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Opportunities, careers and futures within the APS

27 February 2015
Jobs, Land and Economy
Former APS Indigenous Pathways Participant, Wongatha woman Nadine Highfield.

The Australian Public Service Commission is calling for applications for the 2016 Australian Public Service (APS) Indigenous Pathways Programme for Indigenous Graduates.

Have you completed your degree or will you be completing your degree by January 2016?

The Australian Public Service Commission is calling for applications for the 2016 Australian Public Service (APS) Indigenous Pathways Programme for Indigenous Graduates.

An initiative of the APS Indigenous Employment Strategy, the Australian Public Service Commission works in partnership with a large number of APS agencies to provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The aim of the programme is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the right skills and knowledge to start a career in Government, whether you are looking to transition your studies into a career or looking to combine paid work with a structured training and development programme.

Former graduate programme participant Wongatha woman Nadine Highfield said she found the APS to be the best place to utilise her law degree with the Australian Government Solicitor and make a positive contribution.

“I never really knew what I wanted to do with my career and life; I knew I just wanted to make a difference,” Nadine said.

“Working in the APS is one of the most influential places when it comes to creating and managing Indigenous Affairs. This is where they create laws and policy that affect the lives of our people, it is so important that law makers hear our views and perspectives during the entire process.”

Nadine said she was pleased to discover that the APS encourages ongoing learning opportunities, both formal study and on-the-job training.

“My employer strongly encouraged me to complete my Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice through the Australian National University with a group of colleagues,” she said.

“It was challenging to balance full-time work and study, but studying and graduating with my colleagues and friends was incredibly rewarding.

“Once I obtained my Graduate Diploma I was able to be admitted to the ACT Supreme Court of Australia as a lawyer.

“This truly has been the highlight of my APS career, being admitted with my friends and having my Wongai family watch on.

“I still can’t believe that as a bush-kid from Kununurra, I’m working in Canberra.”

Applications for the 2016 intake of the APS Indigenous Pathways Programme for Indigenous Graduates are now open. By lodging a single application you have the opportunity to be considered for employment in a number of Australian Government agencies.

Find out more

Having a job helps people build the future they want for their families and their communities.

For more information about job opportunities within the Australian Public Service, including how to apply for the 2016 intake of the APS Indigenous Pathways Programs for Indigenous Graduates, visit the Australian Public Service Commission’s website.

You can also contact the Australian Public Service Commission's Indigenous Employment Team on 1300 656 009 or indigenous@apsc.gov.au.