The Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched the latest Indigenous Apprentices Program (IAP) inviting applications for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to take up trainee positions across the Australian Public Service (APS).
Conducted by DHS on behalf of participating Agencies, the program is seeking 300 new APS members to take up entry-level positions.
Minister for Human Services and Digital Transformation, Michael Keenan said boosting Indigenous employment rates was a key priority with the IAP established in 2014 to provide a clear pathway into the public sector for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“My own Department of Human Services has taken on about 680 apprentices in the five years the program has been running,” Mr Keenan said, “enabling us to meet a key workforce target of five per cent Indigenous employment.”
“That is something we are justifiably proud of and I strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for the 2020 intake for their chance to begin a rewarding career within the Australian Public Service.”
The Minister said that at the end of the 12-month training program, apprentices would graduate with a full-time position and a nationally recognised certificate or diploma.
“Since the program began, more than 1,000 people have taken up full-time positions,” Mr Keenan said.
Applications close on 7 May and can be lodged online at DHS on this PS News link.
