About the Programme

The Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme provides a meaningful first employment opportunity in the public service for skilled graduates from ethnic communities. It directly addresses the low representation of ethnically diverse employees and the barriers they face to access employment in the public sector. It offers a pathway into the public service, ensuring the public service better reflects the communities. 

Graduates are employed by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities and seconded into one of several participating public service agencies for 18-months, offering them the opportunity to contribute towards the agency’s important mahi, learn from public service professionals, and receive wrap-around support that sets them up to pursue a rewarding career in the public sector.

We have had two intakes of graduates who started the programme in July 2021 and February 2022. Recruitment is underway for a third intake, which is due to start in July/August 2023.

Watch the video below to hear from graduates and host managers first intake and Ministry for Ethnic Communities staff as they reflect on the first nine months of the programme:

For more information about the Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme please contact us at graduateprogramme@ethniccommunities.govt.nz