Border Force Officer Recruit Traineeship – Frequently Asked Questions. GENERAL How often is the Border Force Officer Recruit Traineeship (BFORT) programme run? We aim to recruit approximately every twelve months.
When will applications open? Applications open on Monday 16 October 2017. Follow us on social media for updates, or online at: www.border.gov.au/abfcareers
When do applications close? Applications close at 11am AEDST on Monday 06 November 2017.
When will jobs commence? The 2017-18 BFORT recruitment campaign will fill positions on courses commencing from early-mid 2018. Placements will be offered throughout the year.
How many positions are available? Operational demands nationally are subject to constant change and final intake numbers are still being determined. It is anticipated that up to 200 candidates may be selected for 2018.
What is the ABF looking for in a Border Force Recruit? We are looking for driven, dedicated, agile and flexible individuals with the highest levels of integrity and a law enforcement mindset. We are looking for people willing and able to relocate nationally to meet operational requirements. We are looking for people with strong communication and interpersonal skills, who enjoy working as part of a team and have a passion for protecting the Australian community. We recommend completing a self-assessment questionnaire available on the ABF website prior to submitting your application. This will indicate to you if you may be the right fit to join the ABF. www.border.gov.au/ABFcareers
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What is meant by a BFORT - “national” programme? For the first time, the BFORT programme will be run as a national programme. Recruits can be offered a placement for any region, and will commence their traineeship at the ABF College in Sydney where they will spend six months completing their instructional (classroom) training. Recruits will then join a Regional Command to finalise their on-the-job training, prior to being posted/deployed flexibly to meet operational demands as required, nationally.
Can I nominate the state/city in which I want to work? The expectation through this national campaign is that successful candidates are mobile, flexible, and willing to relocate nationally as operationally required. Candidates will, however, be able to nominate location preferences, however placement in their preferred region may not be offered.
How do I apply? You can access the link to the application form at www.border.gov.au/ABFcareers .
REQUIREMENTS Do I need to be an Australian Citizen? Yes, you must be an Australian Citizen to apply. If you have recently attained citizenship your citizenship certificate will be required as evidence.
What are the age requirements? You must be over 18 years of age, however there is no upper age limit. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
What are the general eligibility requirements? To be eligible to apply for the BFORT programme you must:
be an Australian citizen with the appropriate citizenship documents be 18 years or over at the time of applying hold a current driver’s licence (P-plates acceptable) be able to obtain and maintain minimum security requirements be able to meet medical, fitness, aptitude and psychometric requirements and standards relevant to the role be willing and able to relocate to ABF sites throughout Australia as operational requirements demand be willing and able to complete working with children/vulnerable people checks with your state government authority if required be able to complete Operational Safety Training and be willing to carry and use personal defence equipment, including a firearm, if required.
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What are the fitness and medical requirements? How fit do I have to be? Medical assessment A medical assessment is conducted to assess suitability to perform specific duties and to ensure that candidates do not have any pre-existing medical conditions which could affect their ability to perform their role. The medical component consists of three sections; medical history questionnaire, nurse screening and medical assessment conducted by an occupationally trained doctor. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, please bring all relevant medical information, such as treating doctor or specialist reports with you to your medical assessment appointment. After the medical assessment is completed and the pathology results reviewed, the health provider will advise candidates of their suitability to attend the fitness assessment. Fitness assessment The Functional Fitness Assessment is the minimum fitness standard applied to Border Force Officer Recruit Trainee and protocols will test flexibility, agility, strength, balance, coordination, power, speed and endurance to determine levels of physical fitness. The fitness testing does not require extreme levels of fitness. We do, however, recommend candidates practice the various testing protocols to ensure they are confident. Detailed information on the medical and fitness assessments can be found on the BFORT campaign website www.border.gov.au/abfcareers.
Do I require a university degree? No. There are no minimum education requirements to apply for the traineeship. The ABF subscribes to a raise, train and sustain methodology and will provide in-house training required for officers to carry out ABF functions. We are looking for capability and the right values/mindset in the first instance.
I have a background working in law enforcement and defence. Will this be an advantage? As the ABF is seeking disciplined, driven, flexible individuals who are eager to work in an enforcement environment, characteristics and skills you may have developed during your career could potentially provide you with an advantage. It will however be your responsibility to demonstrate this during the application process, and you must understand this will not necessarily give you preference over others.
I have limited experience – Is it worth me applying? Whilst you may not have experience in law enforcement, many of you will have valuable skills and knowledge from other careers such as decision making, customer service and attentiveness. If you have the mindset to be disciplined, driven, flexible and eager to work in an enforcement environment you are encouraged to apply.
I have a disability – am I able to apply? All applicants will need to meet the minimum medical, fitness and psychometric requirements for the position. People with disability are encouraged to apply however; there may be certain restrictions on the types of roles that they can undertake (depending on the type of disability). It is best if applicants discuss their disability or any support they may require directly with the medical, fitness and psychometric providers – as they are the experts. If applicants require assistance or reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process – we encourage them to contact
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DIVERSITY Will you be targeting some of your positions for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people? We offer a pathway for Indigenous Australians to start their career in the ABF. A large number of positions have been allocated for those who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander through our “Affirmative Measures” recruitment process. During the application phase you can identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, however, you will need to provide evidence of your heritage.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT What is the salary? Border Force Officer Recruit Trainees commence on an APS2 salary of $ 47,424 PLUS 15.4% superannuation. Upon successful completion of the 12 month traineeship recruits are promoted to the position of APS 3 Border Force Officer (general duties), with a salary of $53,937 (plus superannuation and applicable allowances).
I have extensive previous experience – can I negotiate my salary? Conditions of employment including salary and entitlements are covered in the existing DIBP Enterprise Agreement. While successful candidates are welcome to put forward a business case to have their salary reviewed, it is unlikely this will be supported.
Is there potential for part time employment once training is completed? An application for part time hours can be made following completion of the 12 months traineeship. This application will be considered with regard to the employee’s personal circumstances and whether the reduced hours can be managed within operational requirements. Given the high levels of operational demand at present, any application for reduced hours will be closely scrutinised.
Why are we asked to look at the APS2 and APS3 Integrated Leadership System capabilities when preparing our application? Our BFORT positions are broadbanded. This means that while recruits commence at the APS 2 classification, the intent is that they develop the skills and capabilities to enable graduation to an APS 3 and performance of the role of a Border Force Officer. A further recruitment process is not required to allow promotion at the end of the traineeship. We are therefore seeking candidates who can demonstrate both the APS 2 competencies and a potential to meet APS 3 capability requirements. Further information can be found on the Australian Public Service Commission website www.apsc.gov.au. Further information on the DIBP EA can be found on the Departmental website www.border.gov.au.
Are all positions uniformed? Yes, Border Force Officers are expected to wear the ABF uniform. There are roles within the ABF that do not require officers to wear the uniform, however this traineeship is targeting recruits to undertake uniformed positions.
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THE TRAINEESHIP What training is provided? The traineeship comprises of three programme phases– 1. A three day induction programme covering an introduction to the Department and the ABF, and an overview of Departmental policy and procedures. 2. A six month instructional phase at the ABF College in Sydney involving predominantly classroom-based training. It is important to note there are mandatory assessments through which you will be required to demonstrate competency. 3. A six month operational phase where you will be rostered on practical rotations through various work locations / business areas in your region which may include shift work and weekend work. This phase is designed to consolidate your instructional learning. This phase involves assessable components and requires you to complete a task book to demonstrate competency. Recruits may also undertake operational safety training, which provides the skills and knowledge to manage situations that pose potential risk to their safety. Further information on the training programme can be found on the BFORT campaign website www.border.gov.au/abfcareers.
I live in Perth but the training is being held in Sydney. Will I need to find my own accommodation while I’m in Sydney? Will the ABF offer me any support? If you currently reside in a state other than NSW, travel and accommodation (and associated allowances) for the six month period in Sydney will be covered by the Department. In accordance with the DIBP EA, a reunion fare to your residential state will also be provided if you have dependents. Accommodation may be in a shared apartment with another candidate.
What happens if I don’t complete the traineeship? Successful completion of the traineeship is a condition of employment. You will be provided reasonable support to successfully complete the traineeship, however if you fail to do so your employment may be reviewed.
What probation applies? Recruits are subject to probation for the twelve month duration of the traineeship. If recruits are already ongoing APS officers and have served probation, they are not subject to a further probation period.
WORKING AS A BORDER FORCE OFFICER Are all jobs in capital cities or is there opportunity for regional deployment? The majority of ABF positions are located in capital cities where our peak passenger and goods movements are. We do, however, have an extensive network of regional offices and a presence across the 37,000KM of Australia’s coastline. There are opportunities for posting to regional offices and an expectation that our BFORT recruits are willing and able to relocate as required.
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Where will I be placed after I complete the traineeship? Following graduation you will be “posted” to a particular work area for, on average, a three year period. You could work at the airport, mail and cargo facilities, ports, wharves or cruise terminals, at a district office or in operational command centres. As a considerable number of roles are located within Aviation Traveller (the airport), there is a high likelihood that many officers will be posted to the airport. During a posting, you may be deployed on a day-to-day basis, or for longer periods, to assist in other work areas. As a BFORT you are trained to work across all domains and will have the agility and flexibility to undertake a range of general duties roles as required. For more information on the work areas you may be posted / deployed to, visit: www.border.gov.au/ABFcareers .
Do I get a preference in choosing my posting location? During your traineeship you will be given the opportunity to discuss your career aspirations and to submit posting preferences. Operational demand will be at the forefront of decision-making, however personal preferences will be taken into account where possible.
Do I need to meet the costs of relocation if I move work locations? Relocation entitlements are subject to Departmental approval for officers posted interstate. Officers may be provided temporary accommodation, flights, and removalist assistance.
Am I required to work in a detention centre? You might be required to work in a detention centre, however the number of ABF roles at immigration detention facilities is relatively low compared to the broader workforce.
I really want to work in a specialist area such as the Marine Unit or Detector Dog Program – can I transfer to these roles once I start? The traineeship is a great generalist entry level programme into the ABF whilst the Detector Dog Programme and Marine Unit are a specialised job category. You are strongly encouraged to consider a 12 month commitment to and focus on the programme in the first instance. On successful completion of the programme, you are welcome to apply to the specialist areas of interest; however please note further training and assessment may be involved.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? Please visit our website in the first instance. This has been recently updated to include more detailed information for prospective applicants. Go to www.border.gov.au/ABFcareers You can contact
[email protected] or
[email protected] (Indigenous candidates) if you have any particular questions that are not covered in this document.
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