The Graduate Development Program offers an opportunity to work in a department that supports economic growth and job creation for all Australians.
At NMI (lab roles), I was much closer to my team colleagues/supervisors than my managers. The managers were often busy with higher position work, or the management position was always vacant. But I was always comfortable to talk to the General Manager of our branch. The policy teams in NMI though have had approachable and friendly managers, which have been great for instant and constructive feedback. Whilst working for the graduate major project, it has been great to have a large amount of support from the project team mentors who are assistant manager/managers in their own portfolio teams (this is only an additional support). They have been amazing mentors, reaching out to support the graduate team beyond their requirements.
Some mentors have been incredible, but there has been no consistency in the graduate supervisors, it is clear that the team performed no checks on whether people were fit to lead, nor did they offer trainings despite this being clearly outlined in the grad handbook. There were also no check-ins with team nor grads to see if anything was wrong/if any assistance could be given.
Managers/supervisors have all been exceptional.
Managers make themselves available for feedback and support. I will say it is difficult to performance manage in the APS.