I greatly value the training I receive on the job as I have learnt not only a wide variety of task types in the job but also how to use important work tools to do tasks such as excel and expand my networks in Australian public policy making. My cohort is also the first to undertake an in-house APS academy formal training program, which whilst has generally has not been seen as overly effective, it is it's first time operating and it certainly could improve in the future. Though it is disappointing that our graduate cohort was not given the opportunity to simultaneously complete a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration as previous graduate programs have.
Graduate program wide training has often felt not that relevant to my role as an economist (most are generalists). My teams have sent me to a few extremely useful training courses independently of the graduate program. I've picked up a lot of coding/data/econometrics skills and a much better understanding of the public policy context for economics work.
There are some good training programs but the majority of programs I have participated in my short time in the APS have been unhelpful. Some courses include: writing skills, career building and integrity.
Informal training has been good overall and excellent with a good supervisor. Formal training is very weak. Options for professional development are good and the department mindset to growth learning is good.
