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Traineeship opportunities, careers and futures within the APS

01 May 2015
Jobs, Land and Economy

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

The aim of the programme is to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with the right skills and knowledge to join the Government workforce, with paid work and a structured training and development programme.

When Maiala Waters, a Maiawali, Karuwali, Kamilaroi and Pitta-Pitta woman applied for the APS Indigenous Traineeship Programme she was completing her last year of high school and wanted something secure that provided ongoing development.

“I was looking at something that laid the foundations necessary for me to build a life for myself. The freedom of being independent was a huge aspect that contributed to my decision to go into the public service. By moving to Canberra away from all major support systems, I struggled, but also built resilience that will be useful in my ongoing career and everyday life”, said Maiala.

Maiala currently works in the Corporate Communications team in the Department of Health where she contributes to the promotion of internal communications within the department.

“I am responsible for producing internal intranet feature articles, all staff emails and updating Health’s intranet. I’m also the event coordinator for all internal diversity events promoting and celebrating the diversity of our staff and contributing to building an inclusive workplace”, said Maiala, who gets a sense of achievement and pride from contributing to how the department both recognises and appreciates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

 “Not only is the public service filled with opportunities but there are so many different pathways available. I am already looking at further study and have had a tremendous amount of support from the people around me. “

Find out more

The Indigenous Pathways Traineeship Programme is an initiative of the APS Indigenous Employment Strategy. The Australian Public Service Commission works in partnership with APS agencies to provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

More stories from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people about their APS career journeys can be found at Leading and shaping a unified, high performing APS.

Further information including a list of participating agencies and frequently asked questions can be obtained from www.apsc.gov.au/indigenous, or by contacting the Australian Public Service Commission's Indigenous Employment Team on 1300 656 009 or indigenous@apsc.gov.au.