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APS Induction programme

The APS induction programme was developed in response to the Management Advisory Committee’s recommendations in Managing and Sustaining the APS Workforce (2005), to ensure that new starters in the APS are equipped with a broad understanding of the Australian Government and the roles and responsibilities of the APS.

Effective induction training assists new starters to settle in quickly and happily, and contributes towards longer term retention of employees. Induction is about more than training in technical and agency-specific skills, it is also about providing new starters with greater contextual information about:

• the organisation’s mission, goals, values and philosophy
• the wider APS—the APS Values and Code of Conduct, the role of the APS as a whole, whole of government work and what it means to be a public servant.

The APS induction programme is a flexible e-learning package of seven modules with links to additional resources, fact sheets and a guide for facilitators. Modules include:

1. Introduction to the APS
   This module provides an introduction to the basic elements that make up the Australian Public Service and answers general questions that help the user understand the context of the APS environment. The intent of this module is to help the user build foundation knowledge that will better enable their understanding of more complex details covered in later modules.
2. What is unique about working in the APS?
   In the day to day working environment, there are many aspects that are different to those which people may encounter when working in other sectors. This module introduces the key aspects relevant to everyone in the APS: behavioural expectations, practical elements of governance structures, the APS financial framework and accountability to the Parliament, Ministers and the public
3. Our system of government
   Understanding our system of government is a key element to understanding the roles and responsibilities of public servants. This module explains the key aspects of Australia’s system of government and the relationship between APS agencies, Ministers and the Parliament
4. Working with others
   Working with other people has always been an integral part of working in the APS. This module discusses the types of situations in which APS employees may be working with others (including whole of government work) and addresses behavioural aspects which influence how we work with other people.
5. Your career in the APS
   The changing Australian workforce has resulted in a significant change to the APS employment environment. Many new staff are seeking career progression and enhancement. This module provides basic information about mobility opportunities, as well as performance management and learning and development in the APS.
6. Your workplace rights and conditions
   This module provides information about conditions of employment in the APS, including core entitlements available to all staff regardless of agency or classification level.
7. Doing your job
   ‘Doing your job’ in the APS is about more than following agency-specific procedures relevant to day to day tasks. This module provides information about the basic responsibilities of all APS employees and expectations of professionalism in the APS.

The Commission also offers a facilitated APS Induction programme focusing on the same areas of information as the e-learning modules with  more tailoring to the participants in each session. This provides additional opportunities for learning reinforcement. Further information about this program is available through the Commission website www.apsc.gov.au/learn.

Contact details / further information

For more information about induction contact the Australian Public Service Commission at e-mail: apsinduction@apsc.gov.au

An information booklet outlining the modules and use of the programme is available for download.

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This page can be found at www.apsc.gov.au/apsinduction/