The Australian Public Service (APS) offers various career progression opportunities, providing employees with diverse pathways for professional growth and advancement. These opportunities are designed to support individuals at various stages of their careers, from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
One key initiative supporting career progression is the implementation of APS professional streams. These streams are designed to help employees navigate their career paths within one of the largest employers in Australia. The APS is actively implementing various actions to assist individuals in establishing career pathways and increasing their skills and capabilities from entry-level positions to leadership roles.
The APS offers several entry points for those starting their careers. The APS Apprenticeship Program, for instance, provides recent school leavers with an opportunity to kick-start their APS careers while also serving as a pipeline for new talent. This program has shown impressive retention rates, with 74% of participants remaining with the APS four years after completion.
As employees progress in their careers, they can access various development opportunities. The APS strongly emphasises continuous learning and skill development. For example, since 2014, the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has delivered a range of leadership development initiatives to enhance participants’ leadership capabilities. More than 500 Senior Executive Service (SES) and Executive Level (EL) staff from across the APS participate in APSC leadership development activities each year.
These leadership programs include workshops, coaching, peer learning, and on-the-job activities or secondments. Evaluation data indicates that participating in these activities significantly improves capability. Establishing the APS Academy further expands the range of support available for leaders, providing additional resources to enhance manager performance.
For mid-level professionals, APS 5 positions offer a crucial stepping stone in career progression. These roles typically involve mid-level responsibilities, balancing operational tasks and strategic decision-making. APS 5 officers often contribute directly to shaping government policies and programs, offering opportunities for skill development and personal growth.
The APS also recognises the value of diverse career paths and experiences. It actively recruits individuals who have built careers external to the service, such as veterans from the Australian Defence Force. Programs like the APS Veteran Employment Pathway support ex-service personnel in transitioning their skills to the APS job market.
Career progression in the APS is not limited to a single department or agency. The diverse nature of APS work allows for lateral moves across different government areas, providing opportunities to gain varied experiences and broaden skill sets. This flexibility enables employees to shape unique career paths aligned with their interests and strengths.
Furthermore, the APS Workforce Strategy 2025 emphasises strategic workforce planning, focusing on career development and progression. This whole-of-enterprise approach aims to strengthen the APS’s ability to plan and develop the capabilities needed for future challenges, ensuring effective delivery for the government and Australian communities.
The APS offers many career progression opportunities supported by structured programs, continuous learning initiatives, and strategic workforce planning. These opportunities cater to individuals at all career stages, fostering professional growth and enabling employees to make meaningful contributions to public service.