Australian Taxation Office offers jobs to Geelong school leavers

THE Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is launching a recruitment program designed to give school leavers in the Geelong area an opportunity to get their foot in the door and gain valuable skills.

Applications open next week for the ATO’s “Career Kickstart” program, which will provide an opportunity for high school graduates who have successfully completed their Year 12 studies within the past year to get a job at the ATO’s office in Little Ryrie Street.

ATO assistant commissioner Alison Stott said the program was all about opening up career pathways for young people who want to learn new skills in a professional and supportive environment, earn a good income, gain valuable work experience, build professional capabilities and work practices.

“This new program really rounds out our suite of entry-level employment programs, along with our award-winning Graduate program, our Evergreen Indigenous program, our University Partnership Employment program and our Opening Doors program,” Ms Stott said.

The ATO will provide formal training and professional development, and successful candidates will earn a competitive starting salary.

“As we know, uni is not for everyone. And some school leavers who are keen for tertiary study like to take a break in-between school and uni, so we think our program will appeal to both of these groups who are looking to get a foot in the door,” Ms Stott said.

She said the ATO was a large, diverse and dispersed organisation with many different potential career pathways.

“There are about 19,000 employees at the ATO, with more than 100 working out of our Geelong office alone,” Ms Stott said.

“Some people may be surprised to know we’re not all accountants.

“We also have opportunities in everything from IT to human resources, through to marketing and communication, and customer service.”

Applications for the 2021 Career Kickstart program open on Tuesday, May 18 and close on Wednesday, June 2.

Successful applicants will work full-time, on a non-ongoing basis for 12 months, starting in August in an administration-type role.