Pathways to Procurement Program

The Pathways to Procurement (PtP) program supports APS officials who are new to procurement and contract management (PCM) roles and serves to improve capabilities within the Australian Public Service (APS).

The PtP program is delivered over an eight-week period and requires participants to attend training two days per week. Training is structured across alternate weeks, with one week focused on procurement and contract management courses and guest speaker sessions, and the following week dedicated to Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting training.

The program offers:

• Comprehensive training: Participants will gain essential PCM competencies by completing 10 courses from the Commonwealth Procurement and Contract Management Training Suite, delivered by the Department of Finance’s procurement training team.
• Certification: Participants who successfully complete the PtP program are awarded a Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting.
• Professional development: Engage with expert guest speakers to gain insights on current trends and advancements in PCM.
• Networking: Foster relationships within your cohort and exchange perspectives with peers from across the APS.

Training location

Training is delivered in person in Canberra at the Department of Finance - One Canberra Avenue, Forrest ACT.

Cost

The PtP program is funded by the Department of Finance and is free for APS officials.

While there is no enrolment cost, entities are responsible for any travel costs and paying staff salaries while they attend the program.

Please note: Catering is not provided.

Participant requirements

The program is for APS officials who:

• are new to PCM: must be moving into a PCM role or have been in a PCM role for less than 12 months
• are employed by a Commonwealth entity that is subject to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs)
• are interested in building their PCM capability over an eight-week period
• can attend all 16 days of the program, in-person in Canberra
• have their manager’s approval to attend.

Applicants are expected to attend all 16 days from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 

There may also be time required outside of work hours for completion of Certificate IV in Procurement and Contracting requirements.

How to apply

• Applications for round 1 closed on 7 January 2026.
• Applications for round 2 will open on 12 March 2026 and close on 24 March 2026.
• Applications for round 3 will open in May 2026.

Officials can apply themselves or managers can apply on behalf of a staff member.

To apply, complete the relevant application form:

• For officials to nominate themselves – Pathway to Procurement application form.
• For managers to nominate a staff member - Pathway to Procurement application form.

There are a limited number of positions available. Applications will be reviewed, with priority given to applicants who meet all specified requirements.

Applicants and their supervisors will be advised of the result by email shortly after the close date and after nominations have been reviewed.

If you are successful, you and your manager will be asked to confirm your attendance at all 16 days.

If you are not successful, you will be placed on a waitlist for the round that you applied. If a successful applicant withdraws, you may be offered a place.

2026 schedule

Three rounds of the program are scheduled for 2026.

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Contact

For further information, contact Finance at procurement.training@finance.gov.au.