Indigenous Australians looking to start their career in the public service can now apply for the Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme. Indigenous Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to forge interesting and fulfilling career paths with the Australian Government. Last year the Department of Human Services expanded its popular entry-level employment and development programme to recruit for other government departments as well. This year there will be opportunities for full-time work and on-the-job-training for approximately 200 successful candidates across 11 government departments. Applications are now open and close on 11 May, with the programme starting in October. The Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme has proven very successful in recruiting and retaining employees and driving greater Indigenous representation in the public sector. Developed specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, the Indigenous Apprenticeships Programme provides a tailored approach to learning, based on academic and cultural requirements. The programme runs for 12 months, providing full-time entry-level positions, competitive salaries, and upon completion, a nationally recognised certificate or diploma qualification.