ATO School Leaver Program

Why choose us

If uni’s not for you, come work with us! If you're a 2024 or 2025 Year 12 graduate ready to make big things happen, the ATO School Leaver Program is for you.

In the 12-month program, you'll get:

• full-time work with practical, hands-on work experience
• a competitive starting salary of $56,681, plus 15.4% super
• a pay rise to $66,274 plus 15.4% super on successful completion – as an APS 2 officer, you could earn up to $73,452, plus 15.4% super
• a Certificate III in IT or Business, with one day a week dedicated to study
• healthy working hours, flexible work arrangements, generous leave, and support for your physical and mental wellbeing.

Training and development

Starting a career straight out of high school might feel daunting, but no stress – we’ve got you covered.

We provide:

• two 6-month rotations to develop your knowledge and enjoy a variety of work
• formal training and development of your professional skills to get your career started
• ongoing learning with more training opportunities when you complete the program – if you go on to uni, TAFE or another course the ATO could help pay for your tuition.

We recommend focusing just on the program (rather than trying to juggle uni at the same time) so you can really make the most of it.

If you’re going to university and need a job that fits around your studies, find out more about the University Partnership Employment Program.

Located across Australia

Positions for our 2026 program are available in Adelaide, Albury, Brisbane, Box Hill, Canberra, Geelong, Hobart, Melbourne, Parramatta, Penrith, Perth and Wollongong.

Hear from our school leavers

Meet some recent participants and hear about their experiences in the ATO School Leaver Program.

Mitchell

Hear from Mitchell about his experience as an HR ATO School Leaver.

'The ATO School Leaver Program is a great opportunity to gain a load of experience and get a head start on your career, with nothing more than a high school certificate.' – Mitchell

Lillian

Hear from Lillian about her experience as an ATO School Leaver.

'I never thought I would have the chance to gain such valuable work experience so soon after finishing school. Thanks to the ATO School Leaver Program, I can't wait to see what the future holds, as I continue to grow and develop in my new role.' – Lillian

Make big things happen

Join us and be a part of something BIG! Combat crime and fraud, support the community, and protect the data of millions of people. Help fund critical services and infrastructure that make a real difference in the lives of all Australians.

With such a wide variety of roles and career paths across the organisation, you’ll have the chance to explore different areas and shape your future in a way that works for you.

Roles

Not big on numbers? That’s no big deal. We’re not all accountants at the ATO!

We have a variety of jobs where you'll solve problems, work with a supportive team and learn new skills, setting you up for a successful career.

During the program, you’ll do 2 job rotations – trying out different roles to see what suits you. It’s a great way to build skills, learn on the job, and get a feel for how things work.

Your 2 work rotations may include one or more of the following work types:

Frontline and Client Services officer

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of helping Australians with their tax and super, real-life stuff that makes a real difference. You'll perform a range of customer service activities in an ATO call centre.

You may:

• resolve a broad range of customer enquiries
• provide technical advice on legislation, policy and procedures
• verify and update data
• record interactions in our business information systems.

Start your customer service career with us. Explore the career opportunities at the ATO in Frontline and Client Service.

Information Technology officer

In this role, you'll perform a range of information technology related activities.

You may:

• respond to a broad range of enquiries
• participate in resolving internal information technology issues
• provide support to information technology projects and programs.

Start your IT career with us. Explore the career opportunities at the ATO in Digital and Information Technology.

Administration officer

In this role, you'll support and help organise our business areas.

You may:

• manage and maintain records and information
• work with our business partners
• compile and prepare documents and letters
• help with data management and reporting.

Start your administration career with us. Explore the career opportunities across the ATO in Job types and find the right fit for you!

Who can apply

To be eligible for the program, you must:

• have completed Year 12 in 2024 or will complete Year 12 in 2025
• be an Australian citizen
• clear our pre-engagement integrity check.

What we're looking for in a candidate

Our ideal candidate for the program:

• has competent written and verbal communication skills
• has good computer skills and can operate in a Windows-based environment
• can work in a scheduled, phone-based environment
• is resilient, flexible and independent
• is a team player
• takes a proactive approach to their work and embraces challenges
• has a willingness to learn
• is passionate, committed, professional and determined to serve the community.

How to apply

When applications open, you'll need to submit your application through our online recruitment systemOpens in a new window.

Applications for the 2026 program open 6 August and close 27 August.

If you have questions about the program, email ATOSLP@ato.gov.au

Inclusion and Diversity

We’re committed to inclusion and diversity in our workplace. Some positions will be filled using the following affirmative measures:

• affirmative measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• affirmative measure – disability.