The Indigenous Apprenticeships Program is opening doors for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to build a career in the Australian Public Service.
The 12-month program, delivered through the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, offers full-time entry-level roles with the opportunity to study a nationally recognised qualification.
Participants are employed at APS2 or APS3 level, with the potential to progress upon completion.
They are placed in a range of roles across administration, compliance, corporate support, policy, IT, and frontline services.
The program is available nationally, with roles offered in locations such as Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Since 2015, the initiative has supported more than 2,500 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into government careers.
Applicants come from varied backgrounds, including recent school leavers and those seeking a career change.
Stevie-Lee joined the National Indigenous Australians Agency through the program and now works in language policy and NAIDOC support.
"I heard about the program from my sister... she applied, so I thought 'let me throw my hat in the ring and see where it goes,'" Stevie-Lee said.
"I was an Aboriginal health worker for five years, but when I moved to Canberra, I wanted a change in jobs so I applied.
"I was actually super surprised with the amount of responses that I had gotten."
She said the program was valuable for people who may not have confidence or prior experience.
"A lot of us First Nations people don't think that we would be able to just apply for something that's advertised but with the IAP you get to study and you get to learn on the job," Stevie-Lee said.
"I hope that I can show my family and my mob back home that it doesn't matter where you come from, what you've lived in the past. If you want to do something, you can put your mind to it."
Blake, another program graduate, now works with Services Australia in Port Macquarie.
"I was already working here at Services Australia for about six months when the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program popped up," he said.
"A former apprentice that works in my office actually put it towards me, so I thought it was a good opportunity to lock in and progress my career in the APS further."
He said the program has helped him build confidence and opened future opportunities.
"It helps Indigenous employees take that extra step and further develop their careers," he said.
"It's helped me build on my confidence as well and also look at other opportunities for APS5 and 6 Indigenous identified roles."
Applications for the 2026 Indigenous Apprenticeships Program are now open.
To be considered for roles with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, applicants should nominate the agency as their preferred choice when applying.
Successful candidates will gain on-the-job experience, a nationally recognised qualification, and support from mentors and coordinators throughout their journey.
For more information or to submit an application, visit the Indigenous Apprenticeships Program website and take the next step toward a rewarding and secure career in the Australian Public Service.
