About the APS Professions
About APS Professions
The APS Professions is a comprehensive capability building initiative aimed at enhancing specialist skills and expertise across the APS by establishing communities, promoting best practice, and providing targeted training and development. Since it began in 2019, the APS Professions has shaped the capabilities and effectiveness of the APS by fostering innovation and empowering our people to lead in a fast-changing-world. This initiative, designed to attract, develop, retain and deploy specialised expertise across critical capability groups has significantly bolstered the APS workforce.
Strategy
In 2019 the Independent Review of the Australian Public Service (the 'Thodey Review') recommended the establishment of professional streams. These streams would focus efforts on building the capability of the APS in areas where critical gaps were identified. By the end of 2020, 3 APS Professions had been established to build deep expertise in digital, data and strategic human resources.
Delivering for Tomorrow: APS Workforce Strategy 2025 and APS Reform further emphasise the role of APS Professions in building a stronger Australian Public Service that delivers better outcomes for the community.
Oversight of APS Professions is the responsibility of the APS Commissioner, whose role is Head of Professions. The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) encourages and supports agencies to connect with APS professional streams and their various programs.
| Attracting and retaining talent | APS Professions aim to attract, develop, and retain specialists in critical areas where there is a shortage of skills. By offering structured career paths and professional development opportunities, APS professions help to give the APS the expertise we need to deliver high-quality services. |
| Enhancing capability | APS Professions help to strengthen the expertise, and readiness of the APS workforce by working with agencies to develop targeted learning opportunities to build foundational, professional and leadership skills. This includes focusing on areas such as digital and data, which are essential for modern service delivery. |
| Supporting career development | APS Professions provide APS employees with opportunities for career development and progression. This includes access to training programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities, helping employees to grow and advance within their careers. |
| Improving Government services | By building capability in critical areas, APS Professions help the APS to deliver better results and improved government services. This ensures that the APS can meet the evolving needs of the Australian community and respond effectively to new challenges. |
| Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing | APS Professions promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals within the APS. This helps to create a connected community with shared capabilities, experience, and expertise, which can lead to more innovative and effective solutions. |
| Responding to changing workforce needs | APS Professions was also a response to the changing nature of work and increased competition for talent. By establishing professional streams, the APS can better identify skills gaps, develop initiatives to address them, and ensure that it remains future-ready. |
APS Professions roles and responsibilities
Head of the APS Professions (APS Commissioner)
The Head of Professions oversees the strategic approach to attracting, developing, retaining and deploying specialist capability. They use research and evidence to continually improve APS-wide understanding of specialist capability needs.
Heads of Professions (including support teams)
Each Head of Profession and their supporting teams are responsible for:
- defining and advocating APS career journeys for specialists
- developing specialist stream Employee Value Propositions (EVPs) to complement the broader APS EVP
- using valuable insights to evaluate future capability demand
- establishing reward and recognition approaches to engage and retain a skilled workforce
- manage talent succession for key positions.
APSC and the APS Academy
Together, the APSC and APS Academy are responsible for:
- supporting with the development of specialist EVPs
- communication and marketing
- coordinating career pathways and programs
- developing core APS skills strategies and programs
- analysing workforce data to inform workforce planning.
Key enablers
The APS Professions model is supported by strong partnerships, industry engagement and effective governance arrangements. It is underpinned by robust technology platforms, a clear communication and engagement strategy and a maturity model with a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure ongoing success.