At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.
* Temporary Full-Time employment until 31st December 2028
* Located in Parramatta with flexible working arrangements (50% office attendance), including mandatory in-office work on Tuesdays, within a supportive team environment that offers opportunities for professional growth.
* Salary ranges from $128,464 to $142,665 pa. plus superannuation and annual leave loading
About the role
We are seeking a highly motivated and committed Senior Policy Officer to join our Apprenticeship and Traineeship team. Work with us to support and improve the NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship system creating a sustainable employment pathway for apprentice and trainees and supporting employers to meet NSW Skills needs.
What you'll be doing
The Apprenticeship and Traineeship Directorate team is responsible for a diverse and interesting range of policy, program and project work, including:
1. Undertaking and supporting policy development and priority projects.
2. Participating in the design of new trade pathways and initiatives to support attraction, retention and completion outcomes for apprentices and trainees.
3. Preparing communications, reports, briefings, and correspondence, and liaising across business units and industry partners ensuring recommendations are evidence-based and aligned with NSW Government policy priorities.
4. Maintain strong working relationships across teams to support coordinated and high-quality issues management.
For further information please click here to view the role description
About you
* Provide sound advice and practical solutions while managing high-volume work with competing and changing priorities.
* Exercise judgement and maintain awareness of sensitivity when preparing submissions, correspondence, and official documents.
* Work independently, excellent writing skills and use initiative to develop solutions and deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.
* Consult with the Director and Managers on matters with resource, stakeholder, or contentious implications.
* Knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department's Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department's Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Essential requirements of the role
* Current and valid Working with Children Check Clearance for paid employment.
* Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.
Benefits
* Flexible working arrangements
* 35 hour working week
* Competitive, salary sacrificing, employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading
* Flex Leave entitlements, generous holidays & leave conditions
* Opportunities for advancement and mobility across the Department to support career growth
How to applyAttach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role and respond to the following targeted questions.
* Describe an example of a complex project or policy initiative that you have delivered. What was your role? What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them to deliver successful outcomes?
* Describe a situation where you had to work closely with another person who had a very different approach to you. How did you manage this and what was the outcome?
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department's values and priorities. Please refer to the Applicant's Guide to Applying to assist you with your application. If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application. All other applicants please submit your application by clicking 'Apply Now'.
Note: The selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check. Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa. Closing date: Sunday, 29th March 2026 at 11:59 pm.
For role enquiries please contact Arline Dumazel at
We welcome applications of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine, please contact the Diversity and Inclusion Team () or visit NSW Department of Education Diversity and Inclusion.
A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles over the next 18 months, including temporary term or ongoing roles.