By Emily Robinson, Australian Public Service Commission
Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women and the Public Service, launched the first Australian Public Service (APS) Academy Campus at the University of Newcastle yesterday.
The launch welcomed 22 new entry-level data and digital participants and demonstrates the APS’s commitment to reaching talent outside Canberra. The APS Academy Campus program is part of the Australian Government’s plan to address data and digital skill shortages in the APS.
Senator Gallagher joined Australian Public Service Deputy Commissioner, Dr Subho Banerjee, University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, and the Heads of the APS Data and Digital Professions, Dr David Gruen and Chris Fechner for a tour of the University’s Campus.
The group met with program participants and took the opportunity to acknowledge the innovative partnership between the University and the APS to deliver the first APS Academy Campus.
“We are delighted to be celebrating the launch of this campus and welcoming our new colleagues to the APS. These talented individuals will be supported by the APS Data and Digital Professions to build meaningful and rewarding APS careers as they shape a better data and digital future”, Dr Subho Banerjee said. "This is an important step for the public service and the APS Academy. The Campus links job seekers and career changers, training providers and the public service to develop the capability a future-ready public service needs."
The APS Academy Campus offers students in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region flexible training and employment opportunities in the APS without having to leave their communities. This includes paid apprenticeship, cadetship and internship programs.
This initiative is the first of its kind in the APS. It is an innovative and collaborative partnership between the APS and the University of Newcastle, bringing together the public and tertiary sectors.
To find out more about the launch and Academy Campuses visit the APS Academy Campuses webpage