Recruit training
The training program has a mix of both instructional (classroom based) and operational (on-the-job) training. You will be based at an ABF College campus during the classroom training. There, you will study the theory concepts behind your duties as a Border Force Officer. The operational (on-the-job) training will involve learning the physical concepts behind your duties.
The BFORT training program has six capability blocks. You will complete these over a twelve-month period. Recruits must finish and pass all six blocks to successfully complete the program. You will then graduate as an Australian Border Force Officer (General Duties).
The design of the program is flexible and agile. This supports recruits in their learning, both in the classroom and operational environments.
The six capability blocks include:
- Orientation and Foundation
- Traveller 1 – Processing and Clearance
- Law Enforcement Essentials
- Cargo Examination and Trade
- Traveller 2 – Examination and Clearance
- Consolidation and Graduation.
The Traveller 1, Cargo Examination and Trade and Traveller 2 blocks contain on-the-job training to consolidate your theoretical classroom learning. There are also assessable components during this stage, and you will need to work through a task book to demonstrate competency.
Generally, you will complete instructional training Monday to Friday during business hours. You may be required to work outside of these hours on occasion. The ABF will arrange your travel and flights if you need to go interstate for any training.
We regularly review our training courses to ensure recruits are equipped to deal with changing operational demand. We will confirm the exact breakdown of your training during your verbal offer of employment. We will also confirm your training location at that time.
Training location and final posting location
We may not offer BFORT courses and jobs in your preferred state or region. Training and posting locations are based on ABF operational requirements at the time courses are due to commence. You may decline the offered course and stay in the merit pool for future course consideration. In this situation, we cannot guarantee that we will offer a course in your particular state.
If you choose to apply for a location that is not your current state, you will have to relocate permanently at your own expense and you must be available to start the class on the applicable start date. It is important to remember that you will remain in this location until you complete BFORT training. The job role offered to you, post-graduation, will be permanently located in the state that you undertake your BFORT training.
It is important to note that the Order of Merit created for state based recruitment exercises will not be utilised to fill vacancies in other states.
