Graduate opportunities to start your career in data, analytics and research
ARG Graduate Programme
This programme places successful candidates within a government agency, alongside some of Aotearoa’s leading data analysts and researchers. Those who are successful also get a tailored professional development programme to identify and hone their strengths, while providing them with an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to Aotearoa. Register your interest for future graduate opportunities here.
Who Could You Be Working For?
Each intake has a unique set of supporting agencies. Previous agencies involved include:
Learning & Development Opportunities
During the programme, you will be placed in a role within one of the above-mentioned government agencies. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills within your role, and also through the in-agency and cross-agency training provided to you throughout the programme.
Some of the great development topics will include:
Office working essentials
Cultural capability
Working well with others and effective communication
Data ethics
Data visualisation
Project planning
Career planning
You will also be assigned a buddy/mentor from your agency.
Key Dates and Details
The ARG Graduate Programme will not be running in 2025. Please check back for updates regarding a 2026 intake or register interest to keep updated with future programme dates.
Our recruitment process helps us to get to know you and provide you with fantastic insights into the ARG Graduate opportunity. After the initial application, you will be invited to complete a short psychometric assessment and video interview. The final stage of our process is an assessment centre which includes an opportunity to ask us lots of questions and meet the agency you have been matched with.
If you identify as a person with a disability, or someone who may need extra support, please let us know how we can help you throughout the recruitment process (support@talentsolutions.co.nz).
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We will update here when the programme is next open for applications.
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If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete psychometric testing in early to mid August.
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If your initial application is successful, you will be invited to complete a video interview in early to mid August.
The short video interview asks four questions to help us understand your motivation for the programme and passion for analytics and/or research.
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If you are selected to attend the assessment centre, you will be provided with all the information you need to succeed during our welcome information session to be held at the end of August.
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The ARG Graduate Programme runs for 12 months, from February to February.
Who Should Apply?
The ARG Graduate Programme is open to anyone who:
Has a passion for data, research and analysis
Wants to make a difference in the lives of New Zealanders
Has less than 12 months of full-time work experience in data, analysis or research
Traditionally, applicants have come from universities, with qualifications of bachelor degrees or higher, but we are open to hearing from all those who believe they would be ready for and benefit from a graduate placement.
Understanding of programming languages is useful but not mandatory for all graduate roles within the programme.
We evaluate candidates based on our programme values and the key skills we believe determine success, including:
ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING
Accurately identifies and uses a range of data and methods to critically analyse information.
DECISION-MAKING AND EXECUTION
Plans and organises their work and produces quality outputs.
COLLABORATION
Builds long-lasting relationships, and supports their team.
MOTIVATION
A genuine interest in the work of government and the public sector.
CHANGE AND RESILIENCE
Learns from mistakes and perseveres when faced with challenges.
GROWTH MINDSET
Takes ownership of their development and demonstrates curiosity in their work.
COMMUNICATION
Communicates clearly both verbally and in writing.
100% of our graduates have got either permanent or long-term employment and stayed in the public sector
“It was useful to learn the basics about entering the workforce…. As a graduate, it’s good to learn explicitly about these things that don’t often get ‘taught”