Indigenous Apprenticeships Program

The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program is a pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to start their careers in the Australian Public Service (APS). The 12-month program provides an opportunity to undertake a formal qualification of a Certificate IV or Diploma equipping participants with the skills to build their careers.

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 2,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the APS since 2015.

About the program

• A permanent, full-time, entry-level position in government at the APS level 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mentor.
• Opportunity to complete a Diploma qualification.
• Competitive leave entitlements.

Potential roles available

At the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts (DITRDCSA) our work touches the lives of all Australians and underpins our economy and society. Our department plans for the global digital economy, designs liveable future-facing cities, and creates the transport and telecommunications systems of tomorrow. We empower our regional communities, promote our thriving arts sector or protect and celebrate the culture, heritage, and languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees bring and are committed to developing a talented, versatile, and culturally safe workforce.

Our Stories on Country Agreement was launched in August 2024 and embodies the shared commitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, our leadership team and staff across the department to create a workplace which truly values the culture, knowledge and insight of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At the heart of the agreement is a set of aspirations for our department, developed, articulated and agreed by the members of the First Nations Network.

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

The department seeks to build cultural awareness and understanding through recognising National Reconciliation Week and celebrating the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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 September 2026
• 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)

 Hear from Elijah Hill—One of our 2024–25 Apprentices

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What was your favourite memory from the program?

My favourite memory of the program was creating connections in Brisbane at the IAP get together. Making connections with the other apprentices and talking about future career opportunities created a sense of belonging and fulfillment. Having the support around you from not only the other apprentices, but the department's entry level programs team created a sense of belonging.

Why did you choose to apply for the program?

I applied for the IAP program due to a family member completing the program the previous year. The family member spoke highly about how great the program was and how supported they felt while in the program.

What is the most important lesson you learnt as part of the program?

The most important lesson I learnt while being in the program was to seek support if you are unsure of what to do. It's ok not to know how to do things and not know how processes work.

If you could sum up your experience in five words, what would they be?

Experience I will never forget.

How has the program supported your career?

The support I had throughout the program and beyond provided me with pathways towards other role opportunities and responsibilities.

Why did you stay on with the department?

I stayed in the department because I felt supported in my roles and was able to have the flexibility I needed for my day to day life.