Development Opportunities
What development opportunities are there at Finance?
Finance supports individuals pursuing learning and development by offering a selection of on-the-job opportunities and programs and courses that are designed to meet the professional needs of both the organisation and the individual. These include leadership programs, coaching and mentoring, a postgraduate study program, studies assistance, professional skills training, a Learning Centre, Graduate first, second and third year programs, and a Career Starters’ program.
Learning and development at Finance supports staff within the Department to deliver on the Strategic Plan, and is an integral part of the Performance Management Framework.Opportunities for all staff
Leadership Programs
Finance offers a broad range of Leadership programs, through a variety of providers, which are designed to enhance leadership skills through experiential and reflective learning. The leadership courses provide opportunities to develop through interaction with peers and are targeted at leadership development from the APS1 to the SES Band 3 level.
When designing and developing leadership programs, Finance ensures alignment with the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) five key components of the Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework as set out in the relevant profile of the Integrated Leadership System.
Programs for APS1 – EL2 staff range from short internal programs to residential programs running over several days. Some programs are offered exclusively to Finance staff and others provide an opportunity for staff to network with participants from the public and private sectors.
Programs for SES staff range from SES Orientation through to residential programs run by the APSC and other organisations such as the Leadership Consortium. Some programs include travelling overseas, and SES officers can also discuss their individual development needs with their manager, including the option to study at overseas universities, etc.
Coaching and Mentoring
Executive Coaching services are available through the Finance Learning and Development Panel of Service Providers. These services are highly tailored for individuals and/or small groups.
The Mentor Program has been designed to facilitate Mentor/protégé relationships across Finance. The Program enables Mentors from EL1 to SES level, who have relevant skills and extensive work experience to undertake this role, to provide professional development, career advice and extra support to staff.
Professional Skills Training
Finance provides a Professional Skills Training (PST) calendar which has a strong focus on developing and enhancing the skills of our staff at all levels. PST offers learning and development opportunities across four key streams. These are:
- Professional Capability (such as communication skills, writing skills, policy development skills, etc);
- Leadership and Management;
- Professional Qualifications (such as Diploma of Government – Project Management); and
- Career Development.
Learning Centre Seminar Series
Finance officers have regular opportunities to attend presentations from high-profile external speakers through Finance’s ‘Learning Centre’ seminar series.
Further Study
Finance has generous provisions for financial and leave assistance for officers undertaking further study which is relevant to the operational needs of Finance.
Finance also offers a Postgraduate Study Program, which provides a formal learning opportunity for Finance staff to enhance their skills and understanding of work issues. Courses are tailored to specific Finance requirements, where possible, and participants can complete individual courses or enrol in a program of study in either a Graduate Certificate in Management, Master of Management, or Master of Business Administration.
Other Programs
Graduate Development Program
Finance graduates participate in a mandatory 12-month program consisting of training, networking events, a leadership offsite, and a Mentoring Program. The program is designed to provide them with generic skills and knowledge to become productive Finance staff members and underpin their future careers within the Department and the Australian Public Service. A second and third year Graduate Program allows Finance graduates to continue their formal learning while taking advantage of coaching and leadership opportunities.
Career Starters' Program
Finance provides a structured 12-month program for Career Starters, with a training calendar aimed at providing them with learning and development opportunities to acquire generic skills and knowledge to become productive Finance and Australian Public Service officers. Career Starters also have the opportunity to enrol in an Undergraduate Study Program where they can continue to work full time and receive financial and leave assistance to gain a bachelor qualification.
Can I enhance my learning and development without going to training courses?
On-the-job training is a legitimate development activity, and can often be more valuable than formal training programs for the development of particular skills. Staff and managers are encouraged to discuss opportunities that may be available on the job to compliment formal training activities.
Contact for information on this page: Learning and Development Team