Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon has welcomed the announcement the city will be one of the beneficiaries of new Australian Public Service (APS) jobs.
The move is part of the federal government’s APS Academy Campus initiative, which is now open for applications.
The facility, located at the University of Newcastle (UoN), will enable students and locals seeking a career-change to up-skill in data and digital roles in the APS, while remaining in their community.
It joins similar premises at Charles Darwin University in Darwin, James Cook University in Townsville and the University of Tasmania in Launceston.
The APS Academy Campuses offer about 300 flexible employment opportunities with the APS over three years.
This includes paid apprenticeships, cadetships and internships, ranging from short to long term, with graduate placements to follow in 2024.
Ms Claydon admitted she was excited to see uptake of the program in the region.
“It’s important that Novocastrians are afforded the same opportunities as people in our capital cities,” she said.
“The APS Academy is an exciting chance for members of our community to study, undertake a career change and secure good, skilled jobs without leaving the Hunter.”
University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky hailed the partnership, which will help drive new opportunities for the country, region and students.
“Our uni is well-placed to lead the development of our digital economy for the Hunter,” he said.
“In an increasingly connected and digital world, the campus will complement our existing work in cyber security and digital innovation, boost our skilled workforce and further embed our collaboration with government and industry.
“It’ll provide our pupils with new pathways for data and digital professional careers through work placements and ensure that when they graduate our students will be ready for the digital world that awaits them.”
Minister for the Public Service Katy Gallagher said the government was pleased to partner with UoN to establish an APS Academy Campus in Newcastle, which will open early 2023.
“Like the private sector, the APS is struggling to find enough people with the technical skills to fill roles in the data and digital space,” she added.
“However, this program is the latest positive step in the right direction to deal with this issue and to ultimately keep those workers in the APS.
“People have told us they want to have careers in the APS but don’t always want to leave the communities where they live, simply to take up new training opportunities interstate.
“I encourage students in Newcastle to consider a role with the APS.
“The public service has a crucial role to play in serving the Australian people and helping to shape the future of our nation.”
To find out more, visit apsjobs.gov.au/s/data-and-digital-programs
