New APS professions
The APS Professions model took a major step forward, adding 3 new professional streams. These build on the success of the Data, Digital and HR Professions, following the model’s launch in 2019.
The new professions are:
- Complex Project Management
- Evaluation
- Procurement and Contract Management.
The APS Professions model is a key component of the learning ecosystem, uplifting workforce capability in critical areas to ensure the APS continues to do its job well.
The Complex Project Management Profession aims to build the skills, expertise and readiness of the APS workforce to manage complexity and deliver in increasingly uncertain and dynamic environments.
The Evaluation Profession aims to embed an evaluation culture, with a workforce skilled in evaluation to draw learnings from experience, so it can design and deliver more effective programs and services.
The Procurement and Contract Management Profession aims to build expertise supporting more effective and responsible use of government resources, to create long-term value for the community.
As the new professions establish themselves, building communities, promoting best practice and providing targeted training and development, existing professions will continue to adjust and adapt to emerging challenges.
Existing professions have a strong focus on building foundational skills and broader workforce capability in their fields, while addressing needs unique to their profession. The Data Profession is building capability at the graduate level and accountability for senior leaders. The Digital Profession is uplifting digital and AI literacy, technical capabilities, and developing alternate career pathways. The HR Profession’s priorities include identifying and developing future HR leaders and improving HR data and analytics.
Heads of each profession are senior leaders with relevant expertise, supported in this work by their home agencies. They set the direction for the individual professions, and lead and guide their ongoing evolution.
The Australian Public Service Commission manages the professions model and supports the APS Commissioner as the Head of Professions.
See also in this report
Find out more
Australian Government (n.d) APS Professions, APS Professions website, accessed 31 July 2025.