By Kate Fordham and Teresa Trimboli | Department of Finance
Whether you're building confidence in core procurement tasks or looking to deepen your contract management skills, the Department of Finance is offering multiple ways to invest in your capability in 2026. From intensive virtual programs to free in-person sessions and on-demand learning resources, there's an option to suit your schedule and experience level.
Three Major Training Opportunities
Procurement Capability Week – June 2026
The Department of Finance will host cohort 3 of Procurement Capability Week (PCW) from 15–25 June 2026. This virtual professional development program delivers 10 live courses from the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite online via Microsoft Teams.
Program details:
- one session delivered each day in the afternoon (2-3 hours each)
- free for officials from non-corporate Commonwealth entities and prescribed corporate Commonwealth entities
Participant requirements:
- available to attend all 10 sessions
- manager approval to attend all sessions
- completed Procurement and Contract Management Basics onsite course, OR both Procurement Basics and Contract Management Basics eLearning modules
- have an APSLearn login
Benefits include:
- efficiency: gain essential knowledge in a focused, short timeframe
- consistency: maintain momentum by attending all sessions together
- convenience: participate virtually with minimal disruption
- networking: build connections with peers across the APS
- immediate application: apply new skills directly to your work
To apply: Visit Procurement Capability Week to submit an expression of interest
Pathways to Procurement – July to September 2026
This immersive 8-week program runs from 27 July to 22 September 2026 (including a one-week break in the middle), with participants attending training 2 days per week in Canberra.
The program offers:
- comprehensive training from the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite
- Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting
- professional development from guest speakers on current trends
- networking opportunities across the APS
- free participation for eligible Commonwealth entity officials
Participant requirements:
- moving into a procurement and contract management (PCM) role or have been in a PCM role for less than 12 months
- employed by a Commonwealth entity subject to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules
- can attend all 16 days in-person in Canberra
- have manager approval
To apply: Visit the Pathways to Procurement Program to submit an application form. Applications accepted from APS officials or their managers.
Free In-Person Training in Sydney – May 2026
The Department of Finance is hosting 2 in-person courses at Rydges Sydney Central, 28 Albion Street, Surry Hills:
| Date | Time | Course |
|---|---|---|
| 5 May 2026 | 1:30 - 4:30pm | Register: Contract Management in Practice |
| 6 May 2026 | 1:30 - 4:30pm | Register: Procurement Risk Management |
These courses are part of the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite and are free of charge. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your journey, these sessions offer an opportunity to elevate your skills and connect with peers in person.
To attend: Log into APSLearn and register via the course links.
Self-Directed Learning Resources
New Microlearning suite – available now
Sometimes you don't need a full course—just a quick, practical steer you can use straight away. The new procurement and contract management microlearning suite includes short, focused resources you can access when a task lands, a question pops up, or you need a fast refresher.
Available to all APS staff via APSLearn, the microlearning suite is perfect for 'between courses' support. Use it to sense-check what to do next, build confidence in the moment, and keep good practice front of mind. The first resource is available now, with more to follow.
To access: Log into APSLearn and search for "microlearning suite"
Training Suite Pathway
Not sure where to start? The Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite Pathway provides a printout with a clear, step-by-step sequence of courses from the Training suite to help you build strong foundations and grow your skills over time—whether you're brand new to procurement, an occasional procurer, an experienced practitioner, or an SES delegate.
Procurement Lifecycle Guide
The procurement lifecycle is a practical, end-to-end guide showing how Commonwealth procurement works, from identifying a need through to managing and closing a contract. It highlights key considerations along the way and helps you plan, spot and manage risks earlier, and support better value for money.
Visit the procurement lifecycle page when you need a quick steer on what to do next, or to sense-check your approach during any phase of your procurement.
Learn More
Find the procurement training suite and training pathway, procurement lifecycle, microlearning suite, and more on Finance's Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite.
For more information, contact the Finance team.