In the Australian Public Service (APS), the Digital Traineeship Program provides a unique opportunity for experienced professionals to guide the next generation of public sector talent. As part of this process, mentors play multiple roles—each critical to the personal and professional development of their mentees.

Mentoring is more than just answering questions or providing encouragement. It’s about shaping confidence, competence, and career clarity in new professionals, especially in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Key Roles of an APS Mentor

Mentors in the APS wear many hats to support their mentees’ development. These roles often include:

🧭 Guide

Helps mentees navigate public sector systems, structures, and values.

🌟 Role Model

Demonstrates APS values such as integrity, service, accountability, and respect in day-to-day conduct.

🛠️ Coach

Provides honest, constructive feedback and helps mentees improve through deliberate practice.

📚 Resource

Shares useful tools, documents, digital platforms, and knowledge of APS-wide opportunities.

🤝 Sponsor

Advocates for the mentee when appropriate and helps broaden their professional network.

🧠 Assessor (not evaluator)

Reviews mentee work such as reports or code, provides context-based feedback, and encourages reflection—without stepping into a performance manager role.

🔎 Note: Mentors are not counsellors or line managers. For personal support or HR matters, mentees should contact their supervisor or agency EAP.

What Mentors Help Mentees Build

Mentors in the program help mentees enhance the following key attributes:

• Competence – technical knowledge, digital skills, and workplace capabilities

• Self-confidence – belief in their ability to grow and contribute

• Self-direction – capacity to manage their own goals, timelines, and learning

• Professionalism – conduct, communication, time management, and ethical awareness

Mentors can demonstrate how to:

• Use time and task management tools

• Work across APS teams

• Navigate digital platforms

• Communicate with stakeholders

• Stay resilient and adaptable in complex environments

The Mentee’s Role and Responsibilities

Effective mentoring relationships are built on reciprocity. For mentees, this means:

• Taking initiative – scheduling meetings, setting agendas, and tracking goals

• Being open – sharing background, challenges, and aspirations

• Engaging with feedback – asking for it, reflecting on it, and applying it

• Showing effort – completing agreed tasks or learning actions

• Being honest – admitting when they need help or clarification

💡 Mentees who are proactive and engaged are seen as “worth the time” by mentors.

Key Activities for Mentors

Mentors in the APS program may:

• Review work (e.g., documentation, code, project tasks)

• Offer insight into APS processes and expectations

• Demonstrate professional habits and approaches

• Provide hands-on feedback and learning exercises

• Recommend relevant communities, courses, or tools

• Reflect on their own practice and continuously develop

🛑 But they do not:

• Do the mentee’s work

• Replace supervisors or manage performance

• Provide counselling or therapy

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While mentoring can be rewarding, mentors should be cautious of:

• Overcommitting – saying “yes” too often due to wanting to help

• Perfectionism – feeling pressured to always have the “right” answers

• Scope creep – going beyond the mentor role into solving mentee’s work or life issues

Instead, set healthy boundaries, communicate expectations early, and remember:

“Mentoring means lighting someone else’s candle without burning out your own.”

Mutual Benefits of Mentorship

The mentoring relationship is dynamic and should benefit both participants.

For Mentees:

• Increased confidence and clarity

• Better understanding of APS roles and responsibilities

• Insights into digital careers and pathways

• Expanded professional networks

For Mentors:

• Personal fulfilment and professional development

• Enhanced leadership and communication skills

• Exposure to fresh ideas and technologies

• Contribution to the future of the public service

Final Thoughts

Mentoring in the APS Digital Traineeship Program is a collaborative, evolving partnership. It thrives when both parties bring:

• Curiosity

• Respect

• Commitment

• Openness to growth

Whether you’re guiding or being guided, the mentorship experience helps build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient public service.