First Nations pathways

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First Nations Unit
First Nations Pathway Program
Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) Program

At the AFP, we know the diversity of our workforce makes us stronger. We value the different perspectives, approaches and lived experiences of our people.

We take pride in making the AFP an inclusive and values-driven workplace. Where everyone feels safe, connected, respected and engaged.

You'll feel supported by policies and a workplace culture that includes all employees and their families. Regardless of your cultural background, disability, age, gender or sexual diversity. You'll be part of one AFP, created through our core values.

Apply for a position with us today – check our current vacancies

First Nations Unit

The First Nations Unit oversees our First Nations agenda:

partnering with AFP business areas to deliver projects and initiatives that ensure improved First Nations outcomes
developing strategies, governance and policy to ensure AFP maintains a people-centred approach whilst actively contributing to Australian Government targets.

We also offer 2 programs specifically for First Nations people.

First Nations Pathway Program

This is a structured 12-month program where First Nations people can experience the range of support and specialist roles available with us. It's not a direct pathway to becoming a sworn AFP officer.

The program starts in February each year, and is mainly based in Canberra.

Applications for the following year’s intake generally open in May.

What to expect

During the program, you'll do:

several placements in non-policing roles
professional development.

You'll get to experience a wide range of diverse roles that will:

expose you to exciting and varied opportunities
give you the tools and resources to begin a fulfilling career.

The program exposes you to many non-policing ‘unsworn’ roles. They might include:

health and wellbeing
investigations
canines
cybersecurity
intelligence
corporate support
workforce planning
media and communications.

One organisation, endless opportunities

Picture of an AFP First Nations woman in a park

Hear about the program directly from our members.

Note: The First Nations Pathways program was previously called Directions. In this video our members refer to the program as Directions but it is the same pathway.

The program exposed me to the thousands of career paths at the AFP, and showed me what it looks like to have your culture recognised and celebrated at work.

Alannah

First Nations Liaison Officer, ACT Policing

Who should apply

We're a diverse and dynamic agency. We're always on the lookout for a range of people to help us stay ahead of crime.

We look for people who are:

great at communication
good problem-solvers
out-of-the-box thinkers
able to work well in a team
ready to learn new skills.

If this sounds like you, why not apply? You don't need formal qualifications.

Timing and location

The program starts in February and runs for a year. But applications usually open in late April or early May.

We advertise for applications – check our current vacancies.

Stay in touch with us to learn when you can apply.

Join our Facebook recruitment group

Create a job alert

Program positions are mainly based in Canberra. If your application is successful, we'll help with the cost of your move from interstate.

Structure and support

You'll get the foundation for an AFP career – and the tools to drive your success.

From the first week, you'll complete induction activities and network with other participants.

Over the 12-month program, you'll work in a variety of business areas. Each placement will allow you to push yourself and explore possibilities while you gain valuable skills and experience.

As a participant, you'll:

enjoy a structured program with 3 rotations across different business areas
receive personal and professional development
be supported by buddies, mentors and our Mulunggang Indigenous Officer Network
get financial help to move to Canberra if you need it.

Most importantly, you are guaranteed a secure job with us at the end of the program.

Other opportunities

After completing the program, you can stay in your team. You can also apply for other AFP roles, such as

Application process

Being part of Australia’s national policing agency is one step closer. So, what’s next?
Eligibility
You can apply if you:
- are 18 years of age or older
- are an Australian citizen
- can confirm your First Nations heritage
- pass a Negative Vetting 1 Security Clearance
- meet our police and character standards
- pass police, character, health or other checks
- can move to Canberra.
You don't need formal qualifications to apply.
If you've graduated from university in the past 5 years, you might prefer to apply for our Graduate Program.
First Nations heritage
We understand that your heritage is personal to you. We confirm heritage using the Australian Public Service Commission's working criteria.
We'll ask for a document that confirms all 3 of these criteria:
- You are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
- You identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
- You are accepted as such by the community in which you live or have formerly lived.
You can confirm your heritage with a letter from an incorporated First Nations organisation. If such a document is difficult to get, we'll consider a statutory declaration.
Getting documents to confirm your First Nations heritage can be a long process. Begin this well before you apply.
If you can't provide these documents, please speak with our Emerging Talent Team.
Phone: +61 2 5127 2555 (select option 3)
Email: emergingtalent@afp.gov.au
Apply
As part of your application, you'll need to:
- answer some questions to check you meet our eligibility criteria
- upload your pitch
- upload your résumé
- supply documents to confirm your First Nations heritage
- provide contact details for 2 referees we can contact to discuss your general character.
If you're shortlisted, we'll let you know by email. Use a current email address and check that our emails don't go to your junk mail. The email address you use to create your application will be used to communicate with you throughout the process.
Employment Suitability Questionnaire
The Employment Suitability Questionnaire helps us understand your character.
Along with your traffic history, we use it to assess whether you meet our character standards.
You'll be asked a series of questions, including whether you have:
- any criminal history or prior convictions (at any age)
- any associations with people or groups who are well-known to law enforcement
- spent any significant periods overseas
- travelled regularly to places of interest to the AFP.
Traffic history
You'll provide us with a traffic history from any place you have held a valid driver's licence. This includes any licence you've held overseas. Your traffic history must cover your entire driving history.
Get a copy of your traffic history no more than 3 months before the date you send it to us.
Interviews and other assessments
You'll be asked to do:
- an online psychometric and personality assessment
- a behavioural interview.
This stage helps us understand your preferred work behaviours.
Read about interviews in our applicant guide.
Offer of employment

If you're successful, you'll get a job offer through our Jobs portal.
Our First Nations program starts in February each year.
The program is competitive. Some candidates aren't offered a position. But this might not be the end of your AFP journey.
We may place suitable candidates who aren't offered a position in a ‘merit pool’ for 12 months. This means we may offer you another Band 2 position if one is available.
In the meantime, you can apply for other advertised AFP roles.
Security assessment
Before you start working with us, you'll need a security clearance. The AFP Personnel Security Vetting Team will look at your past, going back at least 10 years. They'll assess:
- your employment, residential, financial and personal history
- any history of breaking the law
- any significant periods you've spent living overseas
- regular travel abroad to regions of interest.
If you have a partner, the security assessment will include them and their background.
As part of this process, you'll have to:
- pass mandatory drug testing
- provide your fingerprints.
You'll need to pass regular drug testing as part of your ongoing job with us.

Benefits and conditions

If you're accepted to the program, your salary starts at AFP Band 2.1. At the moment, this is $62,263 annual base plus 15.4% superannuation.

AFP employee sitting at a table with an open laptop

We know you want a job that pays you what you're worth.

Earn a competitive salary with generous holidays and other benefits.

Leave, pay and benefits

Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery Program

We offer IPROWD in partnership with NSW Police Force and TAFE NSW.

The AFP supports First Nations people in training that prepares you for:

a career with the AFP or NSW Police Force
other education opportunities.

The Indigenous Police Recruitment Our Way Delivery (IPROWD) Program is your pathway into:

policing
other justice and emergency services
further study.

Choosing to do the IPROWD program helped Cass bridge the gap between community and law enforcement – and she found it a very safe place to learn.

What the course offers

Over 18 weeks full-time or 24 weeks flexible delivery, you'll get:

training, mentoring and advice through TAFE NSW
skills and knowledge to apply for a position with the AFP
a trip to AFP College in Canberra
support to reach the fitness levels for our new recruit standards
help to apply for jobs with us.

Eligibility

IPROWD is available to First Nations people living in any Australian state or territory.

To apply for the IPROWD program, you must:

be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (we may ask for proof of this)
have no serious prior criminal history or serious driving offences (we do a basic police screening)
be at least 18 when you start the course
have or be able to get a driver’s licence
be willing to move to NSW for the course (if you don't live there already).

In some locations, accommodation is available at a reduced rate. You could apply for ABSTUDY if you live more than 90 minutes from the training location.

Once you have successfully completed the IPROWD program, you'll be offered a dedicated pathway to start your AFP career. This means we'll consider you for unsworn roles at the AFP Band 3 classification. This gives you the greatest access to job opportunities (ongoing and non-ongoing) and locations across the AFP.

Stay in touch with us to learn when you can apply.

Join our Facebook recruitment group

Apply now

If you have a question, email iprowd@afp.gov.au.