By Digital Profession
On 6 November 2023, the Digital Traineeship Program welcomed its first cohort of participants to induction training. This will build foundational knowledge and skills to help them thrive in the Australian Public Service. It will prepare them for roles in their employing agencies and departments, the program’s early adopters. They are leading the way for the APS, investing to build a pipeline of digital talent.
The program offers a unique and comprehensive service offering, from recruitment and selection through to induction, mentoring and other supports to optimise outcomes for trainees and agencies. The pilot initiative will continue to expand and iterate in line with agency and participant needs, to recruit 1,000 trainees over 4 years.
Announced by Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, on 22 September 2022, the program provides flexible training in digital skills alongside APS employment. It will help grow digital capability and diversify the APS workforce. It focuses in particular on First Nations peoples, women re-entering the workforce or seeking a career change, older people and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel transitioning into civilian roles and their spouses.
The program is now assessing its second round of applicants, with the next cohort due to commence in early 2024. Applications will also reopen in early 2024. Successful candidates from the first assessment round have been placed in a merit pool, which remains active for 18 months. Agencies may approach merit pool candidates about opportunities as they arise during this time.
To find out more and get your agency or department involved, visit the recently updated Digital Profession website