Members of the HR Profession came together to congratulate the 2023 HR School Leaver’s on the completion of their program and welcome the 2024 HR Graduate cohort last month.
Susan Moriarty, Assistant Commissioner, HR Operations, Australian Taxation Office (ATO) welcomed attendees and acknowledged the achievements of both cohorts before introducing a video message from Jacqui Curtis, HR Head of Profession and Chief Operating Officer of the ATO.
Jacqui spoke of the leading role HR plays in supporting and implementing change across the APS, highlighting the role entry level programs play in building HR capability to ensure the APS can continue to deliver key outcomes and support for all Australians. Jacqui also encouraged participants to be active in their own continued development and highlighted the importance of networking.
Attendees were then fortunate to hear from Belinda Casson, Chief People Officer, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She provided an insightful and engaging keynote address, speaking of her varied, diverse and highly rewarding APS career which she commenced through a Graduate Program. In sharing her experiences and achievements across the APS, Belinda highlighted the importance of ‘grabbing opportunities with both hands’ throughout your career as you never know where it may lead you.
Two 2023 Alumni, Mitch Forshaw, HR School Leaver, ATO and Imogen Oros, HR Graduate Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) reflected on their experience as participants of their respective programs. Both highlighted the opportunities they had been provided throughout the program, the diverse and invaluable experiences and their personal growth throughout the year.
A particular highlight for Mitch was undertaking the Certificate IV in HR and gaining new capabilities he was able to practically apply in his workplace adding depth to the learning experience. Imogen relocated to Canberra for the program and was impressed with her transition from Sydney and the support provided from the program. Her key highlight was a secondment to work in Darwin in DCCEEW’s Risk Management team.
The event was a wonderful celebration of talent in HR in the APS. It is an exciting time to be joining the HR profession continuing to learn and grow with the ongoing support of partner agencies.
To learn more about the HR Entry Level Programs offered by the APS HR Professional Stream visit HR Graduate Program or HR School Leaver Program. Alternatively, you can contact the APS HR Professional Stream for further information.
Those joining the event in Canberra were also lucky enough to attend the first networking event for the year. Jacqui provided a keynote address before Susan, Belinda and Tim Abrahams, General Manager Organisational Development, Bureau of Meteorology participated in a panel discussion, sharing insights on their careers, the role of HR in driving APS reform and how HR professionals can support integrity in their agencies. Afterwards attendees were able to put into practice advice from Jacqui by networking with colleagues from over 50 APS agencies. Be sure to look out for networking opportunities in your region this year.