Two hundred and thirty eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have completed the latest Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP), launching new and exciting careers in the Australian Public Service (APS).
Recruited by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and involving APS agencies and organisations across the country, the program has led to more than 900 apprentices joining the APS since 2015 with 650 signing on to work at DHS itself.
Among the latest graduates is Adam Spittles, a Wiradjuri man originally from Parkes and Dubbo in Central NSW, but now based in Brisbane.
“The day I got the call with the offer, I was filled with joy because it was something I never thought I would get,” Mr Spittles said.
“As a young teenager, I was quite rebellious and dropped out of school in year eight.
“Without a high school education I was scared of the prospect of finding a job.”
He said a friend suggested he apply for the IAP.
“I haven’t looked back.”
DHS’s involvement in the program has seen it exceed its Indigenous staffing target of five per cent where it stands at 5.3 per cent today.
Assistant Director, Indigenous Employment Strategies with the Department, Robbie Enchong said the success of the program was recognised at the 2018 Australian Human Resources Institute Awards.
The program received the Stan Grant Indigenous Employment Award which recognises excellence in Indigenous employment initiatives and programs in the workplace.
Mr Enchog said it was an honour to be awarded.
He said another intake for the program would be made this year.
