Government, Safety & Environment

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Australia’s three tiers of government (federal, state and local) are collectively responsible for our physical, social, economic and general well-being. Government employees develop policies and provide services to keep us safe and ensure our property, resources and assets are protected. Police, fire, emergency and correctional services work tirelessly to maintain public order and safety. This is a rewarding industry to be involved in, and you’ll be amazed at the career choices available to you.

Contribution to the Australian economy

Public Order, Safety & Regulatory Services

Industry Value

$5.5 billion

Gross value added

People Employed

78,000

People employed in the sector

Business Trading

6,766

Businesses trading in the sector

* Statistics sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. For more information, please refer to the Statistics Explained page.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUCCEED. Real Skills for Real Careers



Sectors & Occupations

The government, safety and environment industry looks after the needs of the Australian public. This is a major undertaking, and it involves a diverse range of occupations in areas such as policy, planning, procurement, security, emergency and regulatory services. Many government employees gained their practical skills through ‘real life’ vocational education and training (VET) courses.

Check out a sample of the most popular occupations in each sector. Click on them for more information.


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Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships) are an important part of VET. Gaining a VET qualification through an Australian Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to train, study and earn an income at a variety of qualification levels in most occupations. Australian Apprenticeships combine time at work with training, and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

Search Apprenticeship & Traineeship Courses in this Industry

Career Stories

VET delivers outstanding employment results for its graduates – watch the following stories and see for yourself. You will be amazed at the career pathways that a VET qualification can unlock for you in the government, safety and environment industry.


Alice’s Story - Video Thumbnail

Alice’s Story

“Working for council is really lovely, they treat you so well here, and working outdoors is perfect.”

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Local Government

Career: Town Maintenance Labourer

This case study was prepared by the Local Government Association of Tasmania through its ‘Think Big Work Local’ initiative.

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Kelly’s Story

“I’ve been in procurement for ten years, and so now I’ve got a qualification to back it up and say ‘Look, this is what I can do’.”

VET Qualification: Diploma of Government (Procurement and Contracting)

Career: Director, Procurement and Grants

This workforce development case study was prepared by Government Skills Australia with funding from the Commonwealth Government.

Skills for your Career

My Skills can help you find the right course to ignite your career in the government, safety and environment industry. You can search for VET courses and compare information such as fees, durations, graduate satisfaction, job prospects and available subsidies.

There are a number of different ways to search for VET courses on My Skills.


Course Search

Search for keywords in course titles, such as ‘local government’ or ‘corrections’:

Local Providers

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Careers in Demand

No skilled occupations are currently in shortage in the government, safety and environment industry.

Data is sourced from the Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business.



Growth Areas

State government administration and public order and safety are the largest employing sectors in the industry. If you’re interested in a career in public administration and safety, the following VET courses are worth considering, because they will prepare you for work in areas where employment is expected to grow over the next three years.

Data has been sourced from the Australian Government Department of Employment and SSO/IRC Industry Skills Forecasts (Correctional Services, Public Safety, Sustainability, Local Government, Public Sector).



Resources

With so much information about careers, it’s hard to know where to start or where to look.
Here are a few sites you may find useful once you’ve found the right VET course and training provider on My Skills.
For additional industry information links, please visit the Australian Government Department of Education and Training website.


Australian Industry Standards

A government-funded not-for-profit organisation that develops skills standards across a range of Australian industries.

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IBSA Manufacturing

A government-funded, independent professional body that works with employers in their allocated industry to develop training packages that meet the current skill needs of their workers.

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Institute of Public Administration Australia

The nationwide professional association for those involved in public administration.

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PCCOAA

The Probation and Community Corrections Officers Association of Australia works to promote issues of offender management.

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Safe Work Australia

An Australian government statutory body established to develop national policy relating to workplace health and safety and workers’ compensation.

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The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC)

Provides leadership and guidance to the VET system, bringing a strong industry-based perspective which will enhance responsiveness, quality & relevance within the sector. 

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