures.
- Practise & Use Notes: Prepare summary dot points if allowed or rehearse thoroughly.
Sample Interview Questions:
- Describe a time you worked on a challenging project with multiple stakeholders.
- How do you manage conflicting priorities when working under tight deadlines?
- Tell us about a time you identified an improvement to an existing process or system.
You can instantly download practice questions and model answers written by a government hiring manager.
For this graduate program, make sure you download the Intermediate Level workbook — this is the level you’ll be assessed against. All the focus capabilities for the program are set at the Intermediate level, so this one workbook will prepare you with 16 different practice questions covering all the key capabilities.
Get Your NSW Government Graduate Program Application Ready
Applications will close on 25 May, so take the time to prepare a strong application to ensure you get noticed. You can start by preparing a winning cover letter using this proven template for government jobs.
Click here to apply now for the NSW Government Graduate Program.
If you want to really make sure your cover letter works, get it assessed by a real hiring manager. Get your cover letter reviewed today for just $29 — it’s the easiest way to dramatically increase your chances of getting shortlisted!
