By Leadership & Graduate Development I APS Academy
APS Leadership Edge
APS Leadership Edge is now open for 2026 registrations.
Are you an Executive Level 2 (EL2) leader looking to strengthen your leadership capability, broaden your perspective, assist others and connect with peers across the Australian Public Service? APS Leadership Edge is a 10-month, social learning based leadership development program created by APS practitioners and subject matter experts. It supports EL2s to lead confidently in a complex, fast-changing environment by focusing on practical capability grounded in real APS work. Rather than hypothetical scenarios, participants apply tools and approaches directly to their current priorities, building capability while continuing to deliver.
More than 1,700 EL2s from across the APS have participated, reporting positive capability uplift. Participants consistently highlight greater self-awareness, stronger team engagement and access to practical leadership tools they continue to use well beyond the program.
What the program offers
practical, evidence-based leadership tools you can apply immediately
learning embedded in real work, not abstract theory
cross-APS connection and peer learning with EL2s from diverse agencies
resources you can use with your teams to uplift confidence and capability
a flexible, fully virtual delivery model with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning
APS Leadership Edge is open to APS Executive Level 2 employees. The program runs for 10 months and is delivered entirely online with plenty of flexibility to support busy workloads and varied availability.
2026 intakes
Intake 1: registrations close 6 February | program starts 16 February
Intake 2: registrations close 24 April | program starts 4 May
Intake 3: registrations close 24 July | program starts 3 August
Cost: $2,000 per participant.
For EL2s who have previously completed the program, 2026 will also see the introduction of an APS Leadership Edge Alumni Community of Practice, offering ongoing learning, connection and APS-relevant content to support leadership growth over time.
To find out more, including how to register, visit the APS Leadership Edge page or contact the Leadership Edge team.
New Offering: APS Management Edge
Management Edge is a cohort-based social learning program for APS 6 and EL1 team leaders who want to strengthen their everyday management judgement, lead confidently through complexity and strengthen their teams.
The program focuses on the ‘how’ of management by exploring the practical skills managers use daily but are rarely taught explicitly, including applying judgement, navigating ambiguity, and leading diverse, hybrid teams. Participants leave better equipped to make sound decisions, handle people challenges with confidence, and lead effectively in fast-moving APS environments. Participants learn alongside peers from across the APS, testing ideas, sharing experiences, and applying new approaches directly to real management challenges in their own teams.
Participants will benefit from:
increased confidence applying judgement and making decisions in complex situations
practical tools they can immediately use with their own teams
exposure to diverse perspectives through cross-agency peer learning
greater capability in people leadership, performance conversations and leading hybrid teams.
The program experience includes:
live online learning sessions led by experienced APS practitioners
practical application of tools and frameworks to participants’ own team contexts
structured peer discussion and cross-agency collaboration
exploration of core management and public administration themes relevant across the APS.
The time commitment is approximately 1–2 hours per week. The program is delivered entirely online and designed to fit around busy workloads with flexibility to support varied availability.
Who should participate?
Management Edge is designed for APS6 and EL1 team leaders with current people-management responsibilities. There are no prerequisites, and the program is suitable for both new managers and experienced leaders looking to refine and strengthen their practice.
2026 intakes
There will be two intakes in 2026:
Intake 1: program commences 20 April 2026 | registrations open 16 February 2026
Intake 2: TBC
Cost: $1,500 per participant
To find out more, including how to register, visit the APS Management Edge page or contact the Management Edge team.