APS Foundational Data Literacy Pathway

Introduction

Data in the public sector determines how services are delivered and improved. Australian Public Service (APS) agencies are the custodians of a vast array of information and our government’s decisions must be based on well-managed, high-quality data. Treating data as a valuable national asset builds public confidence and trust in the ability of the APS to manage data professionally, securely and effectively.

Foundational data literacy is a critical set of capabilities applicable to APS employees across all levels and roles. Building APS data capability is identified in the Data and Digital Government Strategy as essential to achieving the Government’s mission to deliver simple, secure and connected public services, for all people and business.

The training and resources outlined in the Foundational Data Literacy Pathway (the Pathway) present one avenue for building data literacy across the workforce. Providing agencies with a standardised learning pathway, the resource is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of data literacy needs and aspirations from those in entry-level roles to senior leaders.

This is the second iteration of the Pathway, with the first version published in 2022.

How to use the Pathway

The Pathway serves as a one-stop-shop of curated resources to build foundational data literacy. It’s structured around five key learning areas, each designed to provide the knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of legislation and frameworks needed to start working with data in the Australian Government. Within each area, you’ll find a variety of resources, such as videos, tools, templates, courses, and articles, to support your learning journey.

Before you begin using the Pathway, it’s recommended you explore the APS Data Capability Framework (DCF) which sets out essential data competencies across seven levels. Levels 1–5 reflect growing technical expertise and responsibility, while Levels 6 and 7 focus on leadership capability. You can use the DCF for self-assessment, alongside any agency tools, to identify opportunities for growth and development.

The Pathway is designed to be flexible and can be used in different ways, depending on your needs and where you are in your data journey. There is no prescribed order for completing the learning resources.

Feedback

We would love to hear about your experience using the Foundational Data Literacy Pathway, including how you’re implementing it in your agency or suggestions for future iterations.

You can contact the APS Data Profession team by emailing: dataprofession@abs.gov.au