Indigenous Apprenticeships Program

The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program (IAP) is a pathway for First Nations people to start their career in the Australian Public Service (APS). The program provides an opportunity to undertake a formal qualification of Certificate IV or a Diploma upon successful completion of the program, equipping you with the skills to build your career.

Since its first year, the IAP has won multiple awards for its commitment to the employment and development opportunities of its participants’.

The IAP has recruited over 1,800 First Nations people across the APS since 2015.

About the program

• A permanent, full-time, entry-level position in government at either the APS level 2 or 3 and an advancement opportunity to the next level post-program.
• Competitive salary, superannuation and employment conditions.
• Peer support, access to the First Nations Network (FNN), a dedicated buddy and First Nations mentor.
• Opportunity to complete a Diploma qualification.
• Paid First Nations Ceremonial Leave.

Potential roles available

At the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) our work touches the lives of all Australians and underpins our economy and society. You can help plan for the global digital economy, design liveable future-facing cities, or create the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow. You can also help empower our regional communities, promote our thriving arts sector or protect and celebrate the culture, heritage and languages of First Nations people. Our breadth of work provides unmatched opportunities to apply your subject matter expertise while discovering new interests across our diverse portfolio. 

Our people feel a sense of belonging and our collaborative and supportive culture fosters high performing teams where you are valued for your skills, experiences and point of view. Our values and objectives are to be respectful, informed, collaborative, adaptive and accountable. Through our commitment to our values, we maintain an inclusive, fulfilling and supportive environment that promotes the wellbeing of our people. 

Commence or enhance your career pathway with us and you will build your knowledge, skills and experience through our strong commitment to learning and development and fostering professional opportunities. We offer job flexibility, regional and city work location opportunities, as well as generous leave, superannuation and other entitlements. 

With opportunities to apply your skills across a uniquely diverse portfolio, we provide a supportive environment where you can find your purpose and discover new and rewarding opportunities that enrich and connect the lives of all Australians.

Your life. Your contribution. Your development. Your passion. 

Support

We value and draw on the skills, capability and life experiences that First Nations employees bring and are committed to developing a talented, versatile, and culturally safe workforce.

To help achieve this, we have developed the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Retention Strategy and the department’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). The RAP signifies our ongoing commitment to fostering opportunities for, and strengthening our relationships with, Australia’s First Nations people.  

Our RAP contains actions for policy development, stakeholder engagement, internal processes and cultural learning. No matter where you are located in the department, there is a RAP action item that you can adopt, champion and encourage within your day-to-day work. 

The department has a dedicated First Nations Network that provides support and networking for First Nations employees. They work with areas of the department to increase acknowledgement, awareness and understanding of First Nations cultures and peoples, in particular in relation to the work of the department. The network is managed by Co-chairs and is supported by the department's Indigenous Champion.

The department seeks to build cultural awareness and understanding through recognising National Reconciliation Week and celebrating the diversity of First Nations peoples and cultures during NAIDOC week. It is acknowledged that increasing awareness and understanding should not be limited to these two weeks and the department's diversity networks and Indigenous Liaison Officer are working together to ensure that diversity is acknowledged year-round.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program, you must:

• be of First Nations heritage and be able to confirm your heritage
• be an Australian citizen at the time an offer is made
• be available to commence your position in August 2024
• be able to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance
• be prepared to study a Diploma-level qualification
• be prepared to relocate to Canberra/Ngunawal Country if local or regional placements are not available—we will cover your relocation costs
• satisfactory health clearance through the completion of an Employment Health Declaration.

For more information please see the Services Australia website.

Key dates

If you have any questions, you can email our Entry Level Programs Team.

Find out more

• Entry level programs quiz (395.33 KB)