Graduate Development

Australian Public Service Graduate Development Program

The Australian Public Service (APS) Graduate Development Program (the Program) is a high-impact learning experience designed specifically for graduates across the APS. It equips early career professionals with the core skills, behaviours, mindsets and networks they need to thrive and make meaningful contributions in the public service.

The cohort-based approach to learning

The Program is delivered through a cohort-based social learning model that blends synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences. This approach reflects with the APS Continuous Learning Model (external site) and supports graduates to learn with and from each other, wherever they are located.

Participants progress through the Program together, engaging in asynchronous learning sprints, live interactive webinars, collaborative project-based group work, and have access to information and resources to support effective work-integrated learning.

Program participants have access to the Whole of APS Graduate Event Series and can also access up to 3 individual coaching sessions at no extra cost.

Key features

The 2025 Program includes: 

• Virtual program launch – a virtual session to launch the official commencement of the program
• Welcome event – in person event in Canberra
• 10 learning sprints – each including a live learning session accessed through the social learning platform
• Access to the APS Graduate Development Program community – peer networking and discussion through the social learning platform
• Up to 3 individual coaching sessions
• Access to the Whole of APS Graduate Event Series including:
  • in person events in Canberra and 
  • virtual events.
• Graduation event.

Key dates

Key dates for the Program are:

Articulation

Graduates can use successful completion of the Program for articulation to:

• Master of Public Administration, Australian National University
• Master of Public Policy, Australian National University 
• Master of Public Policy, Monash University 
• CPA Australia

Whole of APS Graduate Event Series

The Whole of APS Graduate Event Series (Event Series) brings together Graduates from across the APS in a series of informative and interactive workshops. All APS Graduates can participate in these opportunities to learn about key APS issues and themes whilst expanding their networks across the service.

Events are held virtually, and in person in Canberra, between March and November. Event topics and formats vary from year to year to maintain relevance and benefit to Graduates.

The 2025 Event Series includes:

Four virtual events which include a mix of practical topics and contemporary themes:

• Cultural Capability! – This session aims to equip graduates with a deep understanding of the significance, structure and appropriate delivery of an Acknowledgement of Country, ensuring their Acknowledgements are authentic, respectful and meaningful. The event will build foundational knowledge of First Nations cultures and histories and reinforce the role of an Acknowledgement in fostering respectful engagement with Indigenous communities. The focus is not just on what to say, but why it matters, allowing graduates to deliver Acknowledgments in different contexts with confidence, sincerity and respect. 
• Superannuation 101 for Graduates – A session on the basics of superannuation delivered by experts from the Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation which discusses the different types of contributions, investment options, and tax implications associated with superannuation.
• Current APS Theme: Artificial Intelligence – This session will explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the APS. The discussion will provide insights into how AI is influencing APS workplaces and offer an opportunity to explore use cases, potential impacts and innovations in the public service. 
• Current APS Theme: In your hands: Graduate’s choice – This is a graduate-nominated theme designed to empower participants to shape their own development. Graduates vote on, or nominate, the topics they find most relevant to their roles and skill development, ensuring the learning experience addresses their needs as they embark on their APS careers.

Two in person events. Indicative themes:

• Innovation in the APS – Full day event where graduates practise the mind sets, behaviours and techniques used to innovate in public service work. The masterclass is facilitated by subject matter experts and includes collaborative activities designed to give the graduates practice in applying processes and techniques for innovation. This event is also designed to encourage networking. 
• Grad Hackathon Theme: Megatrends – Full day interactive event where graduates will develop their problem-solving skills, enhance their collaboration with peers and other agencies and build their APS-wide networks. The Grad Hackathon is designed to enhance the ‘foresight literacy’ of APS graduates as a professional capability in understanding and navigating uncertain futures. 

Agencies may complement their own graduate programs with one of the following packages:

• Whole of APS Graduate Event Series package (all events)
• Virtual events only package
• In person events only package
• Individual events, by arrangement.

Registration in the APS Graduate Development Program includes access to the Whole of APS Graduate Event Series.

Coaching

Through the APS Academy, agencies can buy individual coaching packages for their Graduates. Coaching is a unique and valuable opportunity usually reserved for senior executives. It provides participants extra support throughout their Graduate year.

Experienced coaches guide conversations in a safe and confidential environment. They help graduates explore their goals and challenges and identify actionable steps for achieving their goals and working through their challenges.

Registration in the APS Graduate Development Program includes up to 3 individual coaching sessions per graduate.

Register and find out more

To find out more or register your agency's interest in the Program, Whole of APS Graduate Event Series or Coaching contact apscgdp@apsc.gov.au.