EP#143: Stacking skills: Microcredentials and the future of public sector learning

How can public sector professionals keep their skills sharp without committing to years of study? Microcredentials may be the answer. In this episode of Work with Purpose , host David Pembroke speaks with Professor Deborah Blackman from UNSW Canberra and Kristen Risby from the Australian Public Service Commission about how microcredentials are transforming learning in the public sector. Explore the co-design process behind new postgraduate offerings as our speakers share lessons from recent pilot programs and highlight how these short, credit-bearing courses are helping public sector professionals build relevant skills without committing to long-form study. Key tips Choose microcredentials that offer credit – look for courses that meet university standards and contribute to formal qualifications. These are stackable and recognised across institutions. Embed learning into your workplace – apply course content directly to your current role through reflective assessments and practical tasks that reinforce learning outcomes. For those wanting to create a course, co-design with practitioners for relevance – when developing or selecting a course, involve subject matter experts and end users to ensure the content is job-ready and aligned with sector. Show notes Express your interest or find out more about the APS Academy microcredentials | APSC website Explore other learning opportunities with the APS Academy learning | APS Academy

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EP#143: Stacking skills: Microcredentials and the future of public sector learning is an episode from Work with Purpose: A podcast about the Australian Public Service. by David Pembroke.

This episode is 31:20 long.

This episode was published on Jul 27, 2025.

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