On 6 November, the Digital Traineeship Program welcomed its first cohort of participants to induction training. This will prepare them for roles in their employing agencies and departments, the program’s early adopters. They are leading the way for the Australian Public Service, investing to address digital skills shortages and build digital capability.
The program offers participating agencies a unique and comprehensive service offering, from recruitment and selection through to induction training, mentoring and other supports to optimise outcomes for trainees, agencies and departments.
Announced by Minister for the Public Service, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, on 22 September 2022, the program provides flexible training in digital skills alongside APS employment. It will grow digital capability and diversify the APS workforce.
The program aims to recruit 1,000 trainees over 4 years, with a focus on First Nations peoples, women re-entering the workforce or seeking a career change, older people and Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel transitioning into civilian roles and their spouses.
The pilot initiative will continue to expand and iterate, to achieve its goals and meet the needs of participating agencies and departments. It is now assessing its second round of applicants, with the next cohort to commence in early 2024. Applications will also reopen in early 2024. Successful candidates from the first assessment round have been placed in a merit pool, which remains active for 18 months. Agencies may approach merit pool candidates about opportunities as they arise during this time.
To find out more and get your agency or department involved, visit the updated Digital Profession website.